Early-Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Aso in Kumamoto
Overview
For spectacular views of Aso-Kuju National Park, hop into a hot air balloon and take to the skies. With the weather most stable around sunrise, the incredible views on this tethered balloon ride are a treat exclusively for early risers!
Highlights
- Take to the skies in a hot air balloon, in the clear morning air of Aso
- If conditions are right, find yourself floating amid a sea of clouds
- Fire the burner yourself, and feel the heat and power that carries you into the sky
- Marvel at the majesty of Aso-Kuju National Park with a bird’s-eye view
- See the Five Peaks of Mt. Aso as the magnificent Aso Grasslands spread out beneath you
Description
This experience is available every day, except Thursdays and the New Year holiday season (open on national holidays). The timing depends on the season and number of participants, with takeoff between about 05:45 and 07:15. Typically, the balloon will take off in the following windows: April–July: 06:30–07:00 Aug–Sept: 05:45–06:45 Oct–Mar: 06:45–07:15 The experience lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish, with about 5 minutes of airtime. Example schedule for a 05:45 takeoff: 05:30 — Meet at Fureai-mizube Park, where you’ll have a safety briefing and stand by for boarding. 05:45 — Board the hot air balloon, and watch the Earth fall away as you gently climb 40 meters into the sky. Float above Aso-Kuju National Park, enjoying spectacular views only possible in the early-morning hours when the atmosphere is most stable. 05:50 — The balloon returns smoothly to its starting point via the tethers that stay attached at all times. **Meeting place**：Fureai-mizube Park（ふれあい水辺公園） [Google Map](https://rakuten-travelexp.net/3vUwIM9) • By train: Fureiai-mizube Park is 5 minutes by taxi from Aso Station on the JR Houhi Line • By car: 50 minutes’ drive from the Kumamoto IC interchange on the Kyushu Expressway (free parking available)