Minakami ('Grand-Volee')
📍 Gunma · Nearest city: Numata (6 km)
54 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 520 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
36.68320, 139.01800Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 01:26 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~1612 m, wind 17 km/h.
base ~1612m · wind 17 km/hMarginal conditions, cloud base ~2431 m, wind 7 km/h.
base ~2431m · wind 7 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~970 m, wind 8 km/h, precipitation 2.2 mm.
base ~970m · wind 8 km/h · precip 2.2mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Detailed hourly weather
2026-04-21⚠️ Marginal · peak 40 at 20h
- Very stable day (CAPE<50, LI>2) — no thermals
| 08 8 | 09 15 | 10 19 | 11 25 | 12 25 | 13 25 | 14 25 ☁️⚠️ | 15 30 ☁️⚠️ | 16 30 ☁️⚠️ | 17 30 ☁️⚠️ | 18 30 ☁️⚠️ | 19 30 ☁️⚠️ | 20 40 ☁️⚠️ |
Peak 20h: CAPE 0 J/kg · LI 14.8 · BL top 65 m · w* 0.0 m/s · cloud base 2270 m · 0°C at 2220 m · Pro score 52/100
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: 20:00 (peak of the day)
Surface T: 9.8°C · Td: -4.2°C
LCL (cloud base): 1750 m
BL top: 65 m
0°C level: 2220 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) | 6 | Medium |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.82 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.45 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Very nicely maintained TO with minibus and railway to right to takeoff. You can also hike to the top in 45-60 mins . Very nice shrine just below takeoff and nice views of the valley. TO only for southerly or SW/SE. Cannot fly in N/W/E conditions.
Rules and notes
You need to pay a takeoff and landing fee to the club
Pilot comments
Very friendly club and members. A few non Japanese flying in the club. Staff and instructors speak some English. Club has food, drink and beer! Also a simple but comfortable bunkhouse to stay overnight. No showers but can use one of the local hot springs. Flying site is a few KM from the station. 2000 yen taxi ride or the club will pick up.
Nearby sites
Sky park Utsunomiya (49) · Dodaira W (29) · Dodaira S (32) · Ohira Sky Club (55) · 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) · Okamidake (Ogami) (54)