Photo by Frickr : P1030431 / regvn

When people hear the name Chitose, many immediately think of New Chitose Airport. Indeed, a great many people use New Chitose Airport to travel to Hokkaido.

But besides New Chitose Airport, there's another place in Chitose with lots of aircraft. Do you know where it is?

That's the Chitose Air Base of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, located next to New Chitose Airport.

It's usually difficult to get inside, but at the Chitose Air Base Air Show held every July, you can enter the base for free.

This time, we'll introduce the appeal of the Chitose Air Base Air Festival, where you can actually go inside the Chitose Air Base.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is the Chitose Air Base Air Show?
2. Exhibits where you can see aircraft and fighter jets up close.
3. A spectacular air show and events that children can enjoy.
4. How can I get there from Chitose Airport or Sapporo city center?
Final thoughts

Photo by Frickr : P1030442 / regvn

The Chitose Air Base Air Festival is an event held at the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Chitose Air Base in Chitose City. Held annually on a Sunday in late July, it's a festival that attracts many people not only from surrounding cities but also from within and outside Hokkaido.

While it is possible to visit Chitose Air Base on weekdays, it's not a place you can easily drop by, as there are designated visiting hours and you need to apply in advance.

However, on the day of the Chitose Air Base Air Show, you can enter the base for a long period of time, from 9 am to 15 pm.

Photo by Frickr : P1030416 / regvn

Moreover, there are plenty of events, such as opportunities to see various aircraft up close and aerobatic displays. There are also many events that children can enjoy, making it a festival that the whole family can have fun at.

In addition to aircraft displays, the Chitose Air Base Air Festival also features numerous food and beverage stalls. You can enjoy a festive atmosphere throughout the day.

Photo by Frickr : F-2 / iyoupapa

The main attraction of the Chitose Air Base Air Festival is undoubtedly the display of numerous aircraft that you wouldn't normally get to see up close.

The exhibition will feature not only Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft, but also a large number of other aircraft, including those from the U.S. military, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Coast Guard.

And since you can see it from a fairly close distance, you can appreciate even the smallest details.

Photo by Frickr : P1030373 / regvn

In addition to aircraft, the museum also displays tanks and large vehicles used by the Self-Defense Forces. There are also rare pieces of equipment such as mobile warning equipment and snow removal equipment, making it an enjoyable exhibit even for those who aren't aviation enthusiasts.

Each exhibit is surrounded by figures of Self-Defense Forces personnel, whose equipment and dignified presence are also worth seeing.

Photo by Flickr: F-15 performing aerobatic flight demonstration / iyoupapa

The Chitose Air Base Air Festival features not only ground displays but also flight demonstrations where aircraft are actually flown.

Especially during the opening ceremony at 9:00 AM and the opening flight, you can enjoy watching many aircraft take to the skies, so if possible, try to visit the venue in the morning.

Photo by Flickr: Blue Impulse / iyoupapa

On the day of the Chitose Air Base Air Show, there are many flight events in addition to the opening flight I mentioned earlier. Among them, the Blue Impulse aerobatic display is an event you shouldn't miss.

The sight of aircraft flying in close proximity and performing acrobatics in perfectly synchronized formations is something only an elite group like the Blue Impulse can do.

Photo by Frickr : P1030517 / regvn

This is a heart shape actually drawn by the Blue Impulse using contrails. Besides hearts, they draw many other shapes, such as fireworks and stars, so it will be exciting to see what shapes they draw this year.

However, Blue Impulse flights may be canceled due to weather conditions or other factors. If you absolutely want to see the Blue Impulse, it's recommended to arrive in Chitose early and watch the flight practice the day before.

Photo by Frickr : P1030372 / regvn

The Chitose Air Base Air Festival offers plenty of events and exhibits for children to enjoy. There are many activities that children can participate in, such as the "Little Kids Rescue Operation" and the "Kids Train," so they won't get bored.

Children can wear pilot suits and helmets and take commemorative photos in front of the airplane. Try taking pictures feeling like a pilot!

The Chitose Air Base Air Show is a once-a-year event. To make sure you don't miss the events you want to see, here's how to get to Chitose Air Base.

Let's start from New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main air gateway. Although New Chitose Airport and Chitose Air Base are adjacent, they are not within easy walking distance. Therefore, it is recommended to use a taxi or other vehicle when traveling from New Chitose Airport. It takes about 6 minutes by car from the front of New Chitose Airport to the base.

To get from Sapporo Station to Chitose Air Base, it's recommended to take the Rapid Airport train to Minami-Chitose Station. The journey takes a little over 30 minutes and costs 840 yen.

Every year, a shuttle bus operates from a bus stop about a 5-minute walk from Minami-Chitose Station. Also, for the 2018 air show, there will be no parking available on the base, so access by public transportation is recommended.

We introduced the Chitose Air Base Air Festival, where you can see various aircraft, including Japan Air Self-Defense Force planes, up close, and there are many events such as Blue Impulse flights.

The Chitose Air Base Air Show is an event packed with highlights. This summer, why not create lasting memories not only of Hokkaido's scenery but also of the thrilling air show?

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