Shinwakaura Airstrip

The direct cause for the closure was a fatal accident. On August 26, 1969, a Cessna 172 aircraft (registration JA3162) on a sightseeing flight crashed into Wakaura Bay shortly after takeoff. The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and all three passengers. This tragedy led to the immediate and permanent cessation of all operations from the airstrip.

The site of the former airstrip has been completely redeveloped and bears no resemblance to its previous use. The land is now occupied by the Wakanoura Nature Resort EPICHARIS hotel, the Wakaura Fisherman's Wharf (和歌浦漁港おっとっと広場), and their large associated parking lots. The area is a popular seaside destination for dining and recreation.

Opened around April 1960, the Shinwakaura Airstrip (also known as Shinwakaura Sightseeing Airfield - 新和歌浦遊覧飛行場) was a private airfield operated by Wako Sangyo Co., Ltd. Its sole purpose was to conduct sightseeing flights over the scenic Wakaura Bay, a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. The airstrip featured a single, unpaved runway approximately 500-600 meters long, situated along the coast. It was a symbol of Japan's post-war tourism boom, offering a modern and exciting aerial perspective of a classic tourist destination using small propeller aircraft like the Cessna 172.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the airstrip. The land has been fully repurposed for commercial and tourism-related infrastructure, making any return to aviation activities impossible.