Fukuoka (Kasuga)

1Final 34

A small turn-off from the main street on the southern perimeter leads to an area suitable to park cars, close to the approach lights. With runway 34 in use anything landing on it is easily photographed here, sun is good starting mid-morning. Departures on 34 can be read off provided they take the beginning (all airliners do) or the first intersection, but road traffic and the fence rule out photographing them from the parking area. However, crossing the street towards the airport enables you to shoot pictures through openings in the fence and leaves the view on final only to be disturbed by lorries or buses. Better even is to bring some steps and enjoy a practically unobstructed view in any direction.

2Pedestrian bridge

This bridge crosses over Route 3 but underneath the Urban Expressway. It is further away from the centreline than spot 1 but offers a nice view from above on the threshold and holding. Especially large aircraft lining up from the domestic side make for good photos.

3Kasuga

A small street directly along the fence leads to local businesses close to the military ramp and the taxiway to/from the International Terminal. Traffic using it comes quite close into view and can be photographed using steps. Depending on your exact position a better look at the Airbase is possible here. With runway 16 in use this spot is good also for action shots of aircraft just airborne.

4Holding 34

On the east side of the southern holding a one-way street is sparsely used, enabling aircraft watchers to park their car in the corner. With active runway 34 nearly all movements can be read off here, as well as most airliners on the West Apron (depending air stability). For photography steps are a must as the fence is a high and double one.

5Route 45

This street follows the airport contour and offers viewing through the fence, enabling you to get those missing numbers of planes parked south of the terminals. Parking is often difficult but most shops offer a solution for that - and why not take the opportunity to top up on refreshments? Photography is far from ideal here though departure shots might be great in the morning if 16 is in use.

6Domestic Terminal 1

The oldest of all four terminals has an observation deck with quite some similarities to a cage. It may be good for number crunchers as it is free of charge, quiet and weather-proof but it is of no use to photo-freaks. You may be able to get numbers on the military apron here not readable elsewhere.

7Domestic Terminal 2

Terminal 2's observation deck is separated from the airside area by really large glass panes and these are kept so clean that photography through them is well possible. Aircraft departing from 34 usually climb rapidly enough to be photographed over the glass after taking a few steps back. Bear in mind the sun moves to the opposite side of the centreline after mid-morning. Virtually any movement can be read off from here, regardless of runway use. Admission is free and vending machines are at the spot.

8Final 16

Less ideal than the area at the opposite end but still useful for observing landings is the northern perimeter. There is no convenient parking for cars here. The view on the airfield is through fences and over an embankment and perimeter road traffic at best so walk in with your steps. Nevertheless, decent approach pictures can be made here, including head-on from the centreline if you like.

9International Terminal

The International Terminal has two observation decks but these too have you look through glass. Unlike at the domestic side the glass here is said to be too dirty for photography. In addition, security on this side appears stricter than elsewhere so this might be one of the few places where spotting is not relaxed (this is not confirmed though).