Hikouki no Oka — Narita's jets, close enough to feel
Hikouki no Oka ("Airplane Hill") is a small park about 600 m from the end of Narita Airport's Runway A. Jets from all over the world pass low overhead on their way in to land, one after another. For local families it's simply a park where kids get to watch real planes up close. For photographers, it's one of the best seats around the airport.
Quick facts
Area: Shibayama, Chiba (right next to Narita Airport)
Best season: Any time it's warm
Getting there: About 5 minutes by car from Shibayama-Chiyoda Station (Shibayama Railway)
Time needed: An hour or two to watch. Photographers can easily stay all day
Cost: Free, with free parking (about 50 spaces)
Our weekend at Hikouki no Oka
We went in July and started shooting around midday. Planes kept landing almost nonstop, so there was always something lining up on approach.
From the hill you can also look across the airfield to the terminals and control towers. With a long lens, you can pick up aircraft taxiing as well as landing.
It isn't only passenger jets. Cargo carriers like Kalitta Air and FedEx are regulars here, which keeps the spotting interesting.
Departures use the same runway, so you'll catch takeoffs too.
The park itself has an open lawn and plenty of room. There were lots of families with small children, and the kids cheered every time a plane came over. Even so, it never felt crowded.
Local tips
Bring the kids. It's a park first, and the planes do all the entertaining.
Don't worry about crowds. When we went on a July weekend, there were plenty of families but lots of space.
Come in the afternoon. In the morning the planes are backlit. Afternoon light is much better for photos.
Find the heart monument. It's the park's symbol and a popular spot for a photo with a plane behind it.
Pack a telephoto lens. It lets you shoot aircraft taxiing near the terminals, not just the ones landing overhead.
Plan your visit
Find Hikouki no Oka and other spots nearby on our map.