Quick Things to Know: - You need 1 week notice for permission and 3 days for insurance - The DZ staff replied promptly and with detail though maybe only once per day and in the afternoon local time so give yourself time to organise things - They jump from 12.5k and around 10 slots in the caravan are reserved for tandems - There's FF and FS jumpers on the DZ, including several English speakers, who were incredibly friendly - When I went, there was no load organising - The nearest station is Okegawa and there are buses to the DZ - Be careful with international transfers, the DZ will accept cash if you show you're definitely committed to going and are struggling to pay up front, and their bank took a lot of mine in fees. I was working in Kyoto for a few weeks and got in touch with the DZ. They explained the pricing structure, logistics, and the kit they had available very thoroughly. The prices are as listed in the recent reviews, and a 1 week notice is needed to get permission and 3 days for insurance. They have a range of rigs you can hire which were in decent condition and all fitted with AADs. I jumped a 190 silhouette and they also had a 170 sabre 2 and 200 nav available (among others, I was after something around this size), and they let you pack for yourself which saves some of the cost. I did have an issue in paying for the membership and insurance (8000 yen up front) as it was transferred from the UK and their bank ate a lot of it in fees. Initially they asked me to pay the missing amount but when I emailed back to discuss it, the CI agreed it wasn't fair and told me not to worry. I arrived into Okegawa at around 3:40 and decided to walk because I arrived in the one time of day when there was a long wait for the bus. This was a big mistake in 38*c conditions, especially with google maps which led me into a dead end in a boggy rice field! After finally getting there, I was introduced by one of the staff members (who spoke very good English) to some jumpers who were from the UK and US. They were very welcoming, we went out for dinner as it was too late to get ready to jump. Then I stayed about 15mins away in the clubhouse overnight which was free (although apparently they normally charge). It had toilets, showers, a microwave and fridge, TV/DVD, bedding, and aircon. The next day we left early to manifest because it was so busy but I got 4 jumps in throughout the day, including 1 on the last lift which was all sports jumpers. The plane was nice, and riding to altitude with the door open in that heat was amazing, as was seeing Mt Fuji from the air. They go to 12.5k which put us about on level with its peak. The landing area was small (long and narrow) and there's quite a few hazards around but also a lot of landmarks so accuracy in planning the pattern was easier. The DZ orientation was also thorough and jumpers were happy to go over anything I'd forgotten from it. After the day's jumping (be mindful the last lift is at 5), I was allowed to crash at the clubhouse again, even though they were closed the next day. It ended up that one of the jumpers offered me his spare room (just shows how welcoming they were!). Overall, a really awesome weekend and great break during the working holiday - highly recommended.
