Information for the an exceptionally popular Halloween event with a Hot Air Balloon Ride! Which was on in Shiki city the first four years of the event, but since last year it is on in Asaka City, which borders Tokyo and is easily accessible from Ikebukuro. The annual Halloween Fes is once again taking it to the next level with cheap Hot Air Balloon rides at a fun filled Halloween event organized by Warakado. And this year they will once again have TWO hot air balloon rides. Believe it or not, in 2022, they gifted the first 100 people (of the Hot Air Balloon ride) a drone. It’s no wonder thousands turned up for the event in 2022! I doubt very much they will ever have a gift like that again!
Halloween fes with Hot Air Balloon Ride
A Halloween festival with two hot air balloons. Top that. At the (ex Shiki) Asaka Halloween event you can rise above the Arakawa (Ara river) in a hot air balloon for just 1000 yen. Apart from the Hot Air Balloon rides, it is essentially a Halloween event, but also an “Usafes” (more below)! Got to love Japan!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The hot air balloon ride is the piece-du-resistance of the festival. Incredibly, they are only charging 1000 yen (it was only 800 in 2022) for adults to go up in the hot air balloon. For children, it is 500 yen. That is cheaper than the monthly Hot Air Balloon ride at Tokorozawa. The balloon won’t take off, just go up, get a view and some memorable photos and then come back down again. Important: balloon ride tickets are allocated by lottery. Only people who join the queue between 7:00 am and 9:00 am will be entered into the draw. Anyone who lines up before 7:00 am will be disqualified, and only those in the queue by 9:00 am will be eligible for the lottery.
*The Hot Air Balloon ride won’t be available in the event of rain. Please check the official website linked in information for further updates.
Drone Experience
One of the more modern attractions at Halloween Fes is the drone experience area. Visitors can get hands-on with some of the latest drone technology and try flying a drone for themselves. Designed for beginners as well as those who are simply curious about drones, the activity offers a fun opportunity to experience this increasingly popular technology in a safe and supervised environment.
Halloween Contest & More
Children who come in costume will receive a free sweet (candy) from the organisers. A costume contest will also be held from 1:20 pm, and visitors can register in advance through the official website, although same-day participation is also possible. In addition, there will be live performances including a magician. There are also food trucks and a traditional Showa-style festival area with activities such as target shooting, popcorn and cotton candy. According to the organisers, both adults and children can enjoy the attractions, making it a great place for families to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival while celebrating Halloween.
Event Information
Event: Halloween Fes 2026 ハロウィンフェス
Date: Sunday October 25th 2026.
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: there is no admission fee. The hot air balloon ride, if you secure a ticket, is 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children. Individual events may incur charges.
Venue: this year, for the second time, the event is on in Asaka no Mori, 2-34 Hizaori, Asaka, Saitama 351-0023, Japan. View on Google Maps.
Information on the Wara Kado website.
Access
Asaka no Mori is beside several different indoor and outdoor municipal facilities. As such, the area is always congested, particularly on the weekends. I know from experience of going to several events here over the years, that parking can be a nightmare. If at all possible, it is best to come by public transport. Tobu Tojo Line’s Asaka station is only about a ten to fifteen minute walk away.
While many people focus on Halloween events in Tokyo, some of the region’s most family-friendly seasonal celebrations take place just beyond the city limits. Asaka City in southern Saitama borders Tokyo and is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making the Halloween Fes an attractive option for anyone looking for a Halloween festival near Tokyo with activities for children and families.
ok awesome – now you have to promise to get in one and share the photos!