REQ: mil spotting in South Japan on Saturday

[eriktex]

Dear all,


Next week I will have the opportunity to spend a few days in the south of Japan. I have two questions for you experienced Japan travellers:

1. On a Friday I intend to be at Nyatabaru really early in the morning when they (hopefully) pull everything out of the hangars. After that I wanna make a fast drive to Tsuiki. Can anyone indicate how long the drive actually takes - from Nya to Tsuiki? It is around 250 km but Google Maps gives 5 hours for that... ?!

2. Then I also have the Saturday left. No flying activities obviously (?) but which of the following bases is worthwhile to get some numbers from aircraft that are parked outside?

- Kanoya (P-3s must be parked outside for sure)
- Ashiya
- Fukuoka
- Metabaru
- Takayabaru

Any other hints for this trip (aircraft collections and so on) are more than welcome. Thanks in advance!


Eric

[SquAdmin]

1. On a Friday I intend to be at Nyatabaru really early in the morning when they (hopefully) pull everything out of the hangars. After that I wanna make a fast drive to Tsuiki. Can anyone indicate how long the drive actually takes - from Nya to Tsuiki? It is around 250 km but Google Maps gives 5 hours for that... ?!

Never driven that particular route, but it wouldn't surprise me. Lots of small roads with congestion in between those bases. Google probably takes the ridiculous Japanese speed limits into account as well. You could gain something there with a flexible driving style
A safer option would be to plan Kanoya in the afternoon: the hangars (with choppers) might still be open when you arrive.

[Stefan]

Never driven that route either... if you go via Fukuoka it will take around 4 to 5 hours as well.

The only real option for Saturday is Kanoya and its Orions (and some rescue choppers outside during the weekend). All others will not reveal (much of) their hardware to you during the weekend.

Too bad that you will be near Tsuiki on Friday afternoon, since it will take the same amount of time to get to Kanoya again.

Regards,
Stefan

[CBR]

Can anyone indicate how long the drive actually takes - from Nya to Tsuiki? It is around 250 km but Google Maps gives 5 hours for that... ?!

There is no fast drive to Tsuiki ... in 2010 I took the direct "coastline" route and yes it took 4-5 hours with moderate traffic. My advice, take the highway via Fukuoka, although more expensive and equal in time, its much more relaxed.

Or even better and realistic make a choice of either Tsuiki or Nya & Kanoya.

[Le Addeur noir]

1. On a Friday I intend to be at Nyatabaru really early in the morning when they (hopefully) pull everything out of the hangars. After that I wanna make a fast drive to Tsuiki. Can anyone indicate how long the drive actually takes - from Nya to Tsuiki? It is around 250 km but Google Maps gives 5 hours for that... ?!

Never driven that particular route, but it wouldn't surprise me. Lots of small roads with congestion in between those bases. Google probably takes the ridiculous Japanese speed limits into account as well. You could gain something there with a flexible driving style
A safer option would be to plan Kanoya in the afternoon: the hangars (with choppers) might still be open when you arrive.

A lot of speed cameras in Japan,so you exceed the limit at your peril.Any fines after you leave Japan will go on to your credit card.

There is sometimes limited army flying at weekends,so you may be lucky if you want to take a chance on these bases.Both are open from outside.

Most army flights call serial in English,so a scanner may be a good idea.

[eriktex]

Hmmm choices, choices. I guess I will go for Nya on the Friday and enjoy a whole day of spotting and making pictures there...then Saturday for the Orions and some relaxed driving back to Fukuoka to catch my flight to...Korea!

Is a stepladder required for Nyatabaru - just like Hyakuri?!


Erik

[CBR]

Hmmm choices, choices. I guess I will go for Nya on the Friday and enjoy a whole day of spotting and making pictures there...then Saturday for the Orions and some relaxed driving back to Fukuoka to catch my flight to...Korea!

Is a stepladder required for Nyatabaru - just like Hyakuri?!


Erik

Thats by far the best choice ... and you absolutely do need a stepladder for runway & taxiway photography...

[eriktex]

OK I will try to find a stepladder once again (I left the other one at Hyakuri lol). What were the names of the stores where you can typically buy one??


Erik

[P.Terlouw]

OK I will try to find a stepladder once again (I left the other one at Hyakuri lol). What were the names of the stores where you can typically buy one??


Erik

the HOMAC diy chainstores are the most convienent ones.

[CBR]

What were the names of the stores where you can typically buy one??

I have no names but I found them in Gardencenters or Home Improvement (do it yourselve) Centers...