Sakura Gliderfield

The airport was closed due to the expiration of its land lease agreement. The landowner, Chiba Prefecture, decided not to renew the lease with the operating gliding clubs. The primary reason for this decision was to repurpose the land for a large-scale solar power generation project, which was deemed a more profitable and strategic use of the prefectural land.

The site of the former gliderfield has been completely redeveloped. It is now occupied by the 'Ichigo Sakura Inbanuma Eco Power Plant,' a large-scale solar farm. The entire area, including the former runway, is covered with thousands of solar panels. The power plant began commercial operation in March 2016, permanently changing the land's use from aviation to renewable energy generation.

Sakura Gliderfield was a key hub for the sport of gliding in Japan's Kanto region. Located on scenic reclaimed land alongside Lake Inba, it served as the primary base of operations for several university aviation clubs, most notably the prestigious Waseda University Soaring Club. For decades, it was a vital training ground for student pilots and a popular site for recreational and competitive soaring. The airfield featured a single unpaved (grass/dirt) runway and primarily handled glider operations, which were launched using tow planes.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Sakura Gliderfield. The land has been fundamentally and permanently repurposed for a long-term industrial energy project. The aviation clubs that once operated there, such as the Waseda University Soaring Club, have since relocated their activities to other airfields in the region, like the Sekiyado Gliderport (RJAX).