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Saga Prefecture Day Trip Tour | Karatsu Kunchi Festival (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and the 2026 Saga International Balloon Fiesta [Departing from Hakata]
- This high-quality and reliable Japan tour is planned by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel company with over 70 years of history. A team renowned for their hospitality accompanies the tour, earning high praise from customers of all nationalities.
- The tour is conducted in Japanese, but we have many participants from Taiwan and Hong Kong, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.
- Visited the Karatsu Kunchi Autumn Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Visited the Saga International Balloon Fiesta
Package Options
Product Info
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Autumn Festival "Karatsu Kunchi" - Saga Prefecture Important Tangible Cultural Property - National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Karatsu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival. Held annually over three days from the 2nd to the 4th of November, this magnificent festival features floats (yama) racing through the streets to the chants of "Enya, Enya" and "Yoisa, Yoisa." Visitors can also enjoy the procession to the temporary shrine, the highlight of the Karatsu Kunchi festival.
・2026 Saga International Balloon Fiesta
This is Asia's largest international hot air balloon competition, with over 100 hot air balloons from around the world participating, and a dazzling array of colorful balloons will compete in fierce battles across the Saga Plain.
This product is a "request reservation," and it will take some time to confirm your reservation. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so depending on the situation, you may be placed on a waiting list or your reservation may not be accepted. The final confirmation of your reservation will be made when the voucher is issued. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled due to being fully booked or other reasons, we will contact you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be placed on a waiting list, you can cancel (refund) your reservation.
This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please note that all information provided by the tour guide during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (meeting place, departure time, etc.).
Please observe the following rules when participating.
Please make your reservation using your correct name and email address.
Please be punctual during the tour. If you are late, the tour will depart.
Giving thanks for a bountiful harvest! The magnificent and splendid "Karatsu Kunchi" festival (image) Photo courtesy of Saga Prefecture Cultural Tourism Federation
Saga International Balloon Fiesta (image) Photo courtesy of Saga Prefectural Cultural Tourism Federation
Saga International Balloon Fiesta (image) Photo courtesy of Saga Prefectural Cultural Tourism Federation
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure/Destination: Hakata/Saga Trip Duration: Day Trip Transportation: Chartered Bus Bus Company: Showa Bus or equivalent Meal Conditions: Breakfast 0, Lunch 1 (boxed lunch), Dinner 0 Accommodation: None Minimum Number of Participants: 25
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the tour.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 1693 Affiliated Travel Industry Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan WESTALL Yotsuya Building 2F Registered Travel Agency No. 2045 (Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency) Affiliated Organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 10 day(s) before the departure date
Festivals and events generally proceed rain or shine, but may be canceled in case of severe weather. If a festival or event is canceled due to rain or other weather conditions, this tour will also be canceled. The decision will be made on the day of departure.
If the Balloon Fiesta is canceled after the tour departs, we will guide you on an alternative sightseeing trip (either to the Balloon Museum or to see the glasswort at Higata Yoka Park). The content of the alternative sightseeing trip will be left to our discretion and may be subject to change at short notice depending on the circumstances on the day. Thank you for your understanding.
Both events involve walking, so please wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. Please bring rain gear in case of rain.
This tour may be operated jointly with other tours departing from our company.
The itinerary may be changed depending on road traffic conditions.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking. If it rains, please bring rain gear.
If you are participating in an odd-numbered group, you may be seated with customers from other groups.
The bus may arrive late at the meeting place.
As this is a group package, we cannot accommodate changes to the meal menu. Furthermore, since lunch on this tour is a packed lunch, we cannot accommodate changes to the meal content due to food allergies, religious reasons, or other reasons. Thank you for your understanding.
Delays due to transportation delays, or non-participation, will also be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the stated departure time.
FAQ
1. When is the Karatsu Kunchi Festival typically held each year?
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival is an annual autumn festival usually held for three days, from November 2nd to 4th, in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. This vibrant event is a significant cultural highlight, attracting numerous visitors annually.
2. What is the cultural significance of the Karatsu Kunchi Festival?
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival holds significant cultural importance as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. It is a traditional harvest festival where exquisitely crafted floats, known as hikiyama, are paraded through the streets, embodying the rich local culture and community spirit. It's a grand spectacle celebrated for centuries.
3. What does the term "Kunchi" signify in the context of Japanese festivals like Karatsu Kunchi?
"Kunchi" is a term commonly used in northern Kyushu, Japan, to refer to autumn festivals, particularly those related to harvest celebrations. It denotes a grand festival or feast, often involving elaborate parades and offerings to deities, marking the end of the autumn harvest season and expressing gratitude.
4. When does the Saga International Balloon Fiesta usually take place?
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is typically held annually in early November, usually lasting for five days. The event transforms the skies over the Kase Riverbed in Saga City into a colorful spectacle, drawing hot air balloon enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
5. Is there an admission fee to attend the Saga International Balloon Fiesta?
General admission to the main event site of the Saga International Balloon Fiesta, including the launch and landing areas along the Kase Riverbed, is typically free of charge. However, please note that specific parking areas or special viewing events may have associated fees.
6. What are the optimal times to visit the Saga International Balloon Fiesta for the best viewing experience?
For the most spectacular views of hot air balloons, it is best to visit during the early morning launches, typically around 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and the afternoon flights, usually from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Nighttime events like the La Montgolfier Nocturne also offer a unique glowing experience with illuminated balloons.
7. Is the Saga International Balloon Fiesta considered a global competitive event?
Yes, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta is highly regarded as a major global competitive event in hot air ballooning. It frequently hosts international championships and serves as a significant platform for pilots from various countries to compete and showcase their skills on a world stage.
8. How does the Karatsu Kunchi Festival contribute to Japan's cultural heritage?
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival significantly contributes to Japan's cultural heritage by preserving traditional arts and craftsmanship through its magnificent hikiyama floats, some of which are hundreds of years old. As a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it showcases a vibrant community tradition that has been passed down through generations, embodying the spirit of local history and artistry.
