The Saga International Balloon Festa, one of the largest hot air balloon competitions in Asia, opened on the 2nd, and over 50 hot air balloons took off one after another while a large number of spectators watched for the first time in three years.
This tournament, which is held in Saga City every year, has been canceled or held without spectators due to the influence of the new corona, but this year it opened on the 2nd with spectators for the first time in three years.
At around 7:00 a.m. on the Kasegawa riverbed of the venue, the teams that competed in the hot air balloon competition to see how far they could get to their destination inflated their hot air balloons all at once, and more than 50 balloons took off one after another.
A large number of spectators gathered on the riverbed, waving at the hot air balloons floating overhead, taking pictures, and there were even low-flying hot air balloons that entertained the spectators.
Balloons in the shape of bears and octopuses were also prepared at the venue, and the audience took commemorative photos in front of the large hot air balloons.
A couple in their 30s from Saga City who visited with their two children said, "Saga is synonymous with the 'Balloon Festa.' I was sad that I couldn't see it for the past two years, but I'm happy that Saga has become so lively." rice field.
The competition will be held until the 6th of this month, and during the period, in addition to the competition flight, there will also be a "night mooring" where you can enjoy the hot air balloon glowing orange with the flame of the burner.
Organizers expect 800,000 visitors.