An autumn day watching hot air balloons rise into the sky over the hills of Joyo
Hot Air Balloon Festa
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/11/15Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- Every autumn / Once a year
- Location
- Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park, “Joyo Gori Gori no Oka”
- Area
- Kyoto Prefecture・Joyo City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 10 min–2 h 40 min · bullet train)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
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free admission and parking. Hot air balloon rides cost ¥1,500 per person.
- Age restrictions
- The ride costs ¥1,500 per person, regardless of age. The representative applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This event in Joyo Gori Gori no Oka, Joyo City, lets you enjoy the spectacular launch and flight of hot air balloons. Admission is free, and there are also events such as a market and stage performances.
About Hot Air Balloon Festa
The Hot Air Balloon Festa is a one-day event centered on hot air balloons, held at Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park, “Joyo Gori Gori no Oka,” in Joyo City.
You can watch up close as balloons inflate on the broad grassy hill and rise into the sky.
The venue also hosts a market, stage performances, and activity areas, so you can enjoy the balloons alongside activities in the park.
Source: 熱気球フェスタ2026｜11/15(日) / 暮らしガイド イベント | きょうと府民だより
Festival highlights
The main highlight is watching a hot air balloon grow large as it inflates on the grassy field in the morning, then slowly rise into the sky.
You don’t need to have applied for a balloon ride to watch up close; all visitors can enjoy the sight.
Later, stage performances, food stalls, a mini train, and activity booths open, letting you enjoy the sky and venue events together.
An autumn day watching hot air balloons rise into the sky over the hills of Joyo
What to expect
At the venue, you can first watch the hot air balloons being set up and flown, then explore the stage performances, food stalls, mini train, and activity areas.
Balloon rides are for people who have won the advance lottery, and winners should arrive at their assigned boarding time.
Since admission is free, you can also enjoy the balloons and venue activities without taking a ride.
How to take part
Anyone can come and watch, and admission is free.
To ride in a hot air balloon, you must first win the advance online application lottery.
Applications for rides in 2026 close at 5 p.m. on September 19 (Saturday), and riders should arrive at the time specified in their winner notification.
You do not need to apply to enter the venue.
If you want to ride in a hot air balloon, you must enter the advance online application lottery and receive notification that you have won.
Applications for rides in 2026 are closed. Riders will be notified of their boarding time in their winner notification.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park, “Joyo Gori Gori no Oka” (14-8 Tomino Kitazumi, Joyo City, Kyoto 610-0111)
- Train and bus
About a 5-minute walk from Nagaiike Station on the JR Nara Line.
From Tominosho Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, take the Joyo Sansan Bus to Nagaike Eki-guchi and walk about 10 minutes.
- By car
You can use the park parking lot.
Space is limited.
- Parking
Parking is free.
Source: 熱気球フェスタ2026 | イベント一覧 | 京都府観光連盟公式サイト
Address 14-8 Tomino Kitazumi, Joyo City, Kyoto 610-0111
Dates and season
In 2026, the event will be held on November 15 (Sunday).
It is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with hot air balloon rides from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and stage performances and food stalls opening at 9 a.m.
The event will be canceled in case of rain.
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 Kyoto Prefecture / Joyo City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Hot air balloon rides are limited to lottery winners, so the requirements differ for watching and riding.
If you are driving, consider arriving early, as the free parking lot has limited spaces.
The event will be canceled in case of rain. Even during the event, hot air balloon operations may be suspended or canceled depending on wind conditions.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions include the Youth Outdoor Activities Center “Yuai no Oka,” Moriyama Historic Site, and Joyo City Sports Park (Kono-suyama Sports Park).
Kono-suyama, Mizudo Shrine, and Arami Shrine are also listed as tourist spots near the venue.
You can plan an itinerary that combines the event with visits to parks, historic sites, and shrines in Joyo City.
Official information
Information about the 2026 event is posted on the official information page for Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park, “Joyo Gori Gori no Oka.”
Check the park’s information for the latest details on the date, schedule, ride applications, and venue.
Hot Air Balloon Festa at a Glance
The Hot Air Balloon Festa is an autumn event lasting one day, where you can watch hot air balloons launch and fly up close at Joyo Gori Gori no Oka.
In 2026, the event will be held on November 15. Admission and parking are free, but balloon rides are limited to lottery winners.
There are also stage performances, food stalls, and activity areas, so you can spend the day in the park while watching the balloons.
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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