Shinonome Airfield

The airfield was closed due to the extensive urban redevelopment of the Tokyo waterfront area. As Tokyo expanded, the land occupied by the airfield became extremely valuable and was designated for large-scale residential and commercial projects. Increasing noise complaints from the growing population in the surrounding areas also contributed to the decision to close it. The general aviation operations were subsequently relocated to Chofu Airfield in western Tokyo.

The site of the former Shinonome Airfield has been completely redeveloped and bears no resemblance to its past use. The area is now a high-density residential and commercial district. Key developments on the former grounds include the Shinonome Canal Court CODAN (a large-scale public housing complex), numerous high-rise condominiums (known as 'tower mansions'), commercial facilities, and public parks such as Shinonome Mizube Park.

Opened around 1952 on reclaimed land, Shinonome Airfield was a crucial hub for general aviation in central Tokyo for nearly three decades. It primarily handled light aircraft and helicopters. The airfield served a variety of purposes, including private flights, flight training, aerial surveying, and as a base for news-gathering aircraft operated by major Japanese media companies like the Asahi Shimbun. It played a significant role in the post-war growth of Japan's private aviation sector before the city's development needs surpassed its utility.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Shinonome Airfield. The land has been irreversibly transformed into a densely populated urban center. Re-establishing an airport at this location is physically impossible and economically and politically infeasible due to the extensive development and high land value.