Parapente Akaiwa Utsunomiya Area

Akaiwa Paragliding Site in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is an occasionally used site suitable for easy soaring with the potential for small cross-country flights. The site is accessible year-round and is located approximately 20 minutes by car from the Kanuma and Utsunomiya ramps of the Tohoku Expressway. For those traveling by train, the nearest stations are Shin-kanuma Station on the Tobu Nikko Line and Fubasami Station on the JR Nikko Line, with pick-up services available upon prior booking. The Akaiwa Paraglider School operates at this site, offering training and support, although bilingual staff are not available. The school can be contacted at 028-652-5531 or via email at akaiwa@aj.wakwak.com. More information can be found on their website: [Akaiwa Paraglider School](http://www.akaiwa-para.com/). The takeoff area, known as Akaiwa Takeoff, faces southwest, south, and southeast with an 18° slope and can accommodate up to four gliders side by side. The takeoff altitude is 470 meters above sea level, with GPS coordinates N36°37′08″ E139°45′56″. The landing area is spacious, measuring 300m by 200m, and is flat, making it easy to land with no barriers. The landing altitude is 200 meters above sea level, with GPS coordinates N36°36′79″ E139°45′32″. The site offers a shuttle service from the landing to the takeoff area, taking approximately 2 minutes, or a mono-rail service that takes about 17 minutes. The total travel time is around 19 minutes. For those interested in cross-country flights, a JHF-XC or IPPI ParaPro 5 rating is required. The region also offers many hot spas for day trippers and leading sightseeing spots in Nikko/Kinugawa. Utsunomiya is famous for its Gyoza, with shops located about 20 minutes away. The school also provides accommodation for overnight stays. For more details, visit the [Japan Hang & Paragliding Federation](http://jhf.hangpara.or.jp/area/2010area/tochigi_eng.htm#anchor2010tochigi02).