Highland Gliderport

The closure was primarily due to economic and operational reasons. The primary operator, the Akita Glider Club (秋田グライダークラブ), faced significant financial challenges, including the high costs of aircraft maintenance, fuel for the tow plane, and general facility upkeep. This was compounded by a declining number of active club members, which made the gliderport financially unsustainable.

The site is currently abandoned as an aviation facility. The paved runway remains physically intact but is unmaintained, with faded markings and vegetation encroaching on the edges. There are no aircraft or operational equipment on site. The former gliderport is now informally used by the public as an unofficial parking lot for hikers heading to Mount Moriyoshi, a scenic viewpoint, and a space for recreational activities like drone flying or driving practice. It is effectively derelict land with no official designated use.

Established around 1993, Highland Gliderport was a significant site for recreational gliding in the Tōhoku region of Japan. It was created as part of a local government revitalization project to promote tourism and outdoor activities in the Moriyoshi mountain area, complementing the nearby Ani Ski Resort. The gliderport was strategically located to take advantage of the excellent mountain soaring conditions (ridge lift and thermals) provided by Mount Moriyoshi. Operations consisted of aerotow and winch-launches for single and two-seat gliders, primarily serving the Akita Glider Club and visiting pilots during weekends and holidays in the flying season (spring through autumn).

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Highland Gliderport. The original operating club is defunct, and the economic factors that led to its closure remain. A reopening would require a significant new investment and a revived local interest in gliding, neither of which appears to be forthcoming. The facility is expected to remain closed indefinitely.