{"id":76573,"date":"2006-12-01T00:00:13","date_gmt":"2006-12-01T00:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fukuoka-now.com?post_type=feature&#038;p=9013"},"modified":"2017-06-13T13:00:40","modified_gmt":"2017-06-13T04:00:40","slug":"aso-christmas-balloon-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/aso-christmas-balloon-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Aso Christmas Balloon Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>One of Aso&#8217;s most striking features is the 28-km ring of rugged mountains that are actually the walls of a giant crater, or caldera. This lush area, considered the largest caldera in the world, is a natural paradise, with wide grasslands and pure spring water testament to the plains&#8217; fertile, volcanic past. It&#8217;s easy to see why Aso is such a popular tourist spot; people come to drive, walk or camp in the idyllic surroundings. In every season you can find visitors from all over Japan exploring the region.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97balloon1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7014\/6503560385_aa0b2c07e6_z.jpg?resize=640%2C640\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Among the events happening in Aso at this time of year, the Christmas Balloon Festival is the most popular. Twenty-five colorful hot air balloons race over the expanse of Aso, and there are illuminations, fireworks and Christmas decorations, too. You can enjoy the balloons simply as a spectator, but visitors are invited to actually take a ride in one themselves. Trial flights take you 40 meters into the air where you are sure to find a whole new way to appreciate the Aso landscape. Find out what it&#8217;s like to use the powerful, roaring burner and get high up in the air. All these activities and more combine for a great day out with your family. There&#8217;s more to see on the various stages around Hana Aso as professional mountain bikers perform their tricks, and street performers are ready to entertain. Spectators can grab a bite to eat and shop for souvenirs at the various stalls dotted around, too.<\/p>\n<p>During the evening, the atmosphere changes; the twenty-five balloons are fired up and the mood becomes romantic. Enjoy the sight of the multitude of balloons sailing through the air, the &#8220;Balloon Illusion&#8221;, and then take in the amazing fireworks, which even spell out messages against the night sky. This event is named &#8220;Crying Out Love in the Center of the Caldera&#8221;, in honor of a famous Japanese movie, &#8220;Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/fukuoka-now\/6503560385\/sizes\/z\/in\/set-72157628397921535\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7143\/6503559043_a6fcb30ec2_z.jpg?resize=640%2C405\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"405\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7020\/6503560603_88104dfa7a_z.jpg?resize=640%2C512\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Most of these festivities are centered around the Fureai Mizube Koen area. You can use a shuttle bus service to take you from there to Otohime Guest House and discover the Illuminations Maze, where Christmas decorations light up the alleyways in the evenings. The bus also goes to Uchinomaki Shopping Arcade, where the Uchinomaki Guide Association, made up of Aso locals, can advise you on how to enjoy everything the area has to offer, including a Gourmet Walking Tour.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What, Where and When<\/strong><br \/>\nCatch these events in and around Aso Uchinomaki Onsen, Hana Asobi, and Fureai Mizube Park (the grasslands around the lake.)<\/p>\n<p>23\/13 (Sat.)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>08:00\uff5e\u00a0Hana Asobi.\u00a0Balloon race, public balloon rides*<\/li>\n<li>15:00\uff5e\u00a0Balloon race<\/li>\n<li>16:00\uff5e\u00a0Mizube Park. Public balloon rides*<\/li>\n<li>18:00\uff5e\u00a0Stage events<\/li>\n<li>19:00\uff5e\u00a0Kumamoto FM live broadcast<\/li>\n<li>19:30\uff5e\u00a0&#8220;Crying Out Love in the Center of the Caldera&#8221;, &#8220;Message Fireworks&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>20:00\uff5e\u00a0&#8220;Balloon Illusion&#8221; , &#8220;Message Fireworks&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>24\/12 (Sun.)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>8:00\uff5e\u00a0Hana Asobi.\u00a0Balloon race \/ public balloon rides*<\/li>\n<li>19:00\uff5e\u00a0Mizube Park.\u00a0Public balloon rides*\u00a0Suntory Presents:&#8221;Crying Out Love in the Center of the Caldera&#8221;\u00a0&#8220;Message Fireworks&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>* Balloon rides last about five minutes (ascending and descending) and cost 1,000 yen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>MORE TO DO IN ASO<\/strong><br \/>\nIf you can&#8217;t make it to Aso this Christmas (or you&#8217;re already planning your next trip!) then check out the fascinating cultural events below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hifuri Shinji<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7013\/6503559275_8496b7f25c_z.jpg?resize=640%2C414\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"414\" \/><br \/>\nHeld in the Aso shrine, the Hifuri ceremony celebrates a legendary wedding ceremony between gods. During the dark night, the locals make spectacular fire rings by swinging torches around dramatically.<br \/>\nName: Hifuri Shinji<br \/>\nDate: 15\/3 (Thu.) 18:00 \uff5e 20:00<br \/>\nPlace: Aso Shrine and adjacent area.<br \/>\nAccess: 5 min. by bus from JR Miyaji Stn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dai Himojiyaki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97balloon2\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7148\/6503560865_ddc84b06f9_z.jpg?resize=640%2C512\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" \/><br \/>\nOn the Aso Ojotake mountain, on a raised mound near Uchimaki hot springs, the Chinese character for &#8220;fire&#8221; is burned into the ground, large and blazing and crackling in the night, on the hillside for all to see. Check out the local market and live shows earlier in the day, and fireworks in the evening.<br \/>\nName: Dai Himojiyaki<br \/>\nDate: 17\/3 (Sat.)<br \/>\nPlace: Aso City, Uchinomaki<br \/>\nAccess: 15 min. by bus from JR Aso Stn.<\/p>\n<p>More information: Aso Himatsuri Organization Committee<br \/>\n0967-24-5111<\/p>\n<p><strong>MORE ASO HOTSPOTS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Koga Waterfalls<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97balloon4\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7172\/6503558619_b8dcbb3978_z.jpg?resize=420%2C640\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Two waterfalls cascade from a caldera precipice: the Male Waterfall, 80 meters tall, and the Female Waterfall that tumbles 100 meters. During the winter, the north wind freezes both waterfalls into stunning, solid, white ice. This spectacular scene reminds us of the wild nature of Aso. It&#8217;s a fifteen-minute walk to the waterfall basin from the parking lot.<\/p>\n<p>Contact: Aso City, Ichinomiya-cho, Sakanashi Koga<br \/>\nAso Information Center<br \/>\n0967-32-1960<br \/>\n10 min. by taxi from Miyaji Stn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Nakadake Crater<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97balloon5\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7157\/6503558167_302bee041f_z.jpg?resize=640%2C480\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/><\/p>\n<p>See the bubbling heart of Japan&#8217;s largest active volcano; a 600 meter wide, 130 meter deep crater, where lava flows and acrid white smoke billows. Take the ropeway to the crater, or walk up and let the eerie, volcanic landscape and rock formations convince you you&#8217;re on another planet.<br \/>\nContact: Aso Mountains Ropeway<br \/>\n0967-34-0411<br \/>\n820 roundtrip<br \/>\nOpen: 9:00 \uff5e 17:00<br \/>\nClosed on days of high volcanic activity<br \/>\n40 min. by bus from JR Aso Stn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Doroyu Mud Springs, Seifuso<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn96 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7003\/6503558383_0420c4bf91_z.jpg?resize=434%2C640\" alt=\"\" width=\"434\" height=\"640\" \/><br \/>\nSuzume-no-yu (sparrow bath) is a thick, mud hot spring where you can spread the mud on yourself and soak up all the health-improving minerals. Plus, you can really feel the power of nature heating your bath as the hydrogen sulfide bubbles up from the ground below you. Even though the baths are mixed (male and female), you needn&#8217;t worry as the mud will hide your modesty!<br \/>\nJigoku Onsen (&#8220;Hell Baths&#8221;), Seifuso<br \/>\nAso District Minamiaso-mura, Kawayo 2327<br \/>\n0967-67-0005<br \/>\nPrice: 400 yen (3 years \uff5e primary school: 200 yen)<br \/>\nClosed: Never<br \/>\nFrom JR Tateno Stn. change to\uf8f0Minami Aso line and get off at Aso Shimodajo Fureai Onsen Stn. From there, it&#8217;s 15 min. by taxi.<\/p>\n<p><strong>UNIQUE WAYS TO GET AROUND<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ogunigo Circuit Bus<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7021\/6503561849_7f9c4019b6_z.jpg?resize=640%2C480\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Ogunigo Circuit Bus, starting from Yu Station (information center), covers the whole Aso area, particularly local hot springs. The bus runs every day. Please inquire for more information on prices and routes. There is also a direct connection between the Fukuoka and the Ogunigo Circuit bus for your convenience.<\/p>\n<p>More info: Sanko Bus, Aso Branch Tel.: 0967-34-0211<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aso 1962 Train<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7012\/6503561173_94a5421479_z.jpg?resize=512%2C640\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<p>From Kumamoto Station, the historic Aso 1962 train takes just over two enjoyable, scenic hours to reach Aso Station and then Miyaji Station. From both stops, you can transfer to the Aso 1962 bus to explore Aso further. Using the bus and train is a relaxing, cost effective, and simple way to enjoy the Aso area.<\/p>\n<p>Weekends and holidays, including 12\/30 \uff5e 1\/3. (not running 1\/20, 21, 27, 28)<br \/>\nAfter 2\/25, please check for schedule.<br \/>\nTrain: 1,580 yen, reserved seats only.<br \/>\nBus: Fare between each stop is 200 yen. All-day pass: 400 yen<\/p>\n<p>More information, tel.: 092-471-8111<br \/>\nReservations, tel.: 092-411-1616<\/p>\n<p><strong>SOUVENIRS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Barokke (Horse Croquette)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7029\/6503561599_5b9748a99c_z.jpg?resize=640%2C481\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"481\" \/><br \/>\n100 yen<br \/>\nBarokke is a deep fried potato snack made with a well-known Kumamoto delicacy &#8211; horse meat! You can pick one up in Torimiya, a butcher&#8217;s shop near Aso shrine. They offer a very popular salty \/ sweet boiled horse meat croquette with a subtle garlic flavor. You know it&#8217;s fresh &#8211; they don&#8217;t start frying until you order!<br \/>\nAso Torimiya<br \/>\nAso City, Ichinomiya-cho, Miyaji 3092-2<br \/>\n0967-22-0357<br \/>\n9:00 \uff5e 19:00<br \/>\nFrom Miyaji Stn., 5 min. on the Aso 1962 bus service (Weekends and holidays only)<br \/>\nClosed: Never<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tano Cream Puff<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"fn97balloon6\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7158\/6503561377_a671440927_z.jpg?resize=640%2C480\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/><br \/>\nTanoshu is a cream puff filled with custard and fresh cream. You can buy one for a snack on the go, or get ten to bring home in one of their unique, edible baskets &#8211; made from cookies! A great souvenir, famous with tourists as well as locals.\u00a0105 yen<br \/>\nTanoya<br \/>\nAso City, Ichinomiya-cho, Miyaji 3094<br \/>\n0967-22-0255<br \/>\n9:00 \uff5e 20:00<br \/>\nClosed: Wed.<br \/>\nFrom Miyaji Stn., 5 min. on the Aso 1962 bus service (Weekends and holidays only)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Access<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"fn97 aso\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7029\/6503558823_b32f22bc19_z.jpg?resize=640%2C420\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By car<br \/>\n2 hours 20 min. \/ 2,500 yen<\/p>\n<p>Dazaifu Interchange &#8211; Kyushu Jidosha-do (1 hour \/ 2,500 yen) &#8211; Kumamoto Interchange &#8211; National Route 57 (1 hour 20 min.) &#8211; Aso<\/p>\n<p>By train<br \/>\n2 hours 33 min. (Express) \/ 5,120 yen<\/p>\n<p>JR Hakata Stn. &#8211; Kagoshima Main Line (1 hour 13 min.) &#8211; JR Kumamoto Stn. &#8211; Hohi Main Line (1 hour 8 min.) &#8211; Aso Stn.<\/p>\n<p>By bus<br \/>\n3 hours 40 min. \/ 3,220 yen<\/p>\n<p>Tenjin Bus Center &#8211; Nishitetsu bus \/ Sanko bus (around 2 hours \/ 2,000 yen) &#8211; Kumamoto Traffic Center. Then take the Sanko bus (1 hour 40 min. \/ 1,220 yen) &#8211; Aso Stn.<\/p>\n<p>More information:<br \/>\nAso Design Center<br \/>\nAso City, Ichinomiya-cho, Miyaji 2402<br \/>\nKumamoto Prefecture Aso Information Office.<br \/>\nTel.: 0967-22-4801<\/p>\n<div><strong id=\"internal-source-marker_0.1204831381328404\">Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (<a href=\"http:\/\/issuu.com\/fukuokanow\/docs\/fn096\" target=\"_blank\">fn96 Dec. 2006<\/a>)<\/strong><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Among the events happening in Aso at this time of year, the Christmas Balloon Festival is the most popular. Twenty-five colorful hot air balloons race over the expanse of Aso, and there are illuminations, fireworks and Christmas decorations, too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9020,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"9013","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4914],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-others","en-US"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/fn97balloon.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76573"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99547,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76573\/revisions\/99547"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9020"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}