[Field Report] Like Outdoor Activity in the Sky!?
A Beginner’s Visit to “Tsuiki Air Base Air Festival”
– Overwhelmed by the Roar and Crowds.
Hello! This is Jarsuke.
Usually, I love the silence of the forest, but this time, in search of the “impact of sound,” I headed to the JASDF Tsuiki Air Base Air Festival in Fukuoka Prefecture!
I thought lightly, “I’m just going to watch airplanes, right?” But what awaited me was a world completely different from a campsite: “Thunderous Roars” and “Parking Lot Survival.”
Based on my actual experience participating with my 7-year-old and 4-year-old sons, I will report on everything from “Basic Knowledge” to the “Equipment Needed to Survive with Kids”!
Blue Impulse shining against the blue sky! You have to see this beauty live to understand it.
What is the “Self-Defense Force” or “Tsuiki Base” anyway?
Before enjoying the event, let’s do a little “adult field trip” study. Knowing this will completely change the scenery you see on the day.
🔰 1-Minute JSDF Mini-Knowledge
● Types of Self-Defense Forces
They are divided into Ground, Maritime, and Air. This time, we visited the “Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).”
● Features of Tsuiki Air Base
Located in Chikujo Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, right next to the Suo Sea. Surprisingly, it is a rare base where part of the runway protrudes into the sea.
The “8th Air Wing” unit is stationed here, operating the F-2 Fighter (the blue ocean camouflage is cool!).
[Failure Story] Parking was wiped out… The Savior was “JR”
The original plan was to arrive at the parking lot at “6:00 AM.” However… I overslept!
I finally entered the city around 8:00 AM, but it was too late. The publicly announced temporary parking lots were almost all full. I wandered around looking for a spot, getting sent from here to there, truly getting the “runaround”…
I panicked, thinking, “Can I even get into the venue?” But then, change of plans!
I parked at a JR station parking lot a little further away and decided to take the train.
As a result, this “Park & Ride” was the correct answer.
When we arrived at the nearest station, “Tsuiki Station,” it was already a festival atmosphere!
Exiting the station, the excitement is already high! The event starts right here.
At the station, the following services were available:
- Commemorative stamps and stalls: Full festival mood!
- Sagawa Express “Baggage Storage”: Drop off heavy luggage here to be light on your feet.
- Pre-sale of return tickets: This is super important!
Absolutely buy your “Return” ticket during the “Arrival” stage. The way back is extremely crowded.
Surprise at the entrance! “Please take a sip”
At the base gate, there is a strict baggage check comparable to an airport. I was surprised by what they said there.
“If you are carrying a drink, please take a sip.”
This is to prove that the contents are not dangerous materials like gasoline. If you have a water bottle or plastic bottle, be ready to drink it immediately.
[Highlights] Ground displays and photo spots are plentiful!
It’s not just about the sky. There is plenty of excitement on the ground too!
Equipment that you absolutely never see usually is displayed right in front of your eyes.
The talked-about “Osprey” was also on display! When seen up close, its size is overwhelming.
Various aircraft lined up. An irresistible space for mechanic lovers.
There were also plenty of experience corners for children and spots for commemorative photos.
There was also a firefighting experience corner. Working vehicles are very popular with kids!
Feeling like Top Gun!? There were displays where you can feel like a pilot.
Do not take photos in prohibited areas.
While there are many photo spots, some areas (like security checkpoints, inside certain hangars, or specific equipment) strictly forbid photography for security reasons. Please follow the signs and staff instructions!
[Honest Opinion] Photographing flying fighters is extremely difficult!
You can take photos of ground displays slowly, but when it comes to flying fighters, it’s a different story.
I was enthusiastic, thinking, “I’m going to take cool photos!” but the speed was so fast my camera couldn’t keep up…
@camp_de_zakki #AirFestival #TsuikiAirFestival #JSDF #FighterJet #PhotographyBeginner ♬ Original Sound – Zacky Chan
[Most Important] “Did lightning strike next to me!?” Sound impact and countermeasures
Finally, the main flight exhibition. The aerobatic flight team “Blue Impulse” and propeller planes were enjoyable with their beautiful trajectories and pleasant engine sounds.
Perfect formation flight. Looking up at the sky, you forget the pain in your neck.
However… “Fighter Jets (F-2, etc.)” are in a different dimension.
The moment they passed in front of us, a shockwave sound like “BARIBARIBARI!!!” — as if lightning struck right beside us — shook the air. It was a level that felt like my ears would break.
The sound was more than 10 times what I imagined.
My 7-year-old and 4-year-old sons immediately covered their ears on their own, but I worry about smaller children.
There were many people with babies at the venue, but for “babies who cannot cover their ears themselves,” parental care (covering their ears for them, putting on earmuffs) is essential. There were many children crying because they were startled by the sound.
The “roar” and “air vibration” cannot be fully conveyed in photos. Please experience it on site.
Souvenir Battle! “Early Morning” is the iron rule for goods
Calendars, models of F-2 and Blue Impulse, patches, T-shirts, and plush toys are sold inside the base.
However, here too, the price of “oversleeping” was paid… When we went to look past noon, popular items were already sold out.
If there are goods you want, the iron rule is to head straight to the shop area before watching the flight exhibitions.
Final Trial: Equipment to survive the “2-hour” return
After the event, the road to the station was heavily congested. The distance from the base to the station, which is usually short, took about 2 hours. Here, “killing time & cold protection items” familiar from camping come in handy.
Take at least this! List of lessons learned
- [Most Important] Earplugs/Earmuffs: Essential for both adults and children. Absolutely prepare them for hearing protection.
- Killing time goods: Videos, games, snacks, etc., for the return line. Essential for maintaining children’s HP.
- Jackets for temperature regulation: Tsuiki Base is along the sea, so it gets cold when the wind blows.
① Earplugs (For Kids & Adults)
Basic item for noise protection. It’s reassuring to have sizes for children or ones with air pressure adjustment functions.
Here is a type that adults can use too. Also excellent for sleeping.
② Earmuffs for Kids
Whether you have this or not changes a child’s mood 180 degrees. There are many stylish ones that can be worn like headphones.
③ Killing Time Items (Game consoles, etc.)
The 2 hours to the station on the way back is truly a snail’s pace. To keep children from getting bored, keep their favorite videos, games, and snacks hidden.
④ Bonus: Cold Protection Measures
Zacky Zaurus, who gets cold easily and came with us, faced the event fully equipped with cold weather gear. The sea breeze is colder than you think!
👉 Click here for the cold weather gear loved by Zacky ZaurusSummary: With preparation, it’s the best “extraordinary” experience!
Starting with oversleeping, I wondered how it would turn out, but in the end, it was a very satisfying day.
The maneuver flight of the F-2 fighter and the beauty of Blue Impulse have an emotion that can only be tasted on site.
For those planning to go from now on:
1. Give up on parking and use the “Train” (the station is fun too!)
2. Protect your ears with “Earplugs/Earmuffs”
3. Prepare countermeasures for the return traffic jam (killing time)
If you follow these 3 points, it will surely become a wonderful memory. By all means, please go look up at the sky with your family on your next holiday!
A camping nut with 20 years of experience. This time, I was electrified by the roar of the “F-2” at Tsuiki Base. The sea breeze was surprisingly cold, so next time I’ll strengthen my cold protection measures.
