The museum preserves the last remaining Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony) fighter aircraft in the world.
Kakamigahara is historically significant as the site of Japan's first public airfield, established in 1917.
The collection includes the MU-2, the first postwar Japanese-developed aircraft to be sold internationally.
Displays feature an authentic moon rock sample returned by the Apollo 17 mission.
The museum holds a specialized collection of flight simulators and high-fidelity cockpit mockups.
The facility was extensively renovated in 2018 to merge the former Aviation and Space Science museums into one institution.
Exhibits feature original design drawings and wind tunnel models from Japan’s early 20th-century aviation industry.
The Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum is one of Japan's most comprehensive aviation museums, located at the birthplace of the nation's aircraft industry. It houses a vast collection of rare aircraft, including the Kawasaki-built Ki-61 'Hien' fighter, which is the only surviving example of its kind. The facility integrates two main zones: the Aviation Zone, focusing on domestic aircraft development, and the Space Zone, which covers Japan’s contributions to space exploration. A notable exhibit is the 'Science of Flight' area, which provides interactive demonstrations of aerodynamics. The museum occupies a site adjacent to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Gifu Air Base, maintaining a historical link to active flight testing. Its collection includes both civilian and military hardware, ranging from early wood-and-fabric biplanes to modern jet fighters. The structure itself is a large-scale modern architectural project designed to accommodate oversized airframes. Extensive archival documentation regarding the history of the Kakamigahara manufacturing hub is maintained on-site.
The central atrium provides a panoramic view of the suspended aircraft, offering the best perspective for wide-angle shots.
Prioritize the flight simulators early in the day as they often develop queues.
Check the daily flight schedule of the adjacent Gifu Air Base, as museum visitors can often watch military aircraft movements from the windows.
Use the interactive flight testing displays to understand the specific engineering challenges of the historic aircraft on display.
Do not overlook the outdoor display area where larger airframes are parked, as these are easy to miss if you stay only inside the main hangar.
Closed on Tuesdays; if a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, it is closed the following Wednesday.
Photography is generally permitted, but flash usage is prohibited near sensitive historical artifacts; follow signage regarding restricted zones.
