Misawa

1Civil terminal

One of very little places to look onto the runway. The view from the restaurant and terrace is good to poll many numbers and with a long lense photos are possible too. The QRA hangars are right in front of the terminal. Just east of here, off-airport, a small road leads to houses near the fence and offers a limited view on the field as well.

2Final 28

This is a fine spot to get the numbers of flying traffic. Approaches on 28 are good for photos most of the day, although the fighters will be a bit high. No extraordinary lenses needed. Departures from 10 can be worthwhile too. The local shop at the traffic lights provides for everything needed to hang around.

3Museum

The growing aircraft collection is certainly worth a visit. Apart from that, the museum terrain can serve as a spotting place including views on the F-2 flightlines south of the runway, and the base flight apron and hanger next to the museum. Helicopters on that platform can even be photographed. There are no charges here except for access to the part of the collection that is inside.

4Final 10

Comparable to spot 2, with views of flying aircraft only. No facilities though, this is in the green. Bring 400mm effective for the fighters.

5Northwest side

From this road the odd regi may be logged, of aircraft in or near a hangar.

6Hotel

If you happen to be staying at the Misawa city Hotel, don't forget to have a look at the field from the staircase annex emergency exit. The reward is viewing right on the JASDF fighter flightlines and alert barns, and with suitable optics even some E-2s in the distance can be read off. Not a photospot.

7Treshold 28

By walking from spot 2 to the West, you will get a better view on the activities on the airbase. Landing aircraft can be photographed with around 200mm on digital camera, while the spot is also good for spotting. The aircraft are a little bit lower than at spot 2.