Too luxurious! FDA North Alps scenic flight: do not fall asleep, "go to A, return to K"
When traveling by plane for business trips or vacations, don't you often have trouble choosing between the window seat and the aisle seat? If you need to go to the restroom, the aisle seat is more convenient, but if you get a window seat, you can enjoy the extraordinary views outside.
A flight from "Shinshu Matsumoto Airport" located in Nagano Prefecture, Yamanote District, to Hokkaido. The view from the airplane is unique. The breathtaking scenery of the Northern Alps covered in snow will surely capture the attention of those who love mountains, as well as those who don't! We introduce a flight where you can enjoy the scenic views as if on a sightseeing flight.
■ The highest elevation in Japan, Shinshu Matsumoto Airport
Matsumoto Airport in Shinshu is an airport located between Nagano Prefecture's Matsumoto City and Shiojiri City. It has an elevation of 657.5 meters and is known as the airport closest to the sky in Japan. The surrounding area is called "Matsumoto Hira Wide-area Park (Shinshu Sky Park)" and is a popular place among local residents, featuring facilities such as the "Yamabiko Dome," used as an event venue, and "Sanpo Arena," the home ground of Matsumoto Yamaga FC.
"FDA (Fujidream Airlines)" operates one daily flight from Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) as a code-share (joint operation) with JAL. Especially during the depth of winter, the return flight passes over the Northern Alps at dusk, offering a chance to enjoy the magical scenic view of snow-covered Northern Alps.
■ On the way there, "A" offers a magnificent view of the Northern Alps!
It was a clear day from morning, perfect for flying and photography. I drove from home to Shinshu Matsumoto Airport. After passing through the terminal entrance, there is an "FDA" counter straight ahead. After checking in, I went to the departure gate on the second floor. Because it's a compact airport, there's no confusion, and moving around takes only a short distance.
The bright orange Embraer 175 (Flight 5) has moved to the end of the runway. The seat is "A" slightly behind the front. It's the window seat on the left side of the direction of travel. Takeoff is finally coming up. Usually, on another flight, I would often fall asleep around this time, but on this route, it's not a time to be sleeping.
The aircraft, accelerating rapidly, takes off into the sky heading north, waved off by people waving from the grassy square. First, Mount Kiso, shining white, was visible deep in the valley extending westward. This is the beginning of a grand spectacle without a moment to catch one's breath.
Just five minutes after takeoff. The spectacular scenery of the Hida Mountains, Mount Kurodake, and the southern part of the Northern Alps glittering in white is spread out just below the window. As the aircraft gains altitude, Mount Hakusan can be clearly seen.
The scenery moves on to the northern part of the Japanese Alps. The area around Mt. Kasa-dake, Mt. Kishima-ga-take, and Hakuba-dake offers an impressive volume of snow, together with Tateyama and Kurobe. Looking down from above, you can't help but be amazed by the amount of snowfall. You can also see ski resorts named "HAKUBAVALLEY" lined up next to each other at the foot of the mountains.
As the seat belt sign turned off, the coastline along the Japan Sea from Niigata Prefecture to Toyama Prefecture came into view. The sea, which had a bright and calm appearance for winter, showed slight white waves.
Raising the altitude further, we now have an ocean of clouds spread out before us. Here, we can finally take a breath. The service of drinks has started. By the way, it's a big plus that the popular "Chateraise" snack "Nashi Emi" is served as a tea companion!
According to the in-flight announcement, it seems that the aircraft moved north along the Japan Sea coast at approximately 900 km/h and reached over the city of Niigata in less than 30 minutes. It invited us to an unusual daytime nap above the clouds......
※ Since the author resides in Nagano Prefecture, I am using "Shinshū Matsumoto Airport → New Chitose Airport" for the departure and "New Chitose Airport → Shinshū Matsumoto Airport" for the return.
■ Return via "K" - A Fantastical Sunset Flight
I finished my work in Hokkaido and started my way back. The day before had seen heavy snowfall, but on the day of my flight, the weather had cleared up, and I headed to New Chitose Airport with excitement.
The Embraer 175 (No. 15) soared upward as if cutting through the low-lying clouds, and in an instant, it was above the clouds. While gazing at the sea of clouds spreading out below, it ended up dozing off...
I suddenly woke up when I sensed the aircraft descending in altitude. Below the red clouds illuminated by the western sun, the mountain ridges were almost completely covered by clouds, so I realized it a bit late, but I was able to confirm the familiar foothills of the Northern Alps. I almost overslept.
The western sky is tinged with red, and the rugged mountain shape of Kurodake stands out against the sea of clouds. Further south, the clouds disappear, and we could clearly see the silhouette of Kengamine Mountain and the peak ridge of Hotaka. Unlike the way back, we flew over the peaks of Mihara, Hachifukayama, and Takahodake, then made a gentle turn at Shiojiri Station and landed at Shinshu Matsumoto Airport.
Usually, the mountain ranges seen from the foot. Mountains that have been climbed... Looking down from above in a panoramic view is a moving experience. Do not fall asleep! This time's fulfilling scenic flight turned out to be a wonderful sightseeing flight.
"Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu" greatly enhances the experience value with new lifts, new cuisine, and new bases!
【Hokkaido】 A resort where you can enjoy international exchange, "All-Inclusive Resort" - "The common language is skiing!"
Cheap! 3 ski resorts offering "season passes" for under 10,000 yen! It's a great deal to ski all you want during the period! But why?
Post a Comment