Saga International Balloon Festival

Month : November
Place : Saga Prefecture, Japan
Famous For : Balloon Festival
Attractions : Japanese National Hot Air Balloon Championship, Pacific Championship, Ladies World Cup, Balloon Fantasia.

The Saga International Balloon Festival is one of the largest balloon festivals in the world. Holding recognition as one of the top ballooning competitions in the world, the Saga International Balloon Festival is celebrated alongside the popular Japanese festival of Karatsu Kunchi. It's held at the beginning of November every year in Saga Prefecture, Japan. The rice cultivating grounds outside of Saga City, along the Kase River are the hosts of Japan's much awaited balloon fiesta.

Major Attractions

This annual balloon bonanza observed in Saga city, Japan traces its origin in the year 1978. It started as a smaller ballooning event, called "the Balloon Fiesta in Kyushu" in Amagi City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Due to availability of ample space, the event was moved to the outskirts of Saga City. The year 1984 proved to be a historic year for this event. The festival gained international stature and attained its present name of Saga International Balloon Festival. Since then, the event has hosted some prestigious events like Japanese National Hot Air Balloon Championship in 1984, Pacific Championship in 1990, Ladies World Cup from 1990 to 1996 etc. Besides these, a new event called "Balloon Fantasia" was also started in 1992 which featured special shaped balloons competition. Another event known as "La Montgolfier Nocturne" was instituted which composed of tethered inflated balloons lighting their burners in a choreographed manner, illuminating their unique shapes. Other attractions of Saga International Balloon Festival includes "Heartful Day" - a day geared toward handicapped members of the community, and "Kids Day" - a hot air balloon classroom for children. An interesting event called Masters competition is also held along with a parade through the town on the first day of the festival.