Tandem Paragliding over the Asagiri Highlands

Tandem Paragliding over the Asagiri Highlands pairs visitors with a certified pilot for a short flight above the Asagiri Kogen plateau on the southwest foot of Mount Fuji, in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture. No previous flying experience is required, since the pilot controls the wing and the passenger's main task is a short running takeoff and a seated landing; most schools, including the Asagiri Kogen Paragliding School (Sky Asagiri), set a minimum age of around 10 and a maximum weight limit, and ask that participants be in reasonable general health with no serious heart conditions. The full outing runs about 2-3 hours including a safety briefing, harness fitting and transfer to the launch site, though the flight itself typically lasts only 5-10 minutes and covers a flight path that varies with the day's wind and thermal conditions over the plateau. Pilots are certified through Japanese paragliding associations and carry a reserve parachute and radio; the pre-flight briefing covers takeoff running technique, body position during flight, and the landing approach, along with what happens if conditions require an early or alternate landing. A tandem paraglider, harness and helmet are provided; participants should wear closed sturdy shoes that will not come off during the running takeoff, a warm layer for the cooler air aloft, and sunglasses against the glare over the plateau. Flights run year-round but depend entirely on wind and weather, with spring and autumn offering the most stable conditions and flights sometimes cancelled or delayed at short notice in strong wind, rain, or low cloud. On a clear day the flight offers views over the Asagiri plateau toward Mount Fuji's western slopes.