Private Sakai Tour with Helium Balloon Experience

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6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

This special one-day experience allows you to discover Sakai’s rich cultural heritage from afternoon to night through immersive, hands-on activities. Begin your journey by stepping into the world of traditional Japanese culture, where you can enjoy wearing a kimono and learning the refined gestures and aesthetics of tea in a serene, historic setting. As the day transitions into evening, the experience reaches its highlight with a rare night-time hot air balloon ride. Gently rising into the air, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Sakai’s illuminated cityscape and historic landmarks from above — a perspective few travelers ever experience. Rather than simply visiting sights, this tour invites you to feel the atmosphere, history, and beauty of Sakai through all five senses. Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable cultural experience, this program offers a truly unforgettable way to connect with Japan beyond ordinary sightseeing.

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

A staff member holding a sign with the tour name will be waiting near the station ticket gates. Please inform them of the name you used for your application.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    At the long-established "Maruman Honke Sakai Branch," which has been in business for over 160 years, we offer a special lunch where you can enjoy seasonal dishes and the famous fish sukiyaki. In a calm Japanese-style space, meals featuring carefully prepared seasonal ingredients are served as a course so you can enjoy them leisurely. Please enjoy a meal that is structured so you can casually enjoy authentic flavors even during lunchtime. *Please note that the menu this time does not include raw eggs. 2

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    We change into kimono and enjoy tea and sweets at Shin'an. Sakai is a place where the culture of tea ceremony is rooted. You can experience the “art of Japanese etiquette,” which you rarely have the chance to encounter, such as how to make matcha, stories about tea utensils, and the history associated with Sakai. Sitting down on the tatami and taking a deep breath offers a quiet moment that can be described as a highlight of the trip, providing a calming experience.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    The view from the night balloon shows a completely different expression from the daytime. Boarding a tethered balloon and experiencing the lights of Sakai and the illumination around the Japanese garden from above takes you into a special time of "extraordinary" in just a few minutes. The balloon, illuminated by light, is perfect for photography. Under safe management, the moment of ascending while feeling the gentle breeze is so moving that both children and adults can't help but express their amazement. *Note: The event may be canceled or shortened due to weather conditions.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by TRAPOL
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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