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Balloon Tours Offer Panoramic Views of Mozu-Furuichi Tombs

OSAKA - Sakai City will begin operating sightseeing hot-air balloons on October 4th, offering aerial views of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The balloons will take off and land at Daisen Park, with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers.

Rising to about 100 meters above ground, riders will be able to see the Daisen Kofun, also known as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, along with other ancient burial mounds.

Each flight lasts around 15 minutes, and the city expects about 60,000 visitors annually. The balloons will operate year-round, though flights may be canceled depending on weather conditions. Fares are set at 4,200 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for children, with Sakai residents receiving a 1,000 yen discount. The initiative is intended to highlight the appeal of Osaka beyond the 2025 Expo, drawing more attention to the city’s cultural heritage.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS

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