Akita Prefecture’s Event with a History of Over 100 Years! Kamihinokinai’s Paper Balloon Festival

This is a winter event representative of Akita Prefecture.
Large candlelit paper balloons, painted with warrior pictures and Ukiyo-e styled women, flutter in the winter night sky like shining stars. A total of around 100 paper balloons are released into the night sky.
The Paper Balloon Festival is a traditional event that has been held for over 100 years.
The origin of the event is said to have its roots in the Edo Period scientist, Hiraga Gennai (1728-1780), who supposedly taught the populace the principles behind hot air balloons.

The paper balloons, bearing pictures of warriors and beauties, can be as big as 12 meters.
You can also write your wishes onto the paper balloons.