Thunderbirds Far East Tour 2009 in Japan

[Dan82]

Hi,

Capt Jason McCree (Public Affairs Officer) sent me schedule of Thunderbirds team in Japan for their Far East Tour 2009:

Airshow Site : Chitose AB
Arrival/Departure Dates : 13 Oct/15 Oct

Airshow Site : Hamamatsu AB
Arrival/Departure Dates : 15 Oct/17 Oct

Airshow Site : Misawa AB
Arrival/Departure Dates : 17 Oct/19 Oct

As I don't know Japan bases, I will appreciate advice from people who know these bases in order to know what should be the most interesting airshow for a photographer. At the moment, my plan is to attend Misawa airshow only.

I will travel by plane and train only (no car) so, all feedback from other spotters in Japan about hotels close to these bases will be appreciated too.

Regards,
Dan

[Fred]

The T-birds are also to appear at Osan Wednesday October 21st and who knows at the Seoul Airshow at Seongnam later that same week.

[Uni]

Hi,
JASDF Chitose will open for the public only 15 Oct..
JASDF Hamamatsu open house day will be 17 Oct.
JASDF Misawa open house day will be 18 Oct.

About the hotels for Misawa, please check around Hachinohe(JR Hon-Hachinohe station), around JR Aomori station or JR Morioka station. (I think there must be no room around Hachinohe by now)

From JR Misawa to the base, you'll be able to take shuttle bus services(about 300JPY,15min.).
If you want to take photos of the gate guardians of Misawa(F-1, F-16, F-86F and F-4C), you should NOT ride on the shuttle bus from the main gate to the apron(about 2km).