The Land of the Rising Sun has never looked so stunning from the cockpit.
Microsoft, in partnership with Bing Maps, Gaya, and Asobo, has today released World Update 20: Japan for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
This massive, exciting, and completely free update is available right now for all players on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (via Cloud Gaming), and PC.
This is one of the largest world updates for the simulator to date, bringing the beautiful and intriguing nation of Japan to life with a breathtaking new level of vibrant, photorealistic detail.
An Evolving World, An Ever-Improving Sim
When we first took to the skies in the latest iteration of the franchise, we were blown away. In our 4/5 review of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, we called it a “vast and immersive aviation experience” and noted that “This is a game that will continue to evolve and improve over time.“
World Update 20: Japan is the perfect and most tangible proof of that continued evolution. This huge, free drop of content is a stunning showcase of the development team’s commitment to constantly improving and expanding the virtual world for its dedicated community of aviators.
Discover a Reborn Japan
This update is a comprehensive overhaul of the entire nation of Japan, from its soaring mountain peaks to its iconic cityscapes.
The update includes 23 areas of interest that have been recreated in vivid detail using the latest photogrammetry and surface texturing technology. Major cities that have received this stunning new level of detail include:
- Tokyo (with 16 distinct areas of interest)
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
- Sapporo
On top of the cityscapes, the update also adds 67 new, detailed points of interest to discover, including the revered historical monument of Osaka Castle, the beautiful Akinada Bridge, and the tallest seaside tower in Japan, the Fukuoka Tower.
Handcrafted Airports and New Missions
To help you explore this reborn nation, the update also includes a wealth of new, high-quality airports and a host of new activities to undertake.
Microsoft’s long-term partner, Gaya, has delivered five new, highly detailed, handcrafted airports:
- Hokkaido Spaceport (JP-0052): A unique aerospace park on the island of Hokkaido.
- Kitakyushu Airport (RJFR): A 24-hour airport built on an artificial island.
- Rishiri Airport (RJER): Located on the beautiful volcanic island of Rishiri.
- Sado Airport (RJSD): Located on the island of Sado.
- Satsuma Iōjima Airport (RJX7): A private airfield in the village of Mishima.
New Activities to Undertake
A host of new missions have been added to both Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, including:
- Three Discovery Flights: Explore Chubu-Sangaku National Park, the ancient city of Kyoto, and the metropolis of Sapporo.
- Three Landing Challenges: Test your piloting skills in strong winds at Ōmura Airport (RJFU) and take on famous challenges at Rishiri Airport (RJER) and Sado Airport (RJSD).
- One Bush Trip: Visit Japan’s most famous mountains in an epic journey from Mount Fuji to Mount Yōtei.
- MSFS 2024 Exclusive Challenges: A new low-altitude challenge at Tsushima Island and a rally race challenge at Setonaikai National Park.
How to Access the Update
World Update 20: Japan is completely free for all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator. To access it, simply ensure your simulator is updated to the latest version, then head to the in-game Marketplace to download the new content. And if you don’t yet have a copy of the game? The Xbox Store will sort you out.
A new world of aerial exploration and adventure has just opened up over one of the most beautiful and storied countries on Earth. It’s time to file your flight plan, take to the skies, and experience Japan like never before.
Need more info? The official Flight Sim page is chock with it. Thanks to them for the info.
