【Experience Barrier-Free Skies?】Introducing Paragliding Accessible for Wheelchair Users!

The allure of paragliding lies in the ability to soar freely through the sky like a bird. While it is often perceived as a sport only for the able-bodied, did you know that even individuals who use wheelchairs can enjoy paragliding?

This time, we will delve into the tandem paragliding experience for wheelchair users in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture.

1. What is the Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center?

The Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center is an organization that supports elderly and disabled individuals in enjoying tourism comfortably at various tourist spots and facilities within Yamagata Prefecture.

They engage in a wide range of activities, including disseminating and providing barrier-free information, organizing and managing painting projects for disabled parking spaces (Blue Paint Operation), conducting workshops, lectures, and simulated experience sessions, offering hospitality training at inns and accommodations, and advising on barrier-free renovations.

Reference: Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center

The Inspiration Behind Tandem Paragliding Experiences for Wheelchair Users

The inspiration for the tandem paragliding experience for wheelchair users came from Kenichi Kato, the representative of the Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center, who himself lives with muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair.

Driven by the desire to create opportunities to change the environment where many things have to be given up due to disabilities, Kato, who grew up watching people enjoy paragliding at Nanyo Sky Park, thought, "How wonderful it would be if people with disabilities could fly freely in the sky just like able-bodied individuals." This led him to consult with Principal Kanai of Soaring Systems, a local paragliding school.

As Japan's first barrier-free sky area, the initiative began with the cooperation of Kanai, local authorities, and community members. It also contributes to promoting tourism by showcasing the charm of Yamagata and invigorating the region. Since 2016, over 50 individuals with disabilities have realized their dream of flying.

Moreover, inspired by letters from children expressing their wish to fly, a special paraglider wheelchair for children was made possible through crowdfunding and support from across the country, allowing children's dreams to come true.

For more details about the flights, please visit the official website of the Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center.

Reference: About Paragliding Experiences

(You can apply through the [Pre-Application Form] at the bottom of the page)

2. Voices of Those Who Have Experienced It

Here are some testimonials from those who have experienced tandem (two-person) flights, as shared on ACTIVITY JAPAN.

Watching people fly at Daikanbo in Aso made me want to try it at least once, so I applied while on a business trip to Yamagata (since it's not available in my hometown, Sado Island).
When I actually flew, I wasn't scared, and I was glad I did it. The instructions on how to fly were thorough, and I forgot about the fear once I was in the air.
I took lots of photos (Instagram-worthy) and it became a great memory. I want to find more activities to challenge myself with.

The altitude was higher than I expected, and people and buildings looked very small. I wonder how wonderful it would feel to fly during the autumn foliage or in winter with snow remaining.
I hope to experience a solo flight someday. Thank you for the enjoyable time.

Source: Everyone's Experiences | ACTIVITY JAPAN

There were positive reviews like "It became a precious memory."

3. The Message Conveyed Through Tandem Paragliding Experiences for Wheelchair Users

Kenichi Kato, through the tandem paragliding experience for wheelchair users, aims to create a society where "everyone, regardless of disability, can challenge themselves in various ways," breaking the stereotype that "people with disabilities cannot do certain things." He envisions a society where everyone can challenge themselves in various ways.

People with disabilities face numerous barriers not only in flying but also in daily life. However, Kato's passionate belief is that it is important to challenge oneself despite having a disability, and that a single challenge can gradually change society and the world.

4. In Conclusion

Through this article, I have once again realized the reality of a society where many people have to give up due to disabilities, and the importance of thinking and acting on "how to achieve it," like Kenichi Kato.

I was also moved by the fact that even things deemed impossible can be overcome with ingenuity and support from various people.

The tandem paragliding experience for wheelchair users is the first flight area in Japan at Nanyo Sky Park in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. As of March 2023, flight areas are increasing nationwide, including in Gunma and Shiga Prefectures.

Why not challenge yourself with a tandem paragliding experience?

[Inquiries]
Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Tour Center
Address: 589-2 Wakasa Goya, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture (NANYO BASE)
Phone: 0238-20-6125
Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed: Saturdays & Holidays (Open on 1st and 3rd Saturdays)

[Flight Operations]
Soaring Systems Paragliding School
Address: 1970-4 Kunugizuka, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
Phone: 0238-40-2149
Closed: Every Thursday

In addition to paragliding, they also provide barrier-free information about Disney attractions. If you're interested in articles about Disney attractions, check out