Zojiro

Located at an elevation of 645m near the top of Mt. Zojiro in the Central Kyushu Mountains, a very high-relief region with excellent scenery and flying potential, Zojiro is one of Western Kyushu's hidden gems. Access is easy via a 20 minute drive from the landing on a mostly paved road, and there is plenty of space to spread out at least a half-dozen gliders. Top landings are a piece of cake.

Flights from the TO to the LZ are very straightforward, as is thermaling over the mountain top. But the true potential of the area involves moving around, crossing valleys and looking for lift above the surrounding mountains. Due to the complex, dissected, high-relief landscape, and the combination of sea wind and thermals that are used to fly here, success requires an intellectual approach. Sea wind, valley wind, and prevailing westerlies at higher altitudes mix here, and the wind rarely blows from the same direction or with the same strength as you move around. Excellent training for cross country in the big hills of faraway lands!

Takeoff altitude: 644m