Sorahaku: Exploring Japan’s Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum

by Shunji Nakai

Contents

A Historic Airfield Turned Aviation Showcase Rare Aircraft and Technological Landmarks Experimental Innovation on Display Reaching for the Stars: Space Exploration Gallery Education, Interaction, and Community Engagement Café and Museum Shop – Visiting Information Conclusion: A Premier Hub of Japanese Aerospace History Related Articles

Situated in the historically aviation-rich city of Kakamigahara in Gifu Prefecture, the Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum—affectionately known as Sorahaku—offers a captivating journey through Japan’s aerospace history. Positioned beside the JASDF Gifu Air Base, this modern museum celebrates more than a century of Japanese innovation in aviation and space exploration. In 2021 the Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum and The Museum of Flight in Seattle signed a Partnership Agreement during a live virtual ceremony. Museum leaders and local elected officials were at each museum during the event. The Partnership Agreement is meant to foster mutual educational, cultural, and institutional goals, and to develop joint collaborations in exhibits and promotions all in the spirit of friendship.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum — In the Aviation Area on the first floor, aircraft such as the STOL experimental plane “Asuka” and the T-2 jet trainer are displayed chronologically, with many models showcased in full span with their wings extended. Photo Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum

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Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815928 — Originally built as a Grumman SA-16A Albatross (c/n G-153, s/n 51-0472) for the USAF, this aircraft was later transferred to the U.S. Navy as BuNo 149822 and sold to Japan. There, it was heavily modified by Shin Meiwa and redesignated UF-XS to serve as a testbed for the PS-1 patrol flying boat. The conversion included four main engines, two internal turboshafts for a blown air system, and a redesigned hull. It flew test missions from 1962 to 1964 and was retired in 1967. After years on outdoor display at Tokai University, it was restored by Shin Meiwa and is now on permanent indoor exhibit at the Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum in Japan.

A Historic Airfield Turned Aviation Showcase

Kakamigahara’s aviation legacy dates back to the early 20th century when the Imperial Japanese Army established a training and test airfield there. Over the years, this site evolved into a critical testing ground for both military and civilian aviation development. Reflecting this rich heritage, the museum was originally opened in 1996 and underwent a major renewal in 2018. Today, the revamped facility presents a seamless blend of historical exhibits, cutting-edge aerospace displays, and hands-on educational experiences.

The Hien was the aircraft produced in the greatest numbers at Kawasaki Aircrafts Kakamigahara production line — The Hien was the aircraft produced in the greatest numbers at Kawasaki Aircraft’s Kakamigahara
production line. Achieving a peak monthly production rate of 200 aircraft, the plant built
3,285 of the Ki-61 and its modified, radial-engined version, the Ki-100.

Rare Aircraft and Technological Landmarks

The museum houses more than 50 aircraft that span from the early days of flight to Japan’s modern aerospace achievements. Among the standout pieces is a rare Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, one of the few surviving World War II Japanese Army fighters, carefully restored and exhibited as a symbol of Japan’s wartime aviation engineering. Nearby, a Salmson 2A2 replica illustrates the country’s early military aviation efforts, marking its first steps into the skies after World War I.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum Ki 61 Type 2 Fighter 22Haien22 — The exhibit features the only surviving original aircraft of its kind—the Type 3 Fighter Model 2 “Hayate.”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum Otsu type 1 reconnaissance aircraft Salmson 2A2 — Otsu type 1 reconnaissance aircraft (Salmson 2A2) (1/1 model) In 1922, Japan’s aircraft industry took flight in Kakamigahara, Gifu, with the licensed production of the Type 1 Reconnaissance Aircraft—a domestic version of the French Salmson 2A2

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815756 — In 1922 (Taisho 11), Japan’s aircraft industry took flight in Kakamigahara, Gifu, with the licensed production of the Type 1 Reconnaissance Aircraft—a domestic version of the French Salmson 2A2

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815785 — The exhibit features the only surviving original aircraft of its kind—the Type 3 Fighter Model 2 “Hayate.”

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Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815804 — A full-scale replica of the 12th Experimental Carrier-Based Fighter—the prototype of the famed Zero Fighter that first flew in Gifu—is also on display.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815805 — The exhibit features the only surviving original aircraft of its kind—the Type 3 Fighter Model 2 “Hayate.”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815806 — The exhibit features the only surviving original aircraft of its kind—the Type 3 Fighter Model 2 “Hayate.”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815811 — The exhibit features a full-scale replica of the Hans Grade 1910 monoplane, an early German aircraft that represents a significant milestone in aviation history.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815815 — A full-scale replica of the 12th Experimental Carrier-Based Fighter—the prototype of the famed Zero Fighter that first flew in Gifu—is also on display.

Postwar aviation is richly represented with aircraft like the Lockheed T-33A, Japan’s first jet trainer, and the Kawasaki KAT-1, a domestically produced primary trainer. Cold War-era aircraft such as the F-104J Starfighter, once the backbone of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s air superiority fleet, and the indigenously developed Mitsubishi F-1, underscore the country’s progression toward self-reliance in aerospace defense.

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Experimental Innovation on Display

One of the most unique features of the museum is its collection of experimental and research aircraft. The NAL Asuka, a STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) research platform, exemplifies Japan’s efforts to push the boundaries of aerodynamic performance and test unconventional configurations. Rotary-wing development is also covered in detail with aircraft such as the Kawasaki-Bell KH-4, a Japanese-licensed variant of the Bell 47, alongside the OH-6D and OH-1, which represent Japan’s advancements in observation helicopter technology.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815847 — Low-noise STOL experimental aircraft “Asuka”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815878 — Low-noise STOL experimental aircraft “Asuka”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815880 — Low-noise STOL experimental aircraft “Asuka”

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum816449 — The Asuka experimental aircraft was developed as a national project by the then Science and Technology Agency’s National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL, now the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), the aircraft was designed to investigate short takeoff and landing technologies, in combination with the utilization of a computer-controlled flight system, and ways to reduce aircraft noise footprints.

Reaching for the Stars: Space Exploration Gallery

Beyond aviation, the museum has expanded its focus to include Japan’s journey into space. A modern gallery explores the work of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), showcasing satellite models and mock-ups of the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets, which have launched Japan into the forefront of international space research. The exhibit provides insight into communication satellites, Earth observation missions, and upcoming plans for lunar exploration. Interactive displays allow visitors to explore space science hands-on, including models of manned spacecraft and the physics behind orbital mechanics. The space section not only highlights Japan’s technical achievements but also fosters STEM education and international cooperation.

Departure into space Rocket — The second zone in the space area is the rocket introduction corner. Models of representative domestic rockets in recent years, such as the H3 rocket, are on display, and detailed explanations are given of how rockets fly faster than a bullet, how flight is controlled, and the differences between solid and liquid fuels. Additionally, the history of rocket development challenges, comparisons with rockets worldwide, and the direction of future development are presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum816471 — Kawasaki T-4 intermediate trainer wind tunnel test model

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815854 — VTOL Experimental Aircraft Flying Test Bed

Japans Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum815859 — T-2 CCV research aircraft

Education, Interaction, and Community Engagement

The museum excels in accessibility and educational value. It offers an array of interactive simulators where visitors can test their flying skills in realistic cockpit environments. Science workshops, guided tours, and youth-oriented programs provide learning opportunities for all ages. A 3D theater screens aviation-themed films, adding an immersive multimedia experience to the visit.

Design an aircraft GIFU Avition Museum — Design an aircraft

GIFU Avition Museum 4 — Learn how aircraft work

GIFU Avition Museum 5 — Airliner Simulator

GIFU Avition Museum 1 — Check out the power of air

Café and Museum Shop – Visiting Information

For visitors looking to extend their experience, the on-site Sorazuhaku Café serves aviation-themed dishes with regional Gifu flavors. The museum shop features an extensive range of aviation and space memorabilia, including model kits, flight jackets, and original JASDF souvenirs, making it a must-stop for aviation fans and collectors. Located in Kakamigahara, the museum is easily accessible by public transit—about 20 minutes by bus from JR Gifu or Meitetsu Kakamigahara stations. It’s typically open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with closures on Tuesdays and select holidays. For the latest hours, exhibits, or ticketing details, visit the official website: https://www.sorahaku.net/

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Conclusion: A Premier Hub of Japanese Aerospace History

From early wooden biplanes and legendary WWII fighters to high-performance jets and space-age technology, the Gifu-Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum offers a sweeping panorama of Japan’s aeronautical evolution. Blending historical reverence with forward-looking ambition, it remains one of the nation’s most comprehensive and engaging aerospace museums. Many thanks to Shunji Nakai for writing this article and submitting the photos.