The Gifu military air base (IATA: QGU / ICAO: RJNG) is located in the city of Kakamigahara. This base is one of the most important in Japan and therefore one of the most active in the country. The air base is in the center of the Japanese archipelago is home to the Japanese Air Force (JASDF) Koku Kaihatsu Jikken Shudan (JASDF) and one of its four deports military. There is also an aeronautical factory of Kawasaki Heavy Industries which provides maintenance and upgrading of Japanese military aircraft manufactured by the aircraft manufacturer.

In addition some foreign military aircraft are possible but quite rare. It is very important to point out that this air base is a spotter friendly and specific places have been laid out for us, such as the park which is the most famous spotting location most used by local spotters. Night flight took place once a week.

IMPORTANT: The spotting locations are very clean, so please take all your waste with you,  because there is no public waste bin in Japan.

Written by Jérôme Bonniel and Mike Lewin. Last change: May 2023 (Spot 6 added)

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
10/28	2.700m (8,860 ft)
Spotting Information
Ladder	A 2 steps is required at point number 1.
Car/Public Transport	Not necessary as you can get easily around with public transport.
Restrooms	Available at spot 4.
Drinks/Food	Available at spot 4 and 5.
Hotels	Few Hotels nearby the airport.
Season	The best season is in spring and early summer.
Runway Usage
10/28	Nothing special. Depends on the wind.

	Spot #1 – Holding Point runway 28
WHERE	Located on a stone path along the base in a corner close to the threshold of 28. There is no official street name so you have to rely on GPS data, 35.394655, 136.888535. You can park directly at the spot on the side of the road. By public transport exit at Nijikken Station and walk just a few minutes southward.
WHAT	90 degree side shots for aircraft line up on on runway 28, but pay attention to the heat haze. Otherwise you can photograph the taxiway too.
TIME	From sunrise till noon for line up, taxiway almost all day long. The airbase opens at 8:00. Arrival photos are backlit all day long.
MISC.	Few steps are helpful to shoot over the fence but its also possible to shoot through the mesh. Its possible that the grass is not cut proper so parst of the aircraft can be cut off. Nothing nearby, please bring with you what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	A simple 300mm will be enough.

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RJNG-SPOT1

	Spot #2 – The Garden – Arrivals 28
WHERE	Drive to the Kunomoriundo Park, spot #4, and park here. The spot is on the opposite side, on a small dirt road. By foot just continue on the small road from #1 along the perimeter for a few minutes and cross the main road.
WHAT	Ideal for front arrivals on runway 28.
TIME	The best light conditions are in the evening till sunset.
MISC.	Toilets, beverage dispenser as well as a LAWSON Food Store is available at the Kunomoriundo park.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-300mm

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RJNG-SPOT2

	Spot #3 – Kunomoriundo Park – Arrivals 28
WHERE	Located between the Rd 17 and an industrial zone there is the Kunomoriundo Park. Spot from the official parking. Ask for the way the local people, the park is famous. You can walk around here to find your prefered photo position. By foot it will take approximate 15 minutes from the Nijikken Station.
WHAT	Arrivals runway 28 and heavy departures on 10.
TIME	The airbase opens at 8:00 so you have backlit from evening till sunset in the summer. In the evening you may find a spot north of #2 for the 28 arrivials. In winter all day long.
MISC.	Toilets, beverage dispenser as well as a LAWSON Food Store is available at the Kunomoriundo park.
FOCAL LENGTH	150 – 500mm

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	Spot #4 – Base entrance – 28 Departures
WHERE	Located on the crossroads in front of the entrance to the base. You can park at the store as marked on the map. By public transport exit at Kakamigahara-Shiyakusho-Mae Station and walk approximate 15 minutes southward along the main road.
WHAT	Best for heavy departures on 28.  Arrivals can be photograph too but we recommend spot 6 instead.
TIME	The airbase opens at 8:00 so you have backlit from evening till sunset in the summer. In winter all day long.
MISC.	LAWSON Store nearby but no toilets.
FOCAL LENGTH	150 – 500mm

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RJNG-SPOT4

	Spot #5 – Gifu Air Base Museum
WHERE	From the car park’s spotting point, take Route 17 south then drive about 500 meters. At the crossroads, take the road to your right which is right at the Caro Café and finally continue strait until you reach the museum. 5 minutes drive.
WHAT	The museum displays 35 aircraft which includes fighter jets, transport plane and various helicopters.
TIME	Opening time : 10:00 to 17:00 everyday.
MISC.	All you need can be find in the museum.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-55mm or less

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	Spot #6 – Farm Roads – 10 Arrivals
WHERE	Located near the base entrance, and just down the road from spot 4. At the crossroads of the base entrance head west away from the base and take the third right, Follow the road doing a slight dog-leg to the left where you can park your car. There is then a road heading east. You can position yourself anywhere down to suit your photography needs until you meet the Shinsaki River. There are no powerlines hindering photography.
WHAT	Best for runway 10 arrivals. Heavy departures on Runway 28 can be photographed too but we recommend spot 4 instead. Taxiway/ramp etc are not visable much like spot4.
TIME	In the summer most of the day, early evening till sunset will be backlit. In the winter should be all day
MISC.	Lawson food store & MOS Burger nearby for food/drinks
FOCAL LENGTH	XC-2 = 130mm

QGU-Spot6