REPORT

Hakuba Lion Adventure’s Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Experience venue has moved to a new location this summer, just north of the Hakuba Ohashi Bridge spanning the Matsukawa River, beside Kurashita-no-Yu onsen. Flights operate every morning starting at 6 a.m. between 7/19 (Sun.) and 8/31 (Mon.). (※Reservations required; from 9/1 to 11/3, flights will operate on Sundays and public holidays only. Young children and dogs weighing 20 kg or less are also welcome aboard.) Today, participants began to arrive steadily around ten minutes before the first flight.
[Hakuba Lion Adventure Hot-Air Balloon Venue]

Hot-air balloons rise by heating the air inside the balloon with a burner (pictured), creating a difference in temperature—and therefore density—between the air inside and outside the balloon. Because the air is cooler early in the morning, a greater temperature difference can be maintained, producing more lift with less fuel. Calmer winds are another reason flights take place so early. There was a light breeze this morning, however, and once airborne the balloon drifted gently and slowly rotated, bringing changing views into sight without even having to turn my head.
[Hakuba Lion Adventure Hot-Air Balloon Venue]

A family from Tokyo whom I rode with (pictured) told me, “Looking straight down is a little nerve wracking, but the views are incredible! Yesterday we went to the Senjojiki Cirque on Mt. Kiso-Komagatake, and after this we’re heading to Hakuba Iwatake.” Incidentally, the views from the former flight site at the Happo Parking Lot No. 6 were impressive, but the scenery from the new location is every bit as beautiful.
[Hakuba Lion Adventure Hot-Air Balloon Venue]

The ride lasts around five minutes, rising to approximately 30 meters above the ground before gently descending again. There are no drinking fountains or vending machines on site, so it is a good idea to bring plenty of water. Mosquitoes are also active at this time of year, so insect repellent is recommended, too. Those who arrive before 6 a.m. (or before 5:30 a.m. during peak periods) can also watch the balloon being inflated right in front of you.
[Hakuba Lion Adventure Hot-Air Balloon Venue]

　　
[Hakuba Lion Adventure’s ・Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Experience Information]
＊Season … Apr. 26 (Sun) – Nov. 3 (Sun), 2026 (Sundays and public holidays)　※Apr. 29 (Wed) – May 6 (Wed), May 9 (Sat) – May 10 (Sun), and Jul. 19 (Sun) – Aug. 31 (Mon), held daily　※Excluded: May 11 – Jun. 18
＊Place … Near 9550-1 Iserin, Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture
(North side of Hakuba Bridge)
＊Hours … 6:00～7:00
＊Fees …Adults (Junior High School Students and Above) JPY2,900, Ages 3 to Elementary School Students JPY1,900, Under 2 Years Old Free
, Dog JPY600（under20kg）、Private Charter JPY15,000 (1–4 people), Special periods (May 3–5, weekends & holidays from July 19–August 7, and August 8–16):Adults (Junior High School Students and Above) JPY3,400, Ages 3 to Elementary School Students JPY2,200, Under 2 Years Old Free, Pet JPY600 (under20kg), Private Charter JPY20,000 (1–4 people)
＊Parking … Free
　
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs
　
reported by Snownavi