Soratopia (aka Ashio / Ashio-san)
📍 Ibaraki · Nearest city: Makabe (4 km)
61 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 523 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
36.27530, 140.14600Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 01:18 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~1825 m, wind 16 km/h.
base ~1825m · wind 16 km/hMarginal conditions, cloud base ~1295 m, wind 13 km/h.
base ~1295m · wind 13 km/hFlyable day, decent conditions, cloud base ~647 m, wind 10 km/h, precipitation 1.6 mm.
base ~647m · wind 10 km/h · precip 1.6mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Detailed hourly weather
2026-04-21✅ Flyable · peak 55 at 15h
⏰ Useful window: 13:00 – 16:00
| 08 30 | 09 16 | 10 11 | 11 35 | 12 35 | 13 35 | 14 45 | 15 55 ☁️⚠️ | 16 45 ☁️⚠️ | 17 30 ☁️⚠️ | 18 30 | 19 40 | 20 30 |
Peak 15h: CAPE 120 J/kg · LI 8.7 · BL top 2070 m · w* 8.0 m/s · cloud base 3098 m · 0°C at 2790 m · Pro score 64/100 · sun 36° over slope
Hourly flyability (0–100). ⛈️ = storm risk · ☁️⚠️ = cloud suck · 🏔️ = active ridge lift. CAPE = convective energy, LI = stability, BL top = thermal ceiling, w* = estimated dry thermal velocity. Source: Open-Meteo (ECMWF/GFS/ICON blend model).
Estimated vertical profile (Sounding)
Reference time: 15:00 (peak of the day)
Surface T: 20.0°C · Td: -0.6°C
LCL (cloud base): 2575 m
BL top: 2070 m
0°C level: 2790 m
Approximate profile from surface variables + synoptic levels. Red lines = temperature, dashed blue = dew point. Orange bands = detected inversions.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 14 | High |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.79 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.53 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Different TO's available for allmost all wind directions (except W). Shown on map: main TO on top of ridge. South TO: N36 16 06.1 E140 09 01.4; 445m
Rules and notes
check with school!
Pilot comments
In spring, the whole area (also nearby Ibaraki/ Airpark COO) offers excellent flying opportunities. Different competions have been held in this area.
Nearby sites
Ibaraki (Air Park COO) (58) · Mt Itajiki Hangglider Area (56) · Tsukuba -NiihariKomachi (54) · Ohira Sky Club (55) · Sky park Utsunomiya (49) · エアウィング・モーターパラグライダースクール 大里フライトエリア (5)