ICAO Code RJFZ/
Last Validated
City Tsuiki
Position 33°41'06"N 131°02'25"E
Runway(s) 07/25
Elevation 55 ft

General

Tsuiki on the north-eastern coast of Kyushu is probably best known for having been the last airbase in the world housing the Mitsubishi F-1, proudly operated by 6 Hikotai. This unique fighter has long since been replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2A/B, another type nowhere to be seen outside Japan. Coming from Misawa, 8 Hikotai, also operating the F-2A/B, replaced 304 Hikotai with its Eagles and together with 6 Hikotai now forms the 8 Kokudan. Both squadrons also operate the usual number of T-4s for a multitude of tasks. Among this is circuit and approach training, as will become clear to anyone visiting the field. Tsuiki is one of the few Japanese fighter bases not having an own SAR detachment but relies on nearby Ashiya's U-125s and UH-60s instead.

This airbase has a number of features that make it one of the country's major attractions for spotters and photographers: dozens of interesting aircraft, lots of activity during flying days, spotting points on all sides of the runway and even favourable light conditions for photography all day long. Most noteworthy is the famous spot on the quay south of the beginning of runway 25, see below.

Layout

Tsuiki Airbase lies directly on the coast southeast of Yukuhashi with the eastern end of its runway protruding into Suo Bay. The base camp borders Tsuiki village on the south side and the taxiways, aprons and hangars lie between the camp and the runway. The northeastern part of the airbase is enclosed by water.

Getting There

Access is by Route nr. 10 connecting to the Kyushu Expressway near Kitakyushu, some 20km to the northwest. The drive from Fukuoka takes a few hours, highly depending on traffic loads. When approaching the base from either side via Route 10 do not take the Shiida Toll Road (also nr. 10!) but stay on the old road that passes directly in front of the threshold of runway 07.

Around the Airport

1Western approach

Where road nr. 10 crosses the final approach of 07 a minor road leads up the embankment on the western side. Cars can be parked along it once the highest point is reached and this spot is very suitable for viewing and photographing landings on 07. Road 10 is lined by trees on this side so make a choice for the angle you want to shoot at and take position accordingly. Departures from 07 can be read off but are too far away for decent pictures. This spot is close enough to the centreline to use 300mm on average (effective) for fighters. Light is good all day until late afternoon, when the sun starts getting behind the planes on approach.

2Storage

A few F-1s and two T-33s used to be stored on base close to the fence. This spot was accessed via the dead-end street towards some businesses, walking the last part. However, the fence has been replaced by a 20ft wall, blocking the view onto the airfield.

3Main gate

Only one reason to take a look here: preserved aircraft, see panel on the right.

4The quay

One of the most famous aviation photospots in Japan, not just because of the view! This spot offers excellent photo opportunities for aircraft taxiing out to or landing on 25, as well as those airborne from 07 or taxiing in after landing from the west. Even fighters practising strafing runs on the targets next to the runway come into photo-range. Almost any lens will do here, especially for taxi shots. For the runway use about 400mm effective. What is unique about this location is the quay itself, a concrete wall roughly 5 meters high keeping back the water and following the contour of the airfield. Standing on this wall one has an unobstructed view over the water of the taxiway and checkpoint for 25. No climbing is required from the land-side (just one big step) but this vantage point is not recommended for anyone with fear of heights... There are alternatives though, a small area next to the wall is 'safer' and a short walk inland along the fence offers other great positions to shoot photos from. Oh yeah, mind the spiders in the trees by the way.

Finding this spot takes some spotters' feel for direction and some perseverance. From the southern tip of the base near Tsuiki Station take the narrow road nr. 236 to Nishi-Hatta. Where this road turns right, keep to the left and enter the village. Try bearing roughly straight ahead, taking very narrow streets in the desired direction. A few graveyards mark the northern edge of Hatta and behind them the channeled stream can be crossed by one of two concrete one-track bridges. The stream ends at a tiny fishing harbour and spot 4 is to the left of that. It used to be possible to park cars directly behind the quay but by the end of 2005 a little more walking was required.

5Northwest side

There are traffic lights where road 25 connects to road 10. Directly after entering 25 keep to the right for the minor road to the crash gate at this end. The track along the fence and graveyards is worth driving to collect numbers from the aprons on the opposite side of the runway where 6 Hikotai is stationed. Photography should be possible here if the light permits so, late in the afternoon or with an overcast ceiling. Also in view are the alert shelters. Reading off planes in those is difficult (assuming they are open at all) but usually aircraft are switched by the end of every day, after flying has finished.

6North side

Proceeding east from spot 5 the road turns away from the base. There is a wooded area here with a shrine and something like a small park. Also, a roadway (usually chained-off) leads towards a small building and an embankment. In this area, try by foot to get a somewhat better view than elsewhere on the aprons of 304 Hikotai. Again, be aware of spiders.

A blast from the past, T-2 showing impressive landing speed. Nowadays, 6 and 8 Hikotai F-2s appear on final. Photographed at spot 1 by Erik Sleutelberg.

Eagles of 304 Hikotai taxiing in on their side of the quay. From head-on shots to close-ups to take-off photos, it can all be done at spot 4.

Frequencies

126.2Tower & Ground
120.1Approach & Departure
127.95Terminal Control Area
275.8Ground
236.8Tower
321.2Approach
362.3Departure

Based Operators

6 HikotaiF-2A/B
T-4
8 HikotaiF-2A/B
T-4

Preserved

90-8232F-1 with special tail markings
92-7938F-86F
84-8115F-86D
36-8546F-104J
51-5627T-33A

Other Airfields

Akeno
Ashiya  
Fukuoka (Kasuga)  
Futenma MCAS
Hyakuri  
Iruma  
Kumamoto - Takayabaru  
Misawa  
Naha  
Nyutabaru  
Omura  
Tokyo/Haneda  
Tokyo/Heliport
Tsuiki

Send Updates

Do you have updates? Or is something not listed correctly? Please let us know! You can help us and other spotters with your information.
Invalid Input
Invalid Input

0/255

Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Subscribe to Scramble

As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more