Paragliding Paraglider Park Aoki lower takeoff

Paraglider Park Aoki is a popular paragliding site located in Aoki-mura, Chiisagata-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The site offers a variety of amenities within a 3 km radius, including hot springs, a buckwheat noodle shop, and a convenience store. Address: 454 Tazawa, Aoki-mura, Chiisagata-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 386-1601 **Directions:** - **By Car:** From Fujioka Ramp of Kan'etsu Expressway to Ueda-Sugadaira Ramp of Jo-Shinetsu Expressway, then via Ueda Bypass to Aoki-mura via R143. - **By Train:** Get off at Ueda Station of JR Nagano Shinkansen, then take a bus to Aoki village. **Season:** April to December **School:** Aokimura Paraglider School offers training with bilingual staff (Japanese/English). **Contact Information:** - **Phone:** 0268-49-3887 - **Email:** pgp-aoki@ued.janis.or.jp - **Website:** [Paraglider Park Aoki](http://www.tutaya.co.jp/kishi) **Check-in Desk:** 07:00 to 23:00 **Pilot Rating:** Intermediate (ParaPro stage 4) and above **Membership Fees:** - Annual Membership: JY30,000/year (+ Area Fee JY500) - Visitor Fee: JY3,000/day (+ Area Fee JY500) **Launch Site:** - **Name:** Jukkanzan Takeoff (A Top B Top) - **Orientation:** E SE - **Terrain:** Slope - **Altitude:** A Top 1,000m, B Top 1,250m - **Comments:** Thermals are strong in front of the launch, providing quick ascent. **Flight Conditions:** - **Thermal Soaring:** 70% - **Ridge Soaring/Straight to LZ:** 30% - **Altitude (Launch to LZ):** 500m, 700m - **Distance (Launch to LZ):** 2,000m - **Comments:** Easy to catch thermals when flying parallel to the ridge. **Landing Zone:** - **Area:** 50m x 50m - **Terrain:** Flat - **Altitude:** 500m - **Comments:** The landing zone is surrounded by rice fields, which might add some pressure during landing. **Access from LZ to Launch:** 0 minute's walk + 15 minutes by car, total 15 minutes **Cross Country Flight:** Not accepted **Places of Interest:** Aoki-mura Village is renowned for its hot-spring health resorts and well-maintained trekking courses. The local soba noodles, made from buckwheat harvested in the area, are a must-try. For more information, visit: - [Paraglider Park Aoki](http://www.paragliderpark.jp/) - [Paraglider Park Aoki Area](http://www.paragliderpark.jp/area.php) - [Paraglider Park Aoki Blog](http://paragliderparkaoki.blogspot.de) - [JHF Site Information](http://jhf.hangpara.or.jp/english/site/site/Nagano.html#anchor2003nagano08) Masahiro-san, the owner and instructor of Aoki PG school, is very helpful and speaks some English. For flight regulations, check with the local PG school. Tourism: Several 'Onsen' (hot springs) nearby and a soba shop are worth visiting.