Kumamoto - Takayabaru

ICAO Code	RJFT/KMJ
Last Validated	04-2017
City	Kumamoto
Position	32°50'14"N 130°51'19"E
Runway(s)	07/25
Elevation	623 ft

General

The airport of Kumamoto is officially called 'Aso Kumamoto Airport' after infamous active volcano mount Aso, that is relatively nearby. However, most military aviation enthusiasts will know it under its army name JGSDF Takayabaru.

Getting There

Of course, the airport is signposted, it is a fair bit to the east of town. From the Kyushu expressway, the major North-South toll road through Kyushu island, coming from the South, take exit 15-1 Mashiki-Kumamoto. It also sports an airport and volcano icon. After the toll booth, make a right onto road 36 and follow this to the airport and underneath the runway to reach spot 2.

Coming from the North, take exit 15 Kumamoto / Aso and keep left after the toll booth, West-bound onto the 57. At the first traffic lights, make a left again onto the 232; it will become 103 later. In all cases the airport is signposted. This route makes you approach from the North-west and the entrance to the small road along the Northern perimeter is in a shallow right hand turn som beware when crossing over into it.

Around the Airport

1West side approach

This spot is good when runway 07 is in use. You can either reach it from the Northern perimeter road and heading counter clockwise following the fenceline, or drive West-bound from the terminal past the army area. That is not visible from the South side by the way, because it is elevated.

2North side perimeter overview

There is a road/track along the complete runway on the North side. The only snag is that you have backlight all day, but good for overviews and looking into the army hangars. In some places the road is higher than the fence enabling photography on the runway, but backlit obviously.

3East side approach

For runway 25 approaches, from spot 2, go East. The track along the perimeter will take you to a through-road. From there, take the first right. After underpassing the approach there is a tree-lined road going back to the airfield. From here you can enjoy the approaching aircraft when they use a Westerly landing direction.

If this is a bit too much 'underneath' you can take a track more South although you will have more trees blocking your view and so a shorter response window.

4Helicopter ramps

Various helicopter operators can be found here, both government and for leisure flying over the volcano. There is a road right next to these ramps.