Paragliding Mikkabi Hamanako Flight Park

Hamanako Flight Park is a paragliding site in Japan, offering a stunning view of Lake Hamanako. It is located just 3 minutes by car from the Mikkabi Ramp of the Tomei Expressway, making it easily accessible. The site is open year-round, except on Thursdays (unless it's a national holiday). The Hamanako Paraglider School operates here, providing training and support. The school has bilingual staff and offers services in English. The launch area, known as No.1 Takeoff, faces south and is situated on a slope at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. The launch area covers 1,500 square meters but does not have a launch deck. This site is beginner-friendly, though pilots should be cautious of strong thermals between 12:00 and 14:00. Flight conditions include 40% thermal soaring, 40% ridge soaring, and 20% straight flights to the landing zone. The altitude difference between the launch and landing zone is 350 meters, with a distance of 1,400 meters. The landing zone is flat, measuring 80 by 150 meters, and is located at an altitude of 50 meters above sea level. Access from the landing zone to the launch area involves a 2-minute walk, an 8-minute car ride, and a 5-minute ride on a mono-rack cart, totaling about 15 minutes. Cross-country flights are accepted at this site. Nearby attractions include marine sports, swimming, and gathering sea shells on the coast of Lake Hamanako. After a flight, you can relax at the Mikkabi Hot Spring or Kanzannji Hot Spring, both located nearby. For more information, visit the [Hamanako Paraglider School website](http://www.jpmsports.com) or check out the [Japan Hang & Paragliding Federation's site](http://jhf.hangpara.or.jp/english/site/site/Shizuoka.html#anchor2003shizuoka01).