Ishikawa Aviation Plaza

The Ishikawa Aviation Plaza is an aviation-focused museum in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the north side of Komatsu Airport. On the 1st floor, exhibits include helicopters, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet, and a paraglider; some exhibits can be sat in. For a fee, you can also experience a simulator of the YS-11 (previously used by ANA), an air-traffic-control simulator, and even a hands-on Cessna piloting experience. The 2nd floor teaches aviation history and structure, and since the opening in 2012 of the large indoor airplane-shaped playground “Buunbun World,” it has become a very popular place for children to play regardless of weather. The VIP cabin of the former Japanese government aircraft (Boeing 747), used until 2019, is also displayed here. (The text notes it was scheduled to be exhibited until April 2022.) Access: about 10 minutes by bus from JR Komatsu Station.