An Illustrated Japan / Saga / Culture & Tradition

Saga International Balloon Fiesta

Also written: 佐賀インターナショナルバルーンフェスタ · 佐贺国际热气球节

One of Asia’s largest hot-air balloon competitions, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta is a colorful international event that draws pilots and spectators from around the world.

Saga Kyushu-Okinawa Culture & Tradition

About this place

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is one of Asia's largest hot-air balloon competitions, held annually from late October to early November on the Kase Riverbed just outside Saga City. Originating as a 5-balloon enthusiasts' meet in Amagi (present-day Asakura, Fukuoka) in 1978, it moved to Saga in 1980 and became an international event in 1984. It now draws more than 100 balloons from around the world and some 3,500 volunteers, welcoming around 907,000 spectators in 2023, with its cumulative attendance exceeding 10 million since 1980. Beyond precision flying, the program includes Balloon Fantasia featuring animal- and character-shaped balloons, and the La Montgolfier Nocturne (Night of Hot Air Balloons), where tethered balloons glow to a choreographed burn, plus Heartful Day and Kids Day programs. A temporary JR station, Balloon Saga Station, shuttles fans between Saga and Kubota, and the event overlaps with Karatsu Kunchi, creating a vibrant autumn festival season in Saga. Reputed as one of the top ballooning meets outside the U.S., it was host to the 13th World Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1997 with 112 competition balloons and 170 balloons in total aloft.