By KENJI ODA/ Staff Writer
September 7, 2025 at 07:00 JST
An artist’s concept of the balloon flying over an ancient “kofun” tomb (Provided by Advance Co.)
SAKAI, Osaka Prefecture--Air balloon rides over a cluster of ancient “kofun” burial mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are set to kick off here on Oct. 4 for the first time, municipal authorities said.
The 10-minute tours will offer passengers panoramic views from approximately 100 meters above ground. The city government expects the rides to become a major tourist attraction.
The gas balloon will be tethered to the ground by cables so it can be raised and lowered by mechanical equipment.
The service at Daisen Park in the city’s Sakai Ward will operate year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be run by Advance Co., an outdoor facility management company based in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.
Twenty-three of the ancient tombs that comprise the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group are located within Sakai. They include the 486-meter-long keyhole-shaped Daisen Kofun tumulus that is thought to be the final resting place of fifth-century Emperor Nintoku.
The service will undergo a one-year verification period to assess the impact on the kofun group. If no issues arise, it will continue for an additional six years.
The standard fare is 4,200 yen ($28.30) for adults and 3,000 yen for children under 16. Tickets purchased online will be offered at a 200-yen discount. Sakai residents will be eligible for tickets discounted to 3,200 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children. Non-residents with disabilities will pay 3,600 yen and 2,500 yen, respectively.
Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 1 via the Advance’s website (https://osaka-sakai-balloon.com/) or at the balloon launch site.
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