Samurai AKITA - Tazawako Kakunodate TRAVEL GUIDE

There are no written records of this event, but legend has it that the Edo period scientist Hiraga Gennai introduced it as a game that applied the principles of hot air balloons when he visited a copper mine to provide technical guidance.

This annual event sees over 60 giant paper balloons decorated with pictures of warriors and beautiful women, each carrying a light that represents a wish for the year, such as good health, bountiful harvests, and safety in the home. They fly into the midwinter night sky like twinkling stars.

■Schedule

Reiwa, February 10, 2025

■ Venue

Nishikimachi Paper Balloon Square (7 minutes walk from Kamihikinai Station on the Akita Inland Line)

[Parking and public transportation]

The parking capacity for regular vehicles is approximately 370, however this number may decrease due to weather or snowfall.

Parking spaces are limited and significant traffic congestion is expected, so we ask that you use the Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo.

▶From Aniai area
[Departure] Departs from Aniai Station at 13:43, arrives at Kamihinokinai station at 14:36
[Return] Kamihinokinai station at 20:44, arrives Aniai Station at 21:30

▶From Kakunodate
[Departure] Kakunodate station at 13:58, arrives Kamihinokinai station at 14:36
[Return] Departs Kamihinokinai station at 20:44, arrives Kakunodate station at 21:18

For other details such as timetables, please see the flyer below.

Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival 2025 flyer

(PDF:480KB)

Click here for the 2025 Paper Balloon Festival parking lot location map

Tour bus operators and those driving medium-sized or large camper vans must make a reservation in advance for a paid parking lot (limited to 20 spaces, on a first-come, first-served basis).
To apply, please contact Nishiki Tourist Information Center (Tel: 0187-42-8480).
*Sales period: December 2nd to January 31st (ends when the planned number is reached)

■ Program for the day

15:00 Venue opens
15:30 Hometown performing arts presentation
16:40 Daytime balloon launch
18:00 Simultaneous launch
19:00: Write your wish on a paper balloon and release it
Riku Kanzaki Stage Show (sometime between 18:00 and 20:00)
20:00 Final launch

There will be stalls and food trucks set up on the day.
Also, starting this year, original Kamihinokinai paper balloon-flying key chains will be on sale, and paper balloon-flying goods made by students from Akita Prefectural University of Art and Design will also be on sale.
Don't miss out on the rare goods that are only available locally!

●Akita Digital Tour Rally

Visit tourist spots and gourmet spots in Akita Prefecture and get stamps!
If you collect three or more stamps, you will be entered into a lottery to win local Akita gourmet products, based on the number of stamps you collect.
Many areas in Semboku City are also included as stamp spots.
Please join us.

Akita Digital Tour Rally (Who will you go with? Link to the official Akita Winter website)

■ Contact Information

Nishiki Tourist Information Center Phone: 0187-42-8480
Inquiries on February 10th Kamihusenkan Telephone: 0187-49-2201 or 0187-49-2159

Event

Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival 2025

上桧木内の紙風船上げ2025