Chubu Centrair International Airport is an airport that was created on a man-made island in Ise Wan Bay offshore of Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. It is usually referred to by its nickname, Centrair, which was taken from the English words ""central"" and ""airport."" The airport carries out regular functions, of course, but it is also popular as an entertainment spot. Established within is a new type of theme park called Flight of Dreams, its main display a Boeing 787; the airport is also home to Japan's first observation bath, Fu no Yu, from which bathers can gaze out at airplanes.

Held inside Flight of Dreams is a video and sound show that uses the display area of the first Boeing 787. The show was created by world-famous Team Labo, and at it visitors can experience an atmosphere as if they are flying alongside airplanes through brilliant and dynamic videos. There are a variety of diverse contents also available, such as the Boeing Factory, which offers the chance to experience a factory at which aircrafts are built, and at the Paper Plane Music Field visitors can throw paper airplanes toward a gate of light; when the paper airplanes touch the light, the colors and sounds of the whole space change. Sketch Airplane allows visitors to scan an airplane they drew themselves, and that hand-drawn airplane will then appear in a video and fly around. The Seattle Terrace of the Boeing establishment has, as the name suggests, adopted the city of Seattle as its theme, and here visitors can enjoy shopping and popular menus from the real Seattle.

In Sky Town on the fourth floor of Terminal One is a globally uncommon observation bath called Fu no Yu. From here, visitors can gaze out at the evening sun sinking into the Ise Wan Bay as well as the takeoff and arrival of planes while they soak, making it a great place to spend some soothing time while waiting for a flight or during a spare moment while sightseeing. For those who don't have time to relax in the bath but still want to see the takeoff and landing of airplanes, head to the Sky Deck on the roof of Terminal One; from here, the planes can be seen at close proximity.

Those who want to learn even more about airplanes and airports should consider participating in one of the Centrair Maruwakari Tours, in which a guide will lead visitors around the airport. There are two tours available: the Terminal Course, in which participants will walk around and see interesting places within the terminal; and the Runway Observation Course, which will take participants around the runways by bus. Both of these tours offer unique experiences and a look into places that the general public doesn't normally get to see. By taking part in a tour and deepening your knowledge, you might just be able to discover a new way to enjoy your time at airports.

※Centrair Maruwakari Tours: The Terminal Course is held at most four times per day; day-of participation is possible if there are spaces available (contact required). For the Runway Observation Course, group bus participation or individual participation via bus tours organized by a travel agency are possible. Please check the official website for details.

Photograph provided by Chubu Centrair International Airport