J-HangarSpace

The Go-To Website for
Information on Japanese Aviation

www.j-hangarspace.jp

Loading Images
wpif2_loading
JASDF
JGSDF
JMSDF
Japan Coast Guard
Where Are They Now?
Location Reports
Aviation Museums
Doctor-Heli Network
Fire/Disaster Prevention
Police Aviation Units
Japanese Aviation History (to 1945)

JGSDF Base Histories

December 14, 2010, marked the centenary of the first flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft in Japan, which had been “unofficially” achieved by Imperial Japanese Army Capt. Kumazo Hino in a German-designed Grade monoplane. (See the first entry on the Japanese Aviation History page of this website.) As aviation literally took off, urged on by the Army, airfields began to spring up across the country. Several current JGSDF bases have thus enjoyed long associations with aviation that stretch back far beyond the service’s formation.

The format follows that adopted for the other SDF base histories, the compilation of which was commenced in January 2019. This page will gradually be built up to provide comprehensive information on the key events and operations that have happened in the history of some of the following 20 Army Camp airfields:

Akeno  Hofu  Kisarazu  Naha  Tachikawa 
 Aomori  Jinmachi  Kita-Tokushima  Obihiro  Takayubaru
 Asahikawa  Kasumigaura  Kita-Utsunomiya  Okadama  Takigahara
 Hachinohe  Kasuminome  Metabaru  Soumagahara  Yao

Initial information has been culled from the respective base websites, the URLs of which are included in the concluding data box of each entry, and Japanese Wikipedia. Additional factual information, for example from the Japanese aviation press, is being added where applicable as and when time permits. 

Akeno
明野

Location  Ise, Mie Prefecture
Established  (As Gunnery School, Akenogahara Army Aviation
 School) April 22, 1920
 (As IJAAF Army Aviation School) May 17, 1924
 (JGSDF) August 1, 1955

 

Akeno 1983Aerial view of Akeno airfield, taken in 1983. (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons)  

JGSDF Akeno aerial viewJGSDF Akeno Army Camp from a lower altitude and better angle today (Photo: JGSDF)

Akeno JGSDF 10th SqnTheir pilots conducting engine power checks, 10th AvSqn helicopters set off across Akeno airfield
prior to a formation-flying training mission.
(Photo: JGSDF/10th Division)

JGSDF Akeno main gateThe main gate at Akeno Army Camp, May 2009 (Photo: ‘Xjm91587’ via Wikimedia Commons)

Akeno show 2016A view across the airfield on the base open day held on October 2, 2016. (Photo: JGSDF Akeno)

JGSDF Akeno Army Camp, March 17, 2020. 10th AvSqn and other base personnel look on as the
unit’s last two OH-6Ds take off and recede into the distance.
(Photos: JGSDF/10th AvSqn)

Held at Akeno on July 28, 2022, was the graduation ceremony for the 89th Pilot Officer Course (POC). Their families were in attendance to witness the new pilots showing off their skills and being awarded their certificates and wings at the conclusion of the year-long course. The event was officially publicized by means of a short video (link).

The processions of helicopters from the resident 5th Anti-Tank Helicopter Squadron (above)
and the JGSDF’s principal aviation school (below) make Akeno a
popular destination for aviation photographers.

(Photos [Top] Jan. 2024; [above] Nov. 2023: Kenzo via X @kenzo_3516)

Akeno Aviation MuseumThe target of a future J-HangarSpace museum report, the building dedicated to Akeno’s part in the
history of Japanese aviation.
(Photo [Nov. 2010]: ‘Xjm91587’ via Wikimedia Commons)

JGSDF Akeno Army Camp Airfield
Based units

 Main Aviation School   (AH-1S, AH-64D, CH-47JA,OH-1,
                                         TH-480B, UH-1J, UH-2, UH-60JA)

 Training Support Flight   (AH-1S, AH-64D, CH-47JA,
                                           OH-1, UH-1J, UH-60JA)
 

 HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st Flt/2nd Flt (AH-1S),
                                                 5th Anti-Tank Helicopter Sqn

 10th AvSqn (Attached to 10th Division, UH-1J)

Contact points

 Akeno 5593-11, Obata-cho, Ise,
    Mie Prefecture 519-0596, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)596-37-0111

 Aviation School website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Akeno 明野 (Kintetsu Yamada Line / 近鉄山田線)
 Japanese Reference Sources

 Aviation School website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 明野駐屯地

 

Aomori
青森

Location  Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Established  1956

The Aomori garrison’s unassuming main gate in September 2013. The banner is promoting a
road safety campaign.
(Photo: Ebiebi2 via Wikimedia Commons)

Some of the 38 SDF and base monitors and local people with connections to Camp Aomori during a
base tour in September 2021. The tour included 10-minute air experience flights in groups of five
over the city of Aomori in a UH-1J from the now Hachinohe-based 9th AvSqn.

(Photo: JGSDF Northeastern Army Public Relations website, accessed Oct. 22, 2024 [link])

JGSDF Aomori Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  Formerly 9th AvSqn (See Hachinohe)
Contact points  Aza Chikano 45, Namidate, Aomori City,
    Aomori Prefecture 038-0022, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)17-781-0161
 9th Division homepage (link)
Nearest station  Aomori 青森 (JR East)
Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 青森駐屯地

 

Asahikawa
旭川

Location  Asahikawa, Hokkaido Prefecture
Established  (As National Security Force Camp Asahikawa) January 1954
 (JGSDF) July 1954

 

Asahikawa 1977Aerial view of Asahikawa airfield, taken in 1977. (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons) 

Asahikawa tower (Photo: JGSDF Northern Region ATC/Weather Group website [link], accessed Feb. 2, 2015) 

(Above and below) A 2nd AvSqn UH-1J crew gives a flight demonstration during an event
commemorating the 67th anniversary of Asahikawa base and the 69th anniversary of
the establishment of the 2nd Division.
(Photos [June 16, 2019]: JGSDF/2nd Division) 

JGSDF Asahikawa Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  2nd AvSqn (Attached to 2nd Division, UH-1J)
Contact points  Kokuyu-mubanchi, Shunkocho, Asahikawa,
    Hokkaido Prefecture 070-8630, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)166-51-6111
 Fax: +81 (0)166-53-1414
 2nd Division website homepage/2021: (link)
Nearest station  Shin-Asahikawa 新旭川 (Soya Main Line 宗谷本線 and
    Sekihoku Main Line 石北本線) / JR Hokkaido
Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 旭川駐屯地

 

Hachinohe
八戸

Location  Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture
Established  August 15, 1962

Compare the above aerial view of JGSDF Camp Hachinohe in April 2013 with this overall view of
the airport, also taken in 2013
(link), showing the JMSDF base (left) and JGSDF facilities in the
far right corner.
(Photo: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism via Wikimedia Commons)

(Photo [Aug. 2021]: ブルーノ・プラスvia Wikimedia Commons)

A more recent glimpse of the JGSDF helicopter facilities at Hachinohe is provided by this video (link), taken from a based 2nd ATH OH-1 and posted on X in June 2024.

JGSDF Hachinohe Army Camp Airfield
Based units  2nd Anti-Tank Helicopter Sqn HQ Flt (OH-1), 1st Flt/2nd Flt (AH-1S)
 9th AvSqn (Attached to 9th Division, UH-1J)
Contact points

 Kikyonokanchi, Ooaza Ichikawa-machi, Hachinohe,
   Aomori Prefecture 039-2295, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)178-28-3111

 Hachinohe Army Camp website homepage/2021:(link)

Nearest station  Mutsu-Ichikawa 陸奥市川 on Tohoku Main Line 東北本線 / JR East
 and 
Aoimori Line 青い森線 / Aoimori Railway
  Japanese Reference Sources  Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 八戸駐屯地

 

Hofu Sub-Camp
防府

Location  Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Established  

A video posted on X by JGSDF Hofu Sub-Camp/13thAvSqn (link) provides a brief view of the
airfield from inside a UH-1J.
(Photo: JGSDF Hofu Sub-Camp/13thAvSqn via X @AvnHofu)

Students from a civil service college in the city of Yamaguchi during a base tour, December 2020
(Photo: JGSDF Hofu Sub-Camp/13thAvSqn via X @AvnHofu)

(Image: JGSDF Hofu Sub-Camp/13thAvSqn via X @AvnHofu)

JGSDF Hofu Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  13th AvSqn (Attached to 13th Brigade, UH-1J)
Contact points  Ooaza Tajima-mubanchi, Hofu,
    Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-8567, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)835-22-1950

 13th Brigade website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Hofu 防府 (Sanyo Main Line 山陽本線) / JR West
  Japanese Reference Sources  Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 防府分屯地

 

Jinmachi
神町

Location  Higashine, Yamagata Prefecture
Established  Completed as IJNAF airfield 1944
 (JGSDF) August 1956

 

JGSDF Jinmachi UH-1H

A UH-1H (above) and UH-1J (below) of the resident 6th AvSqn manoeuvre in different parts of their
home base in early November 2010. (Photos: Jerry Gunner via Wikimedia Commons)

JGSDF Jinmachi UH-1J

JGSDF Jinmachi Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  6th AvSqn (Attached to 6th Division, UH-1J)
Contact points  Jinmachi-minami 3-1-1, Higashine,
    Yamagata Prefecture 999-3797, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)237-48-1151 (PR Group extn. 5898)
 Fax: +81 (0)237-47-1784

 (Jinmachi Army Camp website homepage now deleted)

Nearest station  Jinmachi 神町 (奥羽本線 Ou Main Line) / JR East
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 神町駐屯地

 

Kasumigaura
霞ヶ浦

Location  Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture
Established  (IJNAF) July 1921
 (National Security Force) February 1953
 (JGSDF) July 1, 1954

 

Kasumigaura 1984Kasumigaura airfield in 1984 (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons)  

JGSDF Kasumigaura Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  Branch Aviation School
 (AH-1S, AH-64D, CH-47JA, OH-1, UH-1J, UH-2, UH-60JA)
Contact points  (Public Information Center)

 JGSDF Kasumigaura Army Camp Public Information Group

 2410, Migimomi, Tsuchiura,
    Ibaraki Prefecture 300-0837

 Tel.: +81 (0)29-842-1211, extensions 2217/2241 

 E-mail: pr-adm-eadep@inet.mod.gsdf.go.jp

 Kasumigaura Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link

Nearest station  Arakawaoki 荒川沖 (Joban Line 常磐線) / JR East
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 霞ヶ浦駐屯地

 

Kasuminome
霞目

Location  Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Established  (IJAAF) March 1944
 (JGSDF) December 1955

 

Kasuminome 1984Kasuminome airfield in 1984 (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons)  

JGSDF Kasuminome Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Northeastern Region Aviation Group HQ
 HQ Flt, 1st Flt/2nd Flt (UH-1J),
    Northeastern Region Helicopter Sqn
Contact points  Kasuminome 1-1-1, Wakabayshi-ku, Sendai,
    Miyagi Prefecture 984-8580, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)22-286-3101 (PR Group extn. 301)

 Kasuminome Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Sendai 仙台 (JR East)
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 霞目駐屯地

 

Kisarazu
木更津

Location  Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture
Established  (IJNAF) April 1936
 (JASDF) August 1956
 (JGSDF) March 1968

Airfield at Kisarazu, Chiba PrefectureThere has been an airfield at Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, since the Imperial Japanese Navy
completed the first facility there in April 1936. Now used primarily by the JGSDF, this
aerial view was taken from a based CH-47JA Chinook helicopter in October 2012.
(J-HangarSpace would like to thank Japan Aviation Journalists’ Association
Executive Director Yukio Suzuki for his key role in arranging the flight.)

Kisarazu 1988Kisarazu airfield in 1988 (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons) 

(Photo taken at Kisarazu air show, Oct. 2012)

(Photo taken at Kisarazu air show, Sept. 2017)

In the form of the first V-22B Ospreys for the Transport Helicopter Group, two new faces arrived
at Kisarazu in July 2020. 

(Photos: 1st Helicopter Brigade, JGSDF via Twitter @1st_helb)

JGSDF Kisarazu Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Central Readiness Force, under 1st Helicopter Brigade:

 102nd Sqn (UH-60JA)

 103rd/104th/105th/106th Sqns (CH-47JA),
                                      1st Transport Helicopter Group

 107th/108th Sqns, Transport Aviation Group (V-22B)
 Special Transport Helicopter Sqn (EC225LP)

 Liaison/Reconnaissance Flt (LR-2)

 

 HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st Flt/2nd Flt (AH-1S),
                                       4th Anti-Tank Helicopter Sqn

Contact points  Azuma-chisaki, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture 292-8510, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)438-23-3411 (PR Group, extn. 347)

 1st Helicopter Brigade website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Kisarazu 木更津 (Uchibo Line 内房線) / JR East
 Japanese Reference Sources   Central Readiness Force website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 木更津駐屯地

 

Kita-Tokushima Sub-Camp
北徳島

Location  Matsushige, Tokushima Prefecture
Established  (JGSDF) March 26, 2010

A commemorative photo taken at the time of a joint training exercise with U.S. Army
elements in 2021.
(Photo: Kita-Tokushima Sub-Camp website [link])

The group photo that announced the launch of JGSDF Kita-Tokushima Sub-Camp’s X account.
(@TikbtudA7r44654) in April 2024.

A flight in a 14thAvSqn UH-1J from its Kita-Tokushima base formed part of the JGSDF Tokushima
tour for visitors in December 2022.
(Photo: JGSDF Camp Tokushima @gsdf_tokushima)

JGSDF Kita-Tokushima Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  14th AvSqn (Attached to 14th Brigade, UH-1J)
Contact points  Sumiyoshikaitaku 38, Sumiyoshi, Matsushige Town, Itano District,
    Tokushima Prefecture 771-0292, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)88-699-5111 (14th Sqn, ext. 3931)
 Fax: +81 (0)88-699-5116

 Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Naruto 鳴門 (Naruto Line 鳴門線) / JR Shikoku
  Japanese Reference Sources  Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 北徳島分屯地 

 

Kita-Utsunomiya
北宇都宮

Location  Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture
Established  (JASDF) August 1957
 (JGSDF) November 1962

 

Utsunomiya 1974Utsunomiya airfield in 1974 (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons) 

Use was made of the last two numbers of this Branch Aviation School UH-1J’s serial number in
the colour scheme that commemorated Camp Kita-Utsunomiya’s 40th anniversary at the May
2013 air show. Appearing as a subtle yet colourful design from the side, the front of the
aircraft was festooned with decorations illustrating the aircraft that have been
operated from the base over the years.

Another angle: (link)

(Photo taken May 2013)

(Photo [June 2019]: Mitsuki via X @ainmitsu5024)

JGSDF Kita-Utsunomiya Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Branch Aviation School (LR-2, TH-480B, UH-1J)
 1st Flt, 12th AvSqn (Attached to 12th Brigade, UH-60JA)
Contact points  Kamiyokota-machi 1360, Utsunomiya,
    Tochigi Prefecture 321-0106, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)28-658-2151

 Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Suzumenomiya 雀宮駅 (Utsunomiya Line 北宇都線) / JR East
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website (accessed [date])

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 北宇都宮駐屯地

 

Metabaru
目達原

Location  Yoshinogari, Saga Prefecture
Established  (IJAAF) 1940s
 (JGSDF) July 1954

Metabaru became operational in 1943, when the airfield housed a branch of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force’s Tachiarai Flying School. Its location was to lend itself well for use as a base for training special attack unit pilots.

Metabaru at around the time the airfield first passed from National Safety Force to JGSDF
control, as a supply facility in 1954. What is today the 4th AvSqn arrived from Ozuki in
November 1956.
(Photo: JGSDF Metabaru via X @JGSDF_METABARU)

Metabaru 1987Metabaru in 1987 (Photo: National Land Image Information
[Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons) 

(Photo [May 2021]: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons)

JGSDF Metabaru OH-1The foreshortening effect of a telephoto lens makes it appear that the pilot of a based
Western Region HQ Flt OH-1 is taking the aircraft a little too close to the tower.

(Photo [Dec. 2014]: JGSDF)

JGSDF Metabaru Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Western Region Aviation Group:
 Western Region Air Sqn (LR-2)

 HQ Flt (UH-1J), 1st Flt (UH-60JA), 2nd Flt (UH-1J/2),
     Western Region Helicopter Sqn

 HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st Flt/2nd Flt (AH-64D),
     1st Combat Helicopter Sqn

 

 4th AvSqn (Attached to 4th Division, UH-1J)

Contact points  Tateno 7-1, Yoshinogari-cho, Kanzaki District,
    Saga Prefecture 842-0032, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)952-52-2161 (PR Office extn. 205/206)
 E-mail: log-pl-wadep@inet.gsdf.mod.go.jp

 Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link

Nearest station  Yoshinogari-koen 吉野ヶ里公園
     (Nagasaki Main Line 長崎本線) / JR Kyushu
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website (accessed [date])

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 目達原駐屯地

 

Miho Sub-Camp
美保

Location  Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
Established  March 27, 2018

Falling under JGSDF Camp Yonago’s command is the Miho Sub-Camp, which formed 10 km away on JASDF Miho AB on March 27, 2018. The resident Central Army Helicopter Squadron’s 3rd Flt CO also serves as the sub-camp commander. Miho is the only JGSDF sub-camp that has an aviation unit located on the Sea of ​​Japan side of the country.

Aside from the Central Army Helicopter Squadron’s Chinooks, the JGSDF presence at Miho AB
includes meteorological, communications and other support units.
(Photo: JASDF Miho AB website)

Naha
那覇

Location  Naha, Okinawa Prefecture
Established  (IJNAF) 1933
 (JGSDF) November 1972

(Photo [2018]: S I via Google)

JGSDF Naha Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  15th Helicopter Sqn
                  (Attached to 15th Brigade, LR-2, CH-47JA, UH-60JA)
Contact points  Kagamizu 679, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture 901-0192, Japan
 Tel.: +81 (0)98-857-1155
 15th Brigade website homepage/2021: (link)
Nearest station  (Naha Airport)
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 那覇駐屯地

 

Obihiro

帯広

Location  Obihiro, Hokkaido Prefecture
Established  (As IJAAF airfield) October 1940
 (National Police Reserve [no aircraft]) Feb. 1951
 NSF 1952-54; JGSDF July 1954 

 

Obihiro 1977An aerial view of JGSDF Obihiro Army Camp/Tokachi airfield, formed from four 1977 images.  
  (Photo: National Land Image Information [Color Aerial Photographs], Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism via Wikimedia Commons) 

JGSDF Obihiro Army Camp Airfield
Based units  HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st/2nd Flt (AH-1S),
     1st Anti-Tank Helicopter Sqn

 5th AvSqn (Attached to 5th Division, UH-1J)
Contact points  Sen 31-banchi, Minami 7, Minami-cho, Obihiro,
    Hokkaido 080-8639, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)155-48-5121
 Base page on 5th Division website/2021: (link)
Nearest station  Obihiro 帯広 (Nemuro Main Line 根室本線) / JR Hokkaido
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 帯広駐屯地

 

Okadama
丘珠

Location  Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture
Established  (JGSDF) Oct. 25, 1954

 

Okadama 1985Okadama airfield in 1985 (Photo: National Land Image Information [Color Aerial
Photographs], Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
via Wikimedia Commons)  

Okadama tower(Photo: JGSDF Northern Region ATC/Weather Group website [link], accessed Feb. 2, 2015) 

The poster used to advertise Okadama’s COVID-downsized 69th anniversary event in July 2022 and
(below) the scene from outside the base that day. (See Bulletin Board photo report.)

(Image: JGSDF Camp Okadama; Photo: Lien via Twitter @roomskyguard) 

Flight line activity on the day of Okadama’s 70th anniversary event in July 2023.
(Photo: E-2/E-3B(アニキ)via X [formerly Twitter] @e2e3e2e3)

The scene at Okadama on June 30, 2024, at the public event held to mark the base’s
71st anniversary.
(Photo: JGSDF Camp Okadama via X @camp_okadama)

JGSDF Okadama Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Northern Region Aviation Group HQ

 Northern Region Air Sqn (LR-2)

 HQ Flt, 1st Flt/2nd Flt (UH-1J),
     Northern Region Helicopter Sqn

 7th AvSqn (Attached to 7th Division, UH-1J)

 11th AvSqn (Attached to 11th Division, UH-1J)

Contact points  161-banchi, Okadama-cho, Higashi-ku, Sapporo,
    Hokkaido 007-8503, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)11-781-8321
 Fax: +81 (0)11-781-0504
 Camp website homepage/2021: (link)
 11th Division website homepage/2021: (link)
Nearest station  Taihei 太平 (Sassho Line 札沼線) / JR Hokkaido
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 札幌飛行場 (Sapporo Airfield)

 

Soumagahara
相馬原

Location  Shinto, Gunma Prefecture
Established  As Imperial Japanese Army School: August 1941 
 As JGSDF Army Camp: July 1, 1954
 As JGSDF airfield: Mar. 27, 2001

The tower at Soumagahara serves as backdrop to the departure of the last flight by a based OH-6D.
(Photo [Mar. 6, 2020]: JGSDF 12th Brigade via Twitter)

The photo uploaded to thank visitors for coming to Soumagahara’s base open day in the year of
the 12th Brigade’s 23rd anniversary and the camp’s 65th anniversary in April 2024.

(Photo: JGSDF 12th Brigade Public Relations via X @jgsdf_12b_pr)

JGSDF Soumagahara Army Camp Airfield
Based units  HQ Flt (OH-1) and 2nd Flt (CH-47JA),
                                      12th AvSqn (Attached to 12th Brigade)
Contact points  Ooaza Arai 1017-2, Shinto-mura, Kita-Gunma District,
    Gunma Prefecture 370-3594, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)279-54-2011

 12th Brigade website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Shibukawa 渋川 (Joetsu Line 上越線 or Agatsuma Line 吾妻線) / JR East
  Japanese Reference Sources  Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 相馬原駐屯地

 

Tachikawa
立川

Location  Tachikawa, Tokyo
Established  (IJAAF) November 1922
 (National Security Force) 1952
 (JASDF) February 1955
 (JGSDF) March 1972

 

tachikawa hangarsSome of the hangars and the control tower at JGSDF Tachikawa Army Camp in 2013. The
Imperial Japanese Army commenced airfield operations from this Tokyo location in 1922.
 

It was from Tachikawa that the Eastern Region Helicopter Squadron flew the very last flight of a
JGSDF OH-6D, on March 26, 2020.
(Photo: Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF Eastern Aviation)

JGSDF Tachikawa Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Eastern Region Aviation Group HQ

 HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st Flt/2nd Flt (UH-1H/J),
    Eastern Region Helicopter Sqn

 

 1st AvSqn (Attached to 1st Division, UH-1J)

Contact points  Midori-cho 5, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8501, Japan
 Tel.: +81 (0)42-524-9321 (PR Group)
 Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link)
Nearest station  Tachikawa 立川 (Chuo Line 中央線) / JR East
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 立川駐屯地

 

Takayubaru Sub-Base
高遊原

Location  Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture
Established  (JGSDF) June 1957

 

Takuyubaru apron and facilities, April 2002 (Photo: Takao Kadokami)

A still from a short YouTube video (link) shows a 109th Sqn Chinook about to receive a wash
down in a spray facility on Takayubaru base. The aircraft was one of three that had just
returned from tackling a forest fire above the village of Ogakicho within the city
of Etajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, in January 2024.

(Image: JGSDF Takayubaru via X [formerly Twitter] @takayubaru_avn)

A Western Army Helicopter Squadron 3rd Flight Chinook returns to base after having taken
part in a formation flypast at an event at nearby Kengun Army Camp in March 2024.

(Photo: JGSDF Takayubaru Sub-Camp via X @takayubaru_avn)

The Western Army operates a specially equipped LR-2 reconnaissance aircraft from Takayubaru.
The aircraft is seen here departing on an information-gathering mission to assess damage to
coastal areas following the Hyuganada Sea Earthquake in August 2024.

(Image from video posted by Western Army on X @takayubaru_avn)

Views of Takayubaru airfield and the surrounding area can be seen in the first of two short videos (link) posted on X that show an overwater live-fire exercise conducted alongside U.S. Army aircraft in August 2024.

JGSDF Takayubaru Sub-Base Airfield
Based units  Western Region Aviation Group HQ

 Western Region Aviation Group:

 Western Region Air Sqn (LR-2)

 3rd Flt (CH-47J/JA), Western Region Helicopter Sqn

 109th Sqn, Transport Aviation Group (CH-47JA) 

 8th AvSqn (Attached to 8th Division, UH-60JA)

Contact points  Ooaza Oyatsu 1812, Mashiki-machi, Kamimashiki District,
    Kumamoto Prefecture 861-2204, Japan
 Tel.: +81 (0)96-232-2101
Nearest station  Higoozu 肥後大津 (Hohi Main Line 豊肥本線) / JR Kyushu
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 高遊原分屯地

 

Takigahara
滝ケ原

Location  Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture
Established  April 11, 1960

Aerial view of the runway at Takigahara in 2012
(Photo: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism via Wikimedia Commons)

JGSDF Takigahara Army Camp Airfield
Based unit  Training Support Flight (UH-1J)
Contact points  Nakabata 2092-2, Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture 412-8550, Japan

 Tel.: +81 (0)550-89-0711

 Base website homepage/2021: (link)

Nearest station  Gotemba 御殿場 (Gotemba Line 御殿場線) / JR Central
 Japanese Reference Sources   Base website

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 滝ケ原分屯地

 

Yao
八尾

Location  Yao, Osaka Prefecture
Established  (IJAAF) 1941
 (JGSDF) September 1954

 

Yao 2014 posterThe poster that advertised the event marking the 60th anniversary of Yao’s establishment and
the 52nd anniversary of the Central Region Aviation Group in November 2014.

The scene at the start of proceedings for the Yao open day event in November 2019, which
attracted around 10,000 visitors.
(Photo: JGSDF Yao) 

Members of the public who are selected every year to fulfill the role of base monitors
board a UH-1J for a familiarization flight that forms part of their base tour.

(Photo [July 2021]: JGSDF Camp Yao via X @JGSDF_YAO)

A typical scene at all JGSDF bases, a UH-1J is towed from its hangar at Yao by a standard
4.3-ton tug.
(Photo [Nov. 2021]: JGSDF Camp Yao via X @JGSDF_YAO)

JGSDF Yao Army Camp Airfield
Based units  Central Region Aviation Group HQ

 HQ Flt (OH-1) and 1st Flt/2nd Flt (UH-1J, UH-2),
     Central Region Helicopter Sqn

 

 3rd AvSqn (Attached to 3rd Division, UH-1J)

Contact points  PR Group, JGSDF Yao Army Camp,
 Yao Airport 1-81, Yao, Osaka Prefecture 581-0043, Japan
 Tel.: +81 (0)729-49-5131, extn. 229
 Yao Army Camp website homepage/2021: (link)
Nearest station  Shiki 志紀 (Yamatoji Line 大和路線) / JR West
 Japanese Reference Sources   Army Camp website (accessed [date])

 Base Watching Guide (Ikaros, 1996)

 Wikipedia 八尾駐屯地

 (All photographs on this website are copyright J-HangarSpace
unless otherwise stated.) 

logors25

Notices

Announcements

JASDF
Air Shows in 2025
Mar. 2  Komaki
Nov. 3  Iruma

Air Shows in 2024
Jan. 20  Iruma
          (Cancelled)
Mar. 3  Komaki
Mar. 24  Kumagaya
May 19  Shizuhama
May 26  Miho
June 2  Hofu-Kita
Aug. 25 Matsushima
Sept. 8  Misawa
Sept. 15  Chitose
Sept. 23  Komatsu
Oct. 6  Ashiya
Oct. 27  Hamamatsu
Nov. 3  Iruma
Nov. 17  Gifu
Nov. 24  Tsuiki
Dec. 1  Nyutabaru
Dec. 8  Hyakuri
Dec. 8  Naha

JGSDF
Air Shows in 2025
TBA

Air Shows in 2024
Jan. 7  Narashino
 (paratroop display)
Apr. 6  Kasuminome
Apr. 6  Utsunomiya
Apr. 13  Somagahara
May 19  Takayubaru

June 1
      Kita-Utsunomiya
June 30  Okadama
Sept. 29  Tachikawa
Oct. 5  Kisarazu

Nov. 10  Akeno
Nov. 24  Yao 

JMSDF
Air Shows in 2025
May 4  Iwakuni
(Joint Friendship Day)

Air Shows in 2024
Apr. 20  Atsugi
  (US Navy/JMSDF)
Apr. 28  Kanoya
May 5  Iwakuni
(Joint Friendship Day)
July 21  Tateyama
July 28  Hachinohe
Sept. 29  Ozuki

Oct. 26  Shimofusa
Nov. 2  Tokushim
a

POSTER GALLERY

JASDF 2023

Miho

JASDF 2022

Chitose


Matsushima

Ashiya

Misawa

Komatsu

 Gifu

 Tsuiki

Hyakuri

JASDF 2019

Komaki 2019 poster
Komaki

air-festa-hohu_img2019rs
Hofu

iruma191103(2)rs
Iruma

JGSDF 2023

Somagahara

JGSDF 2022

 Okadama

narashino1ab2019koukahajimers
Narashino 2019
 (paratroop display)

metabaru191006rs
Metabaru
tachikawa191109rs
Tachikawa

JMSDF 2023

Kanoya

JMSDF 2022


Omura


Komatsushima

Tateyama

Tokushima

Ozuki

ozuki191020rs

Ozuki 2019

oomura190519rs

shimofusa191026rs

(Please note that air show dates are subject to change/cancellation.)

Links

Asian Air Arms

The Aviation Historian

Nabe3’s Aviation Pages

Japanese

Japan Association of Aviation Photo-
graphers
(JAAP)

用廃機ハンターが行く
(Site dedicated to displayed aircraft in Asia)
JASDF
JGSDF
JMSDF

Visitors

(To May 2022)

Due to the developers
ceasing to support the 
plug-in, the flag
counter has been
replaced twice.
Previously, there had
been more than
45,000 visitors from
the United States,
40,000 from Japan,
and 25,000 from the
UK alone.

(From May 2022)

Flag Counter

Thanks to all for visiting!