2026 Hot Air Balloon Honda Grand Prix Round 2: Ichinoseki-Hiraizumi Balloon Festival 2026

About this event

This is the only authentic hot air balloon competition held in the Tohoku region. Visitors can watch intense competitive flights up close as top-class domestic pilots battle it out. The event also features participatory activities such as tethered hot air balloon rides and hot air balloon workshops, as well as unique local events. In particular, starting at 18:00 on Saturday, October 10, a Balloon Illusion will take place at the Iwaigawa Green Space, creating a magical scene where colorful balloons illuminate the night sky. Beautiful hot air balloon photographs are one of the highlights of this festival. In addition, the "15th All-Japan Mochi Festival 2026 in Ichinoseki" will be held concurrently to welcome visitors. With a retarding basin spreading to the north, mountains and valleys to the east, and hilly areas to the south of the flight area, pilots fly over autumn foliage, and their true skills are tested in stable air currents. The vast rural landscape, mountain ranges with rolling hills, varied topography, and expansive airspace permitting flights up to an altitude of 8,000 feet (approx. 2,500 m) make the competition all the more exciting.

Venue

Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza

Nakayanoki, Kozenji Ishinose, Ichinoseki, Iwate 029-0131