Why You Should Visit
A one-day hot air balloon event held every autumn at Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park (Joyo Gorigori-no-Oka) in Joyo City. From 8 a.m., balloons are inflated and lifted on the park's wide grassy hill, and you can watch up close. A stage program and food stalls open at 9 a.m., along with a mini railway and play booths. Rides are only for those who won the advance lottery, but entry is free, so it is easy to drop by just to watch. The park also runs a paper-airplane workshop the same day. About a 5-minute walk from JR Nagaike Station, it makes a good weekend outing with kids.
Essentials
- location
- Joyo Gorigori-no-Oka (Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park)
- period
- November 15, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 8:00–15:00 (planned). Balloon rides 8:00–13:00; stage and food stalls from 9:00
- cost
- Free entry and parking. Balloon rides are for lottery winners only: 1,500 yen per person regardless of age, paid in cash on the day
- Links
- Kobe · Gluten-free
- access
- About a 5-minute walk from Nagaike Station (JR Nara Line). Free parking at the park, but spaces are limited
- TICKETS / REGISTRATION
- Balloon rides (up to 400 people) were allocated by an online lottery, open from August 19 and closed at 17:00 on Saturday, September 19. Results are due to be announced on the park website around October 10, and ride times are assigned in the winning notice (they cannot be chosen).
- NOTE
Same day
- "Let's fly paper airplanes into the sky!" 10:00–12:00 (reservation required, 30 places, 200 yen per person; elementary school children must be accompanied by a guardian; held indoors if it rains)
In the park
- Pets are not allowed in the park on this large-event day
*Details are subject to change
Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)There are 3 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Joyo Gorigori-no-Oka (Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park). The map shows each with its walking time.
Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.
FAQ
Can I ride a balloon on the day?
Is there an entry or parking fee?
Can small children ride the balloon?
What if it rains?
Calendar
Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.
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