Nanyo Skypark

Nanyo Skypark sits in Yamagata Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region, and is known as an easy site for both takeoff and landing — the kind of place for a relaxed flight, with flatland cross-country also on offer. It has hosted real pedigree events, including the 1993 Hang Gliding Ladies' World Championship and national paragliding accuracy and hang gliding championships through the 2000s and 2010s. Two launches serve the site: Mt. Jubuichi at 500 m, a 40 by 150 m slot best flown in southeast-to-southwest wind, and Mt. Takatsumuji at 700 m, with both east- and west-facing options roughly 60 by 25 m — both reachable by car right up to takeoff. From Akayu Shinkansen station, the sky park is about 15 minutes away by car. Flying here requires an IPPI ParaPro Stage 4 rating, and the site is considered flyable year-round. Landing is a generous 150 by 100 m flat lawn, matching the site's reputation for straightforward approaches.

Launch & conditions

Two launches serve the site: Mt. Jubuichi at 500 m (southeast-to-southwest wind, 40 by 150 m) and Mt. Takatsumuji at 700 m (east- or west-facing, roughly 60 by 25 m); both are drivable right up to takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

From Akayu Shinkansen station, the sky park is about 15 minutes away by car.

Local rules & hazards

Flying here requires an IPPI ParaPro Stage 4 rating, and the site is considered flyable year-round across all seasons.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Nanyo Skypark, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Nanyo Skypark with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.