See Japan With a Bird’s Eye View: The Best Helicopter Tours
Japan has an amazingly diverse landscape with beautiful coastlines, serene forests, iconic cityscapes with tall skyscrapers and endless natural scenery. From locations such as Lake Ashi near Mt. Fuji to the coastlines of Okinawa, Japan’s helicopter tours offer new experiences and breathtaking views.
Whether it’s a flight over the neon-lit skyline or a mesmerising trip around Kyoto’s temples and rivers, there are helicopter tours across Japan to suit every interest and region. Various operators offer private and shared flights that will elevate people’s sightseeing experience into something extraordinary.
Airos Skyview / Airos Sky Cruise
Airos is a popular helicopter tour service in Japan which offers a variety of day, night and special charter flights across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and many other regions upon request. They operate under AirX, a mobility startup prioritising air travel experiences.
Options include daytime sightseeing flights and 10-minute city cruises that go over eye-catching landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. Extended 20 minute flights cover areas such as Roppongi, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya and more. Airos also provides a Tokyo night flight that lasts around 25 to 50 minutes with views of Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and the Marunouchi skyline.
There are also 55-minute round trip scenic flights that take passengers through Tokyo city and Mt. Fuji.
Add-ons such as GoPro rentals, proposal packages, custom charters for weddings and helicopter shuttle service can be purchased. They also have a great English-friendly option for online bookings.
Airos Mt. Fuji
Airos has flight options to view Japan’s most beloved mountain. The trip starts from Fuji Oshino Heliport, located near Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai and is the perfect half-day adventure as passengers catch full aerial views of Mt. Fuji with sightseeing stops near the heliport.
The Mt. Fuji deluxe package allows customers to fly over Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji in one trip. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Panoramic Flight circles around the entire mountain and has views of the surrounding coastal areas.
Airos Kansai
Airos Skyview Kansai offers tours from Osaka Heliport, giving passengers breathtaking aerial views of popular Kansai landmarks throughout Osaka, Kobe and Akashi. The Osaka Bay Trial Flight is a 7-minute ride where passengers can see Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium and Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Meanwhile, the 10-minute Downtown Circuit passes through iconic spots including Osaka Castle, Tsūtenkaku and Umeda.
There is also the 30-minute Osaka to Kobe Sightseeing Flight. This flight offers a panoramic view over Sannomiya, Mt. Rokko and Kobe’s Harborland. Meanwhile, the Kansai Regional Cruise experience is about 50 minutes, with views of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
The 30-minute Night & Special Date Cruise reveals an illuminated Osaka and Kobe with landmarks such as Kobe Port Tower and USJ.
Excel Air Service
Excel Air Service, also known as Tokyo & Okinawa Helicopter Cruising, runs helicopter sightseeing and private charter flights out of Naha Airport. They use the Mitsubishi MH2000, a low‑noise, passenger‑centric utility helicopter introduced in 2000.
From the 30-minute Kerama Island National Park Course where customers can see coral reefs, sandy beaches and clear “Kerama Blue” waters to the 45-minute Marine Road & East Coast Course, that includes views of Henza, Hamahiga, Miyagi and Ikei islands, as well as the Katsuren Castle area, Excel Air Service has an array of different options. With their Okinawa Mainland Premium Course, passengers fly from Okinawa’s southernmost tip to the very north while catching panoramic views of the island’s coastline, all in about an hour.
Reservations are required at least one month in advance for standard charters with flexible operating hours depending on weather conditions and great inflight noise reduction.
Hokkaido Aviation / Okadama Heliport (Sapporo)
Sapporo offers plenty of options for fun and exciting helicopter tours with Hokkaido Aviation’s Sky Cruise. Departing from Okadama Heliport, Hokkaido Aviation offers aerial tours of Hokkaido’s main attractions such as Odori Park, Susukino, Nakajima Park and Ballpark F Village.
Operating from Okadama Airport in Higashi Ward, the flights are available as both private charters or shared rides. Flight durations span from 10 to 30 minutes, allowing passengers to choose a route that best suits their travel plans.
During the winter, Sky Cruise offers seasonal night flights, timed perfectly for events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival. These nighttime tours accentuate the city’s sparkling lights and seasonal displays.
Memories You’ll Never Forget
Whether you’re flying above Tokyo’s famous skyline for a spectacular view of the skyscrapers, taking in a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, or gliding over turquoise water, these aerial experiences offer unmatched sights and lasting memories. Book a tour and see Japan from above today.