Loading...
For many military aviation photographers, Japan remains one of the world's most rewarding destinations. The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force operates one of the largest and best maintained fighter fleets anywhere, yet opportunities to photograph its frontline aircraft are comparatively rare.
This short COAP Wings adventure has been designed around one of the highlights of the Japanese aviation calendar — the annual Komatsu Air Base Air Show. While every Japanese airshow attracts impressive displays, Komatsu has earned a special reputation amongst enthusiasts thanks to its resident Aggressor squadrons.
Inspired by the famous United States Navy and USAF adversary units, the JASDF Aggressor force exists to provide realistic combat training for operational fighter squadrons. Their Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagles wear a constantly changing collection of striking camouflage schemes unlike anything else flying anywhere in the world. Every season brings new colour combinations, making them some of the most sought-after military aircraft for photographers worldwide.
The Komatsu Air Show offers a rare opportunity to see these aircraft operating throughout an entire weekend. By arriving before the public display, we hope to enjoy rehearsal flying and practice displays, often providing more relaxed photographic opportunities than the main event itself. Experience shows that rehearsal days frequently produce some of the best flying, with fewer crowds and more flexibility in the flying programme.
The main airshow day brings together frontline JASDF aircraft from across Japan alongside the resident Aggressors. Flying displays typically include the F-15J Eagle, F-2 multirole fighter, transport aircraft and helicopters, while the Aggressor aircraft remain the undisputed stars of the show.
To complement the operational flying, we will also visit the outstanding Gifu-Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum. Widely regarded as Japan's premier aviation museum, it tells the story of Japanese aviation from its earliest days through to the country's modern aerospace industry.
The museum contains an excellent collection of military and civilian aircraft including several unique Japanese designs rarely seen outside the country. It also celebrates the close relationship between Japanese industry and the JASDF, making it an ideal companion to the flying activities at Komatsu.
Although Japan is often regarded as a difficult destination to organise independently, travelling as part of a small COAP Wings group removes much of the complexity. Internal transport, local knowledge and planning are all taken care of, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the photography and experiencing one of aviation's most distinctive air arms.
If photographing the famous JASDF Aggressor Eagles has always been on your wish list, this short but carefully planned trip offers an excellent opportunity to make it happen.
This trip is available as single occupancy only - Single Room prices are: £1845pp (land only, flights not included)
Day One – Depart the UK
Our journey begins with overnight flights from the UK to Japan. Depending on airline schedules, we aim to connect onwards to Komatsu wherever practical.
Day Two – Arrival in Japan
After arriving in Japan we continue to Komatsu, collect our transport and settle into our hotel for the next four nights. Depending on arrival times there may be an opportunity for an initial visit around the air base or local spotting locations.
Day Three – Gifu Aviation Museum
Today we travel to the excellent Gifu-Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum. Home to one of Japan's finest aviation collections, it provides a fascinating insight into Japanese aerospace development and the aircraft of the JASDF.
Day Four – Komatsu Rehearsals
The focus shifts to Komatsu Air Base as rehearsals begin for the weekend's airshow. Practice days often provide excellent opportunities to photograph display aircraft and the resident Aggressor Eagles as they prepare for the main event.
Day Five – Komatsu Air Show
A full day at one of Japan's premier military aviation events. The highlight will undoubtedly be the famous Aggressor F-15DJ aircraft wearing their distinctive adversary camouflage schemes alongside a varied programme of JASDF flying displays.
Day Six – Return to the UK
We depart Komatsu for our connecting flights via Tokyo before arriving back in the UK.
Photography
This tour has been designed primarily for aviation photographers.
Both rehearsal and display days offer excellent opportunities to photograph modern JASDF aircraft, particularly the famous Aggressor F-15DJ fleet.
Suggested Lenses
* 100–400mm or 150–600mm for flying displays
* 70–200mm for taxiing aircraft
* 24–70mm for static displays and museum photography
* Wide-angle lens for hangars and exhibits at Gifu
Walking
Expect moderate walking during the museum visit and throughout the airshow. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Weather
Late September generally brings warm daytime temperatures of around 22–28°C, although occasional rain showers remain possible.
Accommodation
Four nights in a comfortable hotel in the Komatsu area.
Transport
Private COAP Wings transport throughout the tour.
Flights
International flights are not included unless specifically stated. We will publish recommended flight options once schedules become available. If direct connections into Komatsu prove expensive, flights via Nagoya may provide a practical alternative with a longer road transfer.
Included Admissions
* Gifu-Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum
* Komatsu Air Show
* All planned ground transport
Military Activity
The participation of military aircraft is controlled by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Display programmes, rehearsal activity and aircraft attendance may change at short notice due to operational requirements or weather.
