Tokyo, one of the largest and most dynamic metropolises in the world, attracts millions of visitors each year with its striking contrasts between tradition and modernity. While the city can be explored on foot or by public transport, one of the most spectacular ways to discover Tokyo is from the air. Helicopter tours offer an unforgettable perspective of the urban landscape, iconic skyscrapers, and major cultural landmarks.
The Experience of a Tokyo Helicopter Flight
Flying over Tokyo by helicopter allows visitors to see the city from a completely new angle. An aerial view reveals a 360° panorama of famous landmarks, sprawling urban districts, and surrounding natural spaces. Whether during the day or at night, Tokyo presents a completely different face when viewed from above.
Flights are available at various times throughout the day, but most visitors particularly recommend sunset or night flights, when the city glows with the lights of skyscrapers and bustling streets. During the day, passengers can enjoy the clarity of the landscape and view the coastline, while night flights add a magical dimension to the experience, with a sea of twinkling lights beneath your feet.
Landmarks Observed During the Flight
A helicopter flight over Tokyo offers the opportunity to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The helicopter naturally flies over Tokyo Tower, the emblem of Japan’s capital, inspired by the Eiffel Tower. This structure is one of the first to catch the eye during the tour.
The second iconic tower is Tokyo Skytree, which is the tallest structure in Japan and surpasses Tokyo Tower in height. It dominates the Tokyo skyline and offers an impressive view, both day and night.
Located in the heart of the city, the Imperial Palace and its gardens provide a refreshing contrast to the dense urban landscape. From the helicopter, the greenery surrounding the palace stands out distinctly from the rest of the city.
The Tokyo Bay area and the famous Rainbow Bridge that spans it are particularly breathtaking at night. The bay itself is a key location for modern urban development.
The Shibuya district, famous for its bustling Scramble Crossing, is also visible from the helicopter. The crowds and city rush are suddenly reduced to an abstract vision from above.
Odaiba, an artificial island with futuristic buildings and an amusement park, is another highlight of an aerial tour.
If weather conditions are favorable, you may even catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji in the background, an unforgettable sight for nature lovers.
Prices and Available Tour Options
The prices for helicopter tours in Tokyo vary depending on the flight duration, the type of service, and additional options offered by each company.
Standard tours typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, providing an overview of the main tourist sites. Prices for these tours start at approximately 15,000 to 20,000 yen per person (around 100 to 150 euros), with discounted rates for groups.
For those looking for a more intimate or personalized experience, private tours can be booked. The price for a 30-minute private flight ranges between 80,000 and 100,000 yen (around 600 to 800 euros) for the entire group, depending on the company and included services. Private flights often allow passengers to customize their itinerary and schedule according to their preferences.
Some companies offer longer flights, ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. These flights allow passengers to explore not only Tokyo but also its surrounding cities and landscapes, such as Yokohama, Hakone, or even fly over mountainous regions near Mount Fuji. These extended tours are naturally more expensive, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 yen (approximately 800 to 1,200 euros).
Flight Companies and Access
Several aviation companies offer helicopter tours over Tokyo, each providing different services and departure points.
Excel Air Service is one of the most popular providers for helicopter tours in Tokyo. They operate from Tokyo Heliport, located in the Shin-Kiba district, near Tokyo Bay. This location is ideal for starting an aerial tour as it provides quick access to major landmarks such as Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower.
Another key departure point is Tokyo City Heliport, located in Edogawa Ward. It is easily accessible from central Tokyo by public transportation or car.
Aero Asahi Corporation also offers sightseeing flights over Tokyo and its surroundings. They are well-known for organizing customized flights, including special events such as birthdays or marriage proposals.
Conclusion
A helicopter tour over Tokyo is an exceptional experience, offering unparalleled panoramic views of this vast metropolis. Whether you want to see iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower or Mount Fuji on a clear day, or prefer to admire the city’s sparkling night lights, these tours provide a unique perspective on Japan’s capital. With a variety of flight options in terms of price and duration, there is something for every traveler and budget.
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