The display hanger of The JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base Publicity Center Air Park.

Some time ago, shortly after we started this blog, I wrote about the underwhelming castle in Hamamatsu. As I mentioned then, there is a lot more to see in Hamamatsu, and things that are more worth seeing.  One of those is the excellent little aircraft museum on the north side of the city.  The JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base Publicity Center Air Park doesn’t sound like the most exciting place, but the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) keeps a good collection of vintage aircraft from that represent a good cross section of the JASDF since its foundation in 1954.  In addition, the museum is well put together, interactive, and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.  It is difficult to reach, but if you can find it, it is definitely worth checking out.

A Japanese made C-46. Several hundred of these cargo planes were built by the Japanese in the 1930s under license and was one of the most used military transports by the Japanese as well as for the U.S.

A de Haviland Vampire T-55 trainer. The JASDF acquired this aircraft in 1955 for evaluation. The Japanese decided not to purchase any others and it remains the only Vampire flown by Japan.

In addition to the variety of aircraft, much of the museum is themed around the Blue Impulse, Japan’s aerobatic team similar to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.  The Blue Impulse was based in Hamamatsu until 1981, and the base won’t let anyone forget it.  There is a dome theater showing a documentary about the Blue Impulse and several of the aircraft in their collection are associated with the aerobatic team, including a Kawasaki T-4 jet trainer of the type currently flown by the team painted in Blue Impulse colors.

An F-86 Saber in Blue Impulse colors. Japan bought several F-86s in the late 50s and produced several hundred more under license. The Blue Impulse used the jets until 1984.

F-104 Starfighter. Starfighters served in the JASDF from 1964 to 1986. The cockpit of this aircraft is open for visitors.

The museum also includes a full motion flight simulator, a library of reference materials, a café, and flight suit rentals.  For most of their operating hours, several of the aircraft have their cockpits opened for visitors to sit in.  If you want your experience to be even more realistic, you can rent a full flight suit and helmet for your photos.  If you are a full sized American, like me, however, it may be difficult to find anything in your size, and even if you do, there is a time limit, so you can’t wear it around all day.  The flight simulator looked really fun, but it booked full quickly.  If you want to give it a try, be sure to sign up right away because it is first come, first reserved each day.

A Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter on display in the museum building. The F-2 is derived from the F-16 Falcon, but with numerous structural and avionics upgrades. There are several large placards and videos explaining the aircraft, but they have little to no English.

An A6M Zero fighter, one of the only aircraft in the museum that predates the JASDF

Still, with an impressive collection for the small facilities, the other artifacts housed in the museum, and the immersive and interactive atmosphere, The JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base Publicity Center Air Park is definitely worth visiting.  The quality of the museum definitely makes up for the long bus ride and long walk from the bus stop.  And best of all, it is all free.