A festival to enjoy hot-air balloons filling Tokachi’s skies and summer in Kamishihoro
Hokkaido Balloon Festival
The 2026 edition of Hokkaido Balloon Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/07 〜 2026/08/09Ended
- Season / frequency
- Summer
- Location
- Kamishihoro Aviation Park
- Area
- Hokkaido・Kamishihoro(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Hokkaido Balloon Festival fills the vast skies over the Tokachi Plain with colorful hot-air balloons. Through competitions, tethered balloon rides, and local food, you can enjoy the unique summer scenery of Kamishihoro.
About Hokkaido Balloon Festival
The Hokkaido Balloon Festival is a hot-air balloon competition held on the Tokachi Plain in Kamishihoro, Hokkaido.
It began in 1974 and is cherished as one of Kamishihoro’s signature summer events.
Colorful hot-air balloons from across Japan fill the vast sky, making this an event closely tied to the region’s magnificent scenery.
Source: 北海道バルーンフェスティバル｜イベント｜【公式】北海道の観光・旅行情報サイト HOKKAIDO LOVE!
Festival highlights
One of the highlights is the sight of around 34 hot-air balloons from across Japan filling the skies over Tokachi.
In the “Task Flight” competition, pilots test their skills as they aim for targets on the ground.
As well as watching balloons rise in the morning sun, you can enjoy views of Kamishihoro’s townscape, the Daisetsuzan Mountains, and the Hidaka Mountains from a tethered balloon ride.
A festival to enjoy hot-air balloons filling Tokachi’s skies and summer in Kamishihoro
What to expect
At the venue, you can watch hot-air balloon competitions and enjoy a tethered balloon ride to take in the surrounding scenery from above.
Stage events are also held, and the “Balloon Shopping Street,” lined with local food, offers a chance to savor Tokachi’s flavors.
It’s an event where you can enjoy colorful balloons in the sky, competitions, rides, and food all in one visit.
How to take part
You can enjoy the hot-air balloon competitions as a spectator, and visitors can also experience riding in a balloon on a tethered ride.
For peace of mind, check the event information for specific registration procedures and eligibility requirements before visiting.
Requirements for taking part as a competitor are not provided here.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kamishihoro Aviation Park (242 Kamishihoro Kisen, Kamishihoro Town)
- By car
About 70 minutes from JR Obihiro Station.
- Parking
Free parking is available.
Event venue 北海道上士幌町 上士幌町航空公園
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 event was announced as scheduled to take place over 3 days, from August 7 (Friday) to August 9 (Sunday).
This is a schedule of events in the summer Tokachi Plain, including hot-air balloon competitions, tethered balloon rides, and stage events.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hokkaido / Kamishihoro (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Free parking is available at the venue.
If you would like to enjoy tethered balloon rides, stage events or food, it’s a good idea to check in advance what will be offered at the venue and how to register.
Facility information may change, so please check the latest event information before setting out.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions include Naitai Highland Farm and Naitai Terrace, the Kamishihoro Railway Museum, Nukabira Gensenkyo, Lake Shikaribetsu, and Lake Nukabira.
Nearby roadside stations include Roadside Station Kamishihoro and Roadside Station Pia 21 Shihoro.
Please check the distance to and operating status of each facility individually before your visit.
Origins and History of Hokkaido Balloon Festival
The Hokkaido Balloon Festival is a long-running event that began in 1974.
As one of Kamishihoro’s signature summer events, the hot-air balloon festival continues to be held amid the vast landscape of the Tokachi Plain.
Over the years, it has been presented as an event where visitors can enjoy not only competitions but also tethered balloon rides and local food.
Official information
Official information is available on the Hokkaido Balloon Festival’s official website.
The 2026 event announcement lists Kamishihoro Aviation Park as the venue and August 7 through the 9th as the dates.
Hokkaido Balloon Festival at a Glance
The Hokkaido Balloon Festival is a summer event in Kamishihoro where visitors can enjoy hot-air balloon competitions in the skies above the Tokachi Plain and tethered balloon rides.
The 2026 event was announced as scheduled to take place at Kamishihoro Aviation Park from August 7 through the 9th.
At the venue, you can also enjoy competitions, stage events, and the “Balloon Shopping Street” featuring local food.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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