Jikkokutoge Gliderfield

The primary reason for the closure was a fatal accident that highlighted severe safety concerns. On August 26, 1971, a LET L-13 Blaník glider (registration JA2052) belonging to the Waseda University Aviation Club crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of both the instructor and the student pilot. The investigation and subsequent review deemed the airfield's location—on a mountain pass known for its complex and often treacherous wind conditions (downdrafts and turbulence)—to be excessively dangerous for glider training. Following this tragic event, operations were suspended and the airfield was permanently closed in 1973.

The site of the former gliderfield has been completely repurposed and is now an integral part of the Jikkoku Pass (Jukkokutōge) tourist area. The long, flat expanse of the former runway is now a large paved parking lot for visitors to the Jikkoku Pass Rest House and the Jukkokutōge Cable Car. No visible traces of the airfield, such as hangars or runway markings, remain.

Jikkokutoge Gliderfield was a prominent gliding center in Japan, operated by the All Japan Student Aviation Federation (全日本学生航空連盟). It served as a crucial training ground for student aviation clubs from numerous universities in the Kanto region. Its high-altitude location on the Jikkoku Pass provided excellent opportunities for ridge and thermal soaring but also presented significant challenges. The field was used for launching gliders, primarily via winch launch, and was a hub of student aviation activity during its operational years.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Jikkokutoge Gliderfield. The original safety concerns that led to its closure are still valid, and the land has since been fully developed for tourism, a major economic driver for the region. Re-establishing an aviation facility at this location is considered unfeasible and is not under consideration.