Katsuragawa Gliderfield

The gliderfield was permanently closed due to a large-scale river improvement project conducted by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The project, part of the 'Yodo River System River Improvement Plan', involved redeveloping the riverbed for enhanced flood control and creating a public park. This government-led land-use change made the area incompatible with aviation activities.

The site of the former gliderfield has been completely transformed into the Yodogawa Riverside Park Sewari-tei District (淀川河川公園背割堤地区). It is now a major public recreational area, famous for a 1.4-kilometer-long levee (the Sewari-tei) lined with over 200 cherry blossom trees that form a spectacular tunnel in the spring. The open grassy areas are used for picnics, sports, cycling, and large-scale events. The 'Sakura Deai Kan' observation tower was built on-site, offering panoramic views of the three rivers and the surrounding landscape. The land's primary function is now public recreation and flood management.

For several decades, Katsuragawa Gliderfield was a vital training ground for the student aviation community in Japan's Kansai region. Located in the unique riverbed environment at the confluence of the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers, it was primarily used by the university aviation clubs of Doshisha University and Kyoto University, among others. Operations consisted of winch-launched glider flights, providing an accessible and essential facility for primary flight training. Its closure was a significant loss for these clubs, forcing them to relocate their training activities to more distant and costly airfields.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Katsuragawa Gliderfield. The land has been permanently repurposed by the national government as a public park and a critical part of the regional flood control infrastructure. Given the significant investment in the park and its importance for both recreation and disaster prevention, a return to aviation use is considered impossible.