Takikawa Sky Park

At this park, planes fly without engines—well most of them. 

The Sky park was founded in Takikawa in 1989 by the Skyport Association of Takikawa (SATA). The group has been a key contributor in local efforts to revitalize the economy and draw tourism to the city. Pilots travel from all over the world to learn and fly here. 

The park is open to the public, complete with a running path that is a favorite among joggers and dog-walkers. The Sky Museum serves as SATA’s headquarters, and visitors can peek inside the hangar for a glimpse at vintage gliders and planes. In 2018, the city hosted the World Air Sports Federation’s championship, welcoming visitors from all over to fly remote-controlled planes at the park.

SATA promotes various aerial sports, such as skydiving and hot air ballooning, Glider pilots launching from the park can travel for miles, passing over the city’s canola fields or the marshes of Uryu. Visitors can also enjoy a 10-minute flight for 7,500 yen.