Paragliding Sainokuni Yumitate Area

The Sainokuni Yumitate Area is the closest paragliding site to Tokyo, making it easily accessible by train. Located in Tokigawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture, it offers year-round flying opportunities. The site is primarily used by the local paragliding school and their tandem flights. Access to the site is convenient: - By Car: 30 minutes from Higashi-matsuyama/Tsurugashima ramps of Kan'etsu Expressway or Tsurugashima ramp of Ken'odo highway. - By Train: 15 minutes from Ogose Station of Tobu Ogose Line/JR Hachiko Line, with pick-up service available. The takeoff area, situated at an altitude of 427 meters above sea level, has a 10° slope and can accommodate a 40m x 40m launch platform. The primary takeoff directions are East and South, depending on wind conditions. The landing area is flat, measuring 70m x 170m, and is located at an altitude of 147 meters above sea level. A shuttle bus is available to transport pilots from the landing zone back to the takeoff area. Flight conditions at this site include: - Thermal Soarings: 50% - Ridge Soarings: 30% - Sleddies: 20% Visitors can request guided flights and will receive a briefing on thermal points. Cross-country flights are available for members of the school's cross-country course or those with JHF-XC or IPPI ParaPro 5 certification. Nearby attractions include the 'Soba Ashram,' where you can experience making and eating buckwheat noodles, and Heisei-ro, a lodging facility with a hot spring and heated pool, located 20 minutes away. For more information, visit the official website: [Sainokuni Paraglider School Yumitate](http://www.yumitate-para.com/). Contact Information: - Address: Tokigawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture - Phone: 0493-65-5551 - Email: info@yumitate-para.com Check-in is available from 08:30. Visitor fees are JY3,000 per day, and membership fees are JY40,000 per year. Note that the staff is not bilingual.