Japan Adventure Travel: Hot Air Ballooning, Hang-Gliding & Paragliding
For anyone who has tried it, taking to the skies is a unique and memorable way to get a different perspective on the world and a true adventure travel experience. On this page you will find the following:
1 / Experience Japan from the Sky
3 / Hang-Gliding
4 / Paragliding
5 / Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
For more travel adventures experiences and destinations, see our main ‘Japan Travel Adventure’ page. We hope this information is helpful in planning your next adventure in Japan.
1 / EXPERIENCE JAPAN FROM THE SKY
While Japan is best-known for its sprawling cities, it might surprise you that a significant amount of the country is undeveloped – with around seventy percent of the Japan considered mountainous. Much of that land has minimal development due to the threat of earthquakes and landslides blessing the country with beautiful forests and mountains to be enjoyed freely – and often within easy reach of the major cities.
Experiencing the diverse landscapes of Japan from above is offers travelers some of the most enjoyable and dynamic adventure travel activities. The open spaces of Central Japan make it an ideal destination when looking to take to the air with many of the region’s ski resorts offering airborne activities from spring through to autumn.
2 / HOT AIR BALLOONING
Typically available from spring until autumn when the weather is at its most stable, hot air ballooning is a fantastic way for travelers of all ages to take to the skies to enjoy views of Japan from above. Well-suited for families, couples and groups of friends, ballooning is a leisurely travel adventure experience that doesn’t take long or require any physical exertion. For visitors heading to Central Japan, hot air ballooning can be enjoyed in:
Hakuba
Available from the end of April until early November, hot air ballooning in Hakuba is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the valley and the dramatic North Japan Alps. Ballooning takes place in the morning, allowing guests to enjoy the majesty of the mountains in the crisp morning light. Guests of any age can choose to take part and no specialist gear is required. The balloons operate from the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium car park no.6. The operators request that all guests are their at least 10 minutes prior to their time, with the entire experience taking around 20 minutes – see website for full details.
3 / HANG-GLIDING
A popular sport throughout the world, hang-gliding can also be enjoyed in Japan with multiple areas, mostly outside the major cities, offering the best chance to enjoy it. Hang-giding in tandem with an experienced and certified instructor allows first-timers to immediately take to the air and experience the beauty of the Japanese landscape below.
We apologise that at this time we do not have any hang-gliding activities to offer however we hope to update this information shortly.
4 / PARAGLIDING
Similarly, paragliding allows travelers to take to the air, suspended in a harness below a fabric wing. Controlled by cables attaching the harness to the wing, paragliding provides a dynamic way to travelers to soar above the landscape and enjoy some truly fantastic views.
We apologise that at this time we do not have any paragliding activities to offer however we hope to update this information shortly.
5 / BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure in Central Japan! As a registered travel agent we can arrange adventure experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages. So no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered including getting you to the best outdoor destinations and events in the region.
For guests wanting to access these destinations in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
