[Summer 2024] Enjoy a tethered hot air balloon experience in Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture! Information on attractions, access, and schedules

• Table of Contents
• Get a panoramic view of the historic Saigū ruins from the sky! "Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience" held in Meiwa Town
• Enjoy food and drinks at a Japanese street stall! Comes with an interpreting guide
• Hot air balloon event schedule
• Access to the meeting point "Saigū Station"
• Event details and pricing

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Get a panoramic view of the historic Saigū ruins from the sky! "Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience" held in Meiwa Town

The ruins of Saigū, located in Meiwa-cho, Taki-gun, Mie Prefecture, are the remains of a palace where the Saiō, an imperial princess chosen to serve Ise Shrine during the Heian period, lived.

For approximately 660 years, this place was the residence of the Saio women who served the Ise Shrine on behalf of the Emperor, and was the center of Japanese culture and religious ceremonies at the time.

Excavations have uncovered many remains and artefacts, and the Saigū History Museum and History Experience Centre have now been established, showcasing the history and life of the Saiō.

The vast grounds still contain remains of palaces and gardens, allowing you to feel the grand history of the place.

An event will be held on September 15th and 16th, 2024, at Saigū ruins, where visitors can ride in a hot air balloon and view the historic site from the air.

You will be able to experience the natural atmosphere and cosmic view of the Heian period, and you will also be able to launch a hot air balloon together with the local residents of Meiwa town, and even board a hot air balloon and enjoy a tethered flight.

The experience of seeing the sacred ground where the princess lived during the Heian period will surely be an unforgettable memory.

This is an event that truly embodies the phrase "feel the weight of history and experience something extraordinary," so be sure to take advantage of it when sightseeing in Mie Prefecture.

Enjoy food and drinks at a Japanese street stall! Comes with an interpreting guide

At this event, you will not only enjoy a hot air balloon experience, but also move to the "Itsukinomiya Moon Viewing Ceremony" as the sun sets, where you can enjoy drinks and food at Japanese street stalls.

A guide who can interpret will always be with you, so even people from overseas can participate with peace of mind.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks and a magical moonlit evening in the historic grounds of Saiku.

After the meal, you will have another hot air balloon experience.

Unlike the vivid scenery during the day, you can enjoy the mysterious Saigū wrapped in soft light.

Hot air balloon event schedule

※Venue: Saigū Ruins Historical Romantic Square (Kamizono Lawn Square) / Otachi Square

*Hot air balloons are a type of transportation that is greatly affected by the weather, so flights will be canceled in the event of rain or strong winds.

Access to the meeting point "Saigū Station"

The meeting point, Saigū Station, can be accessed by train or car from central Mie Prefecture.

If you are coming from Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line, change to a local train at Ise-Nakagawa Station and head to Saigū Station.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, and since the meeting place is at the station, we recommend coming by train.

If you are driving, take the Ise Expressway and head towards Ise.

Meiwa-cho, where Saigū is located, borders Matsusaka City and Ise City, and there are various tourist attractions in the surrounding area, so be sure to check out other events as well.

Event details and pricing

*There are two types of hot air balloon tours to choose from: September 15th and September 16th. Prices and content vary slightly. For details on the event held on September 15th, please click here .

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