Tethered hot air ballooning is an activity where you can enjoy stunning views of nature and cityscapes from above. It’s an accessible experience for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or prior experience—no special equipment or skills required.

In the Niseko area, flights typically take place during calmer times of the day, such as early morning or evening, as the wind tends to pick up during the day. For this adventure, we joined a tethered balloon flight operated by Hokkaido Lion Adventure, a local outdoor company based in Niseko!

Hokkaido Lion Adventure offers activities that showcase Hokkaido’s stunning natural beauty, with options available in the Niseko and Chitose areas during summer and in Niseko during winter. Since 2006, they have provided tethered hot air balloon flights, inspired by a desire to let visitors enjoy the Niseko area from the skies. Here are the details of their flight experience:

The day of the flight brought cloudy skies and slightly strong winds, leaving us unsure if the activity would proceed. However, we were relieved to receive confirmation and headed to the venue. Boarding begins around 6:30 AM after registration closes, but arriving a bit earlier lets you watch the balloon inflation process, which takes about 15–30 minutes.

The process begins by spreading the balloon out on the ground...

...then filling it with air using a blower.

Once it starts to inflate, the burner is used to heat the air, producing a loud "whoosh" sound.

The balloon continues to inflate, gradually rising upright.

A massive balloon, measuring 25 meters tall and 15 meters wide, stood upright—ready for action!

By shortly after 6 AM, other guests began to arrive, marveling at the balloon’s size with exclamations of "Wow!" and reacting to the roar of the burner. The excitement in the air was palpable. Now, it’s time to board!

As you board, staff members securely hold the basket for safety. And with that, it’s time to hop in!

In no time, the ground begins to fade away...

Gently rising and falling, the balloon floats gracefully into the sky.

A certified hot air balloon pilot from the company accompanies each flight, carefully operating the burner to ensure safe navigation while monitoring wind conditions. They also provide commentary on the surrounding scenery and details about the balloon, making the experience even more enjoyable.

The hot air balloon reaches a maximum height of about 30 meters. From this vantage point, you can see Niseko Annupuri up close, Mount Yotei—often called the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido"—to the east, and the town of Niseko to the south, offering a sweeping view of the entire Niseko area. Despite the cloudy weather that day, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Yotei!

On clear days, the views are truly breathtaking. You can bask in the gentle morning light while slowly taking in the lush, green landscapes of Niseko. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea of clouds!

The basket can accommodate around 10 people per flight. With 19 participants that day, the flights were divided into several sessions. Since both the pilot and passengers help balance the balloon's weight, the rule for subsequent boarding is "one person boards as another person disembarks" to maintain stability.

After all participants have had their turn, the team begins the takedown process. You’re welcome to stay and watch as the balloon is deflated—it’s fascinating to see it shrink back down!

By around 7 AM, the entire experience is complete! One of the great things about this activity is that it leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day. You can explore other activities or visit nearby attractions, making the most of a full and exciting day in Niseko.

Though the flight lasts only about five minutes, it offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Why not make it a part of your summer memories? It’s an activity worth trying for everyone!

In addition to hot air ballooning, Niseko offers a variety of activities such as rafting and cycling. Companies like Hokkaido Lion Adventure, which hosted this balloon experience, provide a range of exciting options. If something catches your interest, be sure to explore the available activities!

Photos by Kosuke Otani; Text and Editing by Minna no Kotobasha