Sky Wonderland Tsugaike is a paragliding site located in Tsugaike Kogen, Otari-mura, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This site is suitable for pilots of all levels, from beginners to cross-country enthusiasts. The takeoff and landing areas are designed to be stress-free, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed flight experience.
To get there by car, take National Route 148 to Oike Station, then drive 4 km west from the skiing ground signboard. If you prefer public transportation, the school provides a pickup service from Hakuba-Oike Station on the Oito Line.
The flying season runs from April to November. The Tsugaike Paraglider School operates here, offering training and support. You can contact them at 0261-83-2521 (off-season 0261-82-3161) or via email at tugapara@janis.or.jp. More information is available on their website: [Tsugaike Paraglider School](http://www.janis.or.jp/users/tugapara).
Check-in is between 09:00 and 10:00. The site requires a membership fee of JY1,2000 per year or a visitor fee of JY2,000 per day. Pilots need at least a ParaPro stage 2 rating, supervised by an intermediate or higher-level pilot.
The Han-no-ki Takeoff faces multiple directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW) and is situated on a slope at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. The launch area measures 50m x 100m. Pilots are advised to produce a good run to increase speed for a successful takeoff.
Flight conditions include 40% thermal soaring, 20% ridge soaring, and 40% straight to the landing zone. The altitude difference between the launch and landing zone is 500 meters, with a distance of 2,300 meters. Thermals are often found along the gondola route, so caution is advised when flying above it.
The landing zone is a 200m x 400m sloped field at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level. Pilots should aim for a shorter final approach leg due to the sloped terrain.
Access from the landing zone to the launch site involves a 15-minute walk followed by a 15-minute gondola ride, totaling 30 minutes. Cross-country flights are accepted, but registration and presentation of a cross-country pilot certificate are required.
For more details, visit the [Japan Hang & Paragliding Federation](http://jhf.hangpara.or.jp/english/site/site/Nagano.html#anchor2003nagano09).
Watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](
Click to watch video
).
