Glide through the sky with hawks suspended just feet away and a white-capped Mount Fuji in the distance. Head out to Asagiri Kogen, part of Tokyo's weekend playground, to paraglide on the winds blowing inland from the Pacific Ocean. The updrafts can be weak in the mornings but as the tiny plain heats up, breezes hit the steep hills and create lift that can keep you soaring for the rest of the day.

Practice your technique at the DK Skygym while attached to cables suspended from the ceiling, then get a feel for your wings from the 100-foot practice mound before heading to one of several mountain-climbing pullcarts. You can be delivered to various launching pad heights. Unsure of your aerial talents? Hire an instructor for a tandem flight—a luxury for the beginner that's worth every yen.

Trip Facts
When to go: Year-round (though winter offers the clearest weather).
Difficulty rating: Easy

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