Okamidake (Ogami)

Okamidake — known locally as Ogami — is a soaring and thermal site above a ski slope in Niigata Prefecture on Japan's west coast, popular enough to host competitions but otherwise quiet. Pilots launch from a broad 640 m ASL platform and fly best with south wind rotating to north or northwest at around 4 m/s or less, working thermals, ridge soaring and cross-country lines through the surrounding hills. The site operates from April through November and closes for the winter snow season. Landing is at 320 m ASL on a big, elevated flat field with a sloping lee-side approach; on dry or warm afternoons the landing field itself can generate a strong thermal, so incoming pilots should aim to come in short rather than push in deep. A day-use fee applies for visiting pilots, with sign-in and sign-out required at the site office.

Launch & conditions

Launch is a wide artificial-surface platform with grass growing through it, room for two wings side by side, clear wind indicators, and plenty of running room. Top landing back at launch is possible in calm conditions.

Getting there & local rules

Reachable by car only, near the Okamidake Camping Ground in Niigata Prefecture; there is no lift or shuttle serving the launch.

Local rules & hazards

The area is rarely crowded outside competition days and has no formal flight rules beyond a ban on top-landing in strong conditions; pilots share a digital radio channel. No specific weather hazards are noted beyond the wind-direction guidance above.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Okamidake (Ogami), 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 Okamidake (Ogami) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.