February 2020 trip to see Japan's finest.

With the current good availability and prices for flights to Japan (thankyou Coronavirus!) and the progressing rundown of Japanese Phantom operations at Hyakuri, now is as good a time as any to head off to the land of the rising sun.

 

We flew directly into Tokyo Haneda from London Heathrow, on a British Airways Boeing 777 (as usual the entertainment system on this managed to last all the way from Terminal 5 gate to very nearly the take-off hold before it had to be reset). 11 hours later we touched down in wonderful Japan and headed to the monorail into Tokyo.

Japan's rail and bus network is superb, so after the monorail, an easy change to Tokyo Station, then change onto the JR line heading out by train to Ishioka. At Ishioka, there is a regular bus service out to Ibaraki Airport Terminal, then head upstairs to the superb restaurant and viewing platform, and Hyakuri is laid out in front of you.

After a few hours of superb flying and photographic opportunities, the regular bus service back to Ishioka Train Station, then the train back into Tokyo.

If you get the chance, take it. Japan is EASY.

57-8353 353 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai
97-8426 426 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai
17-8440 440 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai
57-8367 367 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai
57-8355 355 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai
87-8415 415 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai

87-8404 404 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai landed 12:46
97-8416 416 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai landed 12:47
57-8356 356 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai landed 12:48
97-8422 422 F-4EJ 301 Hikotai landed 12:49

02-3015 U-125 landed 13:15, departed 14:10

47-6901 901 RF-4 501 Hikotai blue camo departed 13:30
67-6380 380 F-4EJ 501 Hikotai grey/green camo
57-6909 909 RF-4 501 Hikotai brown/green camo departed 13:29

63-8538 538 F-2A 3 Hikotai numerous circuits 13:18, landed 13:48

13-8517 517 F-2A 3 Hikotai landed 13:37
43-8542 542 F-2A 3 Hikotai landed 13:38
13-8515 515 F-2A No marks landed 13:42

37-8319 319 F-4EJ Preserved at civil terminal, 302 Hikotai marks
87-6412 412 F-4EJ Preserved at civil terminal, 501 Hikotai marks