In February of each year, the countryside Niigata town of Ojiya hosts a hot-air balloon festival. The festival takes place over two venues—one with a competitive balloon event and another with food stalls and the ability to ride in a hot-air balloon yourself if you’re feeling adventurous. The balloon rides are extremely popular, so be prepared to wait if that’s a must-do for you. Once the sun goes down, the event finishes with a fireworks display with the balloons as a backdrop.
Late February 2025
Established: 1977 —————————————————————-Number of Balloons: 25