Have you heard of the Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Holl, popularly known as “Air Park,” a lively destination that attracts visitors from all over Japan?

This article was created on June 16, 2026.

Our destination this time is JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu (Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Park Hamamatsu), located within Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Air Base.

Created with the goal of helping more people learn about the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the museum features an impressive collection of historic fighter jets, aircraft, missiles, and other equipment, as well as a simplified Blue Impulse flight simulator. It’s a rare opportunity to see many of these fascinating exhibits up close.

The sheer scale of the exhibits is sure to impress not only aviation enthusiasts, but anyone who visits.

Join us as we explore JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu, a fascinating museum where you can discover the world of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force!

What Is JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu?

JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu opened in April 1999 with the concept of “See, Experience, and Enjoy!” It is a museum where visitors can learn about the history and present-day activities of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Located alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Air Base, it is the only public relations museum dedicated to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in Japan.

In 2025, the museum welcomed approximately 250,000 visitors, making it one of the area’s popular tourist attractions.

Covering an area about twice the size of the Tokyo Dome, JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu is divided into four main areas.

On the first floor, you’ll find the Exhibition Hall, where panels and videos introduce the missions and roles of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The floor also features displays of an F-2 fighter jet and scale model aircraft.

Informative panels introduce the capabilities of the F-2 fighter jet, allowing visitors to experience its cutting-edge technology up close.

The second floor features exhibits on Japan Air Self-Defense Force equipment, as well as a full-dome theater where visitors can enjoy immersive aviation footage.

Photo courtesy of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

On the third floor, you’ll find a display of the Royal Room from a retired Japanese government aircraft, as well as a simplified simulator where you can experience flying with Blue Impulse through video.

The Japanese government aircraft is a special plane used by His Majesty the Emperor, members of the Imperial Family, and the Prime Minister of Japan.

It’s a rare opportunity to step inside and take a look.

Follow the corridor from the second floor to reach the Exhibition Hangar.

Here, you’ll find retired fighter jets, as well as Blue Impulse aircraft, rescue aircraft, and training aircraft on display.

Several of the fighter jets allow visitors to climb into the cockpit, with instructions provided on nearby signs.

The cockpit shown in the photo below belongs to a Blue Impulse aircraft.

Top Highlights of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Among the four areas of the museum, we’ll introduce three must-see highlights recommended by Mr. Uchiyama from the Air Park public relations team.

Highlight 1: The Full-Dome Theater

You can enter the Full-Dome Theater from the second floor, but first you’ll need to pick up a free theater admission ticket at the ticket distribution counter next to the entrance on the first floor.

The theater offers six screenings a day, with three different programs.

During my visit, I watched Strong Wings (Fighter Squadron).

The program gave me a chance to learn about the rigorous training undertaken by fighter squadrons dedicated to protecting Japan’s skies, as well as the various Japan Air Self-Defense Force units that support their operations.

Each screening lasts about 20 minutes. Watching the film in the dome-shaped theater is an impressive experience, with powerful visuals that make it well worth seeing!

Highlight 2: Experience a Blue Impulse Flight with a VR Headset

Air Park underwent a renovation in 2021.

As part of the renovation, a new Blue Impulse exhibition area was added to the Exhibition Hangar.

Blue Impulse pilots are elite aviators selected from fighter pilots across Japan.

The team performs at air shows, major national events, and in support of disaster recovery efforts, taking part in a wide range of activities.

At this exhibit, you can use a VR headset to enjoy a simulated flight from the same perspective as the elite pilots of Blue Impulse.

The experience is available for visitors aged 13 and older, and you can choose from five different flight routes.

I chose the route that flies over my hometown of Hamamatsu.

The VR experience begins even before takeoff, making it exciting from the very start.

After takeoff, I looked around in every direction and was amazed to see the place where I live from above. Realizing what it looks like from the sky, combined with the immersive experience, made the approximately nine minutes pass in no time.

Highlight 3: Free Flight Suit Rental

Inside the Exhibition Hangar, you can climb into the cockpits of retired fighter jets and other aircraft.

To make the experience even more immersive, you can also borrow a flight suit.

You can wear the flight suit as you explore the Exhibition Hangar.

Helmets and boots are also available to borrow, allowing you to complete the full pilot look—all free of charge.

Please note that flight suits can be borrowed for up to 15 minutes, so be sure to follow the rental rules.

Flight suits are available in a wide range of sizes, from children to adults.

If you’re trying on an adult-sized flight suit, take a look at the emblem on the right chest—it features the insignia of the squadron it belongs to.

Changing rooms and lockers with locks are also available, so you can enjoy the flight suit experience with peace of mind.

Facilities & Services at JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Restrooms: Available (located on the first floor, second floor, and in the Exhibition Hangar)

Nursing Room: Available

Barrier-Free Access: Elevators available

Wheelchair Rental: Available

Rest Area: Available

Please note: A guide to the rest areas is included in the brochure available at the entrance.

Kids’ Play Area: Available (3rd Floor)

Gift Shop: Available

Café: Available – Sky Lounge “Fuji” (3rd Floor)

Sky Lounge “Fuji” is known for its Blue Curry, inspired by Blue Impulse.

Photo courtesy of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Free Wi-Fi: Available

Charging Stations: Not available

Recommended Souvenirs from the Air Park Public Relations Team!

1. Spring-Loaded Acrylic Stand

The Air Park public relations team recommends this item so you can feel like Blue Impulse is right there with you, even while you’re studying!

Photo courtesy of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

2. High-Speed Blue Impulse

Watch Blue Impulse race past right before your eyes at high speed!

Photo courtesy of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

3. JASDF Fried Chicken (Set of Two Cans)

A hugely popular JASDF Fried Chicken!

Photo courtesy of JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Crowd Information for JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

The museum can be a little busier during long holiday periods.

On weekdays, it is generally less crowded, making them a great time to visit if you’d like to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Visitor Information for JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Address: Nishiyama-cho, Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone: 053-472-1121

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Hours may change due to operational circumstances.)

Opening Days: The opening calendar through September 2026 is available on the official website.

Official Website: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/airpark/index.html

Admission: Free

Parking: 146 free parking spaces for general visitors

Access

🚗By Car
・About 10 minutes from Hamamatsu-Nishi IC or Mikatahara Smart IC (ETC only) on the Tomei Expressway.
・About 40 minutes from Hamamatsu Smart IC (ETC only) on the Shin-Tomei Expressway

🚕By Taxi
・About 30 minutes from JR Hamamatsu Station
・About 15 minutes from Hikuma Station on the Enshu Railway

🚌By Bus
Entetsu Bus: Route No. 58
Boarding Point: Bus Stop No. 14 at Hamamatsu Station
Destination: Hamamatsu Air Park
Get Off At: Hamamatsu Air Park
Please note: The direct bus operates once a day in each direction.

🚌By Bus
Entetsu Bus: Route No. 51
Boarding Point: Bus Stop No. 14 at Hamamatsu Station
Destination: Izumi-Takaoka
Get Off At: Izumi 4-chome (about a 10-minute walk)

Attractions Near JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

There are plenty of popular attractions to visit near JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu!

Hamamatsu Flower Park

Hamamatsu Zoo

Kanzanji

Be sure to visit them as part of your tri

A Message from the Staff at JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu

Shizuoka Prefecture is home to Japan’s only public relations museum dedicated to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

We’ve carefully prepared a variety of exhibits to help visitors learn about the history and present-day activities of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

To help you experience the Japan Air Self-Defense Force firsthand, we also offer hands-on activities, including the opportunity to try on a pilot flight suit and enjoy a simulated flight experience. We hope you’ll enjoy your visit with family and friends.

We also host events every month, so be sure to check the official Air Park website for the latest information.

All of us at JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu look forward to welcoming you!

Official Website: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/airpark/index.html

This time, we introduced JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu (Air Park).

It had been a while since my last visit, and this assignment reminded me that it’s a place that’s exciting to visit no matter how many times you go.

The museum offers a fascinating look at the roles and activities of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and it’s a rare opportunity to see retired fighter jets and other real aircraft up close.

Because the museum is located alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Air Base, you may also be able to watch aircraft carrying out flight training.

Benches are set up alongside the runway, making it a great place to sit back and enjoy watching the aircraft.

There is also an outdoor play area, so younger children can have fun as well.

We hope you’ll have the chance to visit!

Special thanks to JASDF Air Park Hamamatsu (Air Park) for their cooperation and for providing some of the photos.

*The information in this article is subject to change.