Paragliding Hakusan Sky Shishiku Shishiku Kogen

Shishiku Kogen Sky Leisure Area is a well-regarded paragliding site located in Yawata-machi, Hakusan-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The site offers easy access to the takeoff point, which is just a 15-minute gondola ride from the landing zone. The flying season runs from April to November, making it a popular spot for both thermal and ridge soaring. The takeoff area is covered with artificial grass, providing a comfortable and stress-free launch for beginners. The takeoff altitude is 600 meters above sea level, with a terrain gradient of 17° to 25°. The site can accommodate 5 to 6 gliders side by side. The landing zone is a 100m x 100m field of grass, situated at 150 meters above sea level. Pilots should be cautious of the surrounding rice fields when landing. The region is known for its favorable thermal conditions, allowing for extended soaring flights. Cross-country flights are possible but require prior permission from the safety director. The site also features a restaurant next to the takeoff area, which is convenient for pilots waiting for optimal flying conditions. Access to the site is straightforward. By car, head for Komatsu via Route 8 after exiting at the Kanazawa-Nishi ramp of the Hokuriku Expressway, then turn right at Matto to take Route 157 towards Shiramine/Katsuyama. By train, take the JR line to Nishi-kanazawa Station, then transfer to the Ishikawa line of Hokuriku Railway to Tsurugi Station. The Shishiku Kogen Paraglider School offers training and has bilingual staff (Japanese/English). The school can be contacted at 076-273-0658 or via email at sisiku@sisiku.jp. More information can be found on their website: [Shishiku Kogen Paraglider School](http://sisiku.jp/). For those interested in visiting, the site requires pilots to have JHF-P, JPA-P, or IPPI ParaPro 4 certification with third-party liability insurance. The visitor fee is JY1,500 per day, and a yearly membership is available for JY15,000. Nearby attractions include Sky Shishiku, Park Shishiku, and the Kogen Bakery Shop, known for its delicious bread. There are also numerous hot springs and lodging facilities in the area, and Kanazawa downtown is just a 30-minute drive away. For more detailed information, you can visit the following links: - [Flight Records](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/643343) - [Flight Records](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/643346) - [Flight Records](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/643473) - [Ishikawa Paragliding Area](http://jhf.hangpara.or.jp/area/2010area/ishikawa_eng.htm#anchor2010ishikawa01) - [Flickr Photos](http://www.flickr.com/photos/taggi/sets) For more information about the flying site, accommodations, and images, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).