Tokyo scenic helicopter flight across Japan

Tokyo is a fantastic city to explore, and after several visits to the capital of Japan, I wanted to take my upcoming trip to the next level.

Most of my time in Tokyo has been on foot, and I thought it would be fun to kick my trip up a notch and go for a more of a bird’s eye view instead.

That’s when I decided to book a scenic helicopter flight across the city of Tokyo, Japan.

Here is my guide on how to book your very own Tokyo helicopter cruise across the city.

Booking with KLOOK is super easy using the app

KLOOK is a hassle-free, easy to use booking system which you can use to find a selection of local activities, services and experiences to try on your next trip.

When I arrived in Tokyo, it was rather easy to go on the app and have a look around the city to find something fun I could do over the following next few days.

The KLOOK app covers many countries and cities around the globe and has a large selection of experiences to choose from, so feel free to have a look and see what you can find.

It’s easy to use so you can seamlessly and safely find what you fancy doing and swiftly book with a tap of a button.

The mobile e-ticket feature is easy to use and perfect for spontaneous travellers like me.

By using the smartphone app, you can book your next adventure with KLOOK.

You can also book theme park tickets, tours, airport transfers, SIM cards, WiFi and much more, so be sure to check it out for all your travel needs.

That’s when I found the scenic helicopter flight experience across the city of Tokyo, something new that I’ve never done before.

Just when you think you’ve done everything, KLOOK helped me to find a new and exciting experience that I wanted to try.

Finding the scenic helicopter flight centre in Tokyo

Once you’ve booked and confirmed your trip on the KLOOK app, the next step is making your way to the helicopter flight centre.

Luckily the meeting point is next to the entrance to Tokyo Disney Resort, so it’s rather easy to find.

Head to Maihama Station metro station. Urayasu Heliport offers a free bus transfer service at 16:00, 16:20 and 16:40 from the clock tower near the JR Maihama Station North Exit.

You should plan to be at the heliport 30 minutes before your flight time so you can allow some check-in time. Be sure to factor in the transfer time with the bus as well.

Journey transfer time from Maihama Station to the heliport is around 10 minutes, and you can always take a taxi if you miss the bus transfer.

Bus times may change so best to check directly with the company for the exact information.

Selection of helicopter flight options to choose from

There are several options on which type of helicopter flight you can book. I thought it would be helpful to explain each one as you should factor in some information before making your decision.

You can book:

– Day Flight
Spring and summer: 4:45 pm-6:30 pm, daily
Autumn and winter: 4:15pm-5:30pm, daily

– Night Flight
Spring and summer: 6:45pm-8:45pm, daily
Autumn and winter: 5:45pm-8:40pm, daily
(This activity is unavailable on Thursdays)

The price will vary depending on which option and time (weekday/weekend) you wish to book.

Do bear in mind at this stage that your helicopter flight will take place if the weather conditions are right and your flight might be cancelled or moved to an alternative day or time.

This is why I would recommend booking your scenic helicopter flight during the start of your trip to Tokyo just in case you might have to move your scheduled appointment. It might be a good idea to book your flight once in Tokyo, Japan, as you can then communicate in the same timezone, which is always a lot easier.

Also, it’s good to bear in mind the seasons and sunset times in Tokyo, Japan, as this will change throughout the year.

Confirmation will take around 24 hours so they can ensure enough time to check the flight conditions, so please be patient as your booking is not an instant confirmation.

In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, flights may be cancelled. Even on sunny days, flights may be cancelled if it is deemed unsafe to fly due to strong winds or low hanging clouds. If a cancellation occurs prior to the flight, you will be contacted on the phone number you have provided upon booking so it’s essential to place a phone number that you can easily be reached on in Tokyo.

Welcome drinks, check-in and lounge experience

Once you’ve arrived at the Urayasu Heliport location, take some time to fill out the check-in forms. Then you can relax and enjoy the magnificent view from the lounge decking.

You will get a signed certificate from your pilot to commemorate your helicopter flight which is yours to take home as a memento of the day.

Soft drinks are included in the price so you can enjoy a tea or coffee while you wait. If you wish to purchase any alcoholic beverages, this will cost you extra.

First some safety rules before your helicopter flight

It’s essential to pay close attention to the safety briefing video before your helicopter flight and follow the instructions given to you by staff.

Japan is known for having many rules, and some of them may not make sense but understand that your safety is the number one priority, especially when going on a helicopter flight.

It’s important to understand that photography or video equipment is not allowed in the helicopter. No hats, sunglasses, wallets or anything else should be in your pockets. It must be locked up in the lockers before your flight.

A smartphone camera is allowed as long as you keep the flash turned off.

You can’t take photos outside of the lounge area and can only take photos after take off.

Everything will be explained to you on the day, so be sure to pay close attention.

Time for your scenic helicopter flight over Tokyo!

Now it’s time for the fun part! The scenic helicopter flight over the city of Tokyo.

Your pilot will talk to you through the intercom during the flight and help to explain each famous landmark as you fly over.

I’ll do my best to explain each point here to give you an idea of what the flight will be like.

See Mount Fuji from a distance

Once you’ve taken off from your helicopter pad and gone up 600 meters above one of the world’s largest metropolises, on a clear day, you should be able to see Mt. Fuji from a distance.

Seeing Mt. Fuji from Tokyo can be hit or miss depending on the weather conditions.

I was lucky to have such a clear day and beautiful view of Mt. Fuji just as the sun started to set from a distance. Couldn’t have asked for better conditions.

Seeing Mt. Fuji is only possible on the day time flight.

Flying towards the Tokyo skyline

Now your flight will take you towards the skyline of Tokyo city. By this point, depending on the conditions, the sun should be almost set, and the city lights should start to turn on giving this incredible twilight glow over the skyscrapers. A magical moment to witness from the sky as you approach the city.

See the Tokyo Tower from above

Your first Tokyo city attraction that you will fly over will be the Tokyo Tower. Built in 1958, it’s been an iconic landmark amongst the Tokyo skyline ever since.

Fly past the Tokyo Skytree

At this point, you will start to head back to base, and you will pass the last iconic Tokyo landmark, which is the Tokyo Skytree.

The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and was opened to the public in 2012 and is a new addition to the city’s skyline.

The experience of being in a helicopter over Tokyo

Words can’t describe how special the experience is getting to see Tokyo from a unique bird’s-eye view from above in a helicopter; you have to experience it yourself on your next trip to Japan to understand the feeling.

I have to admit that I was fortunate with the weather as conditions couldn’t have been more perfect. An excellent clear autumn day with a perfect sunset, it was simply magical.

It’s such an incredible city with a fantastic skyline, 15 minutes don’t do it justice and the time will pass by so be sure to enjoy every single second you have in the helicopter.

End your trip flying over Tokyo Disney Resort

Your flight time is around 15 minutes from take-off to landing, and by the end, you will start to notice the sun has begun to set and you’re slowly starting to be surrounded by darkness from a distance.

This was the main reason I opted for the day flight as you take off at sunset and get to see Tokyo in the day time as well as a glimpse of the night time. This way, you can see Mt. Fuji as well as the night skyline of Tokyo city.

One last attraction you can see will be the lights starting to turn on over Tokyo Disney Resort as you come to approach the landing pad to end your Tokyo helicopter cruise experience.

Thank you for reading about my Tokyo scenic helicopter flight

Thank you for reading my blog post about taking a scenic helicopter flight across the city of Tokyo.

I hope you found the information useful and you’re looking forward to your next trip to Tokyo.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help. Feel free to send me a message. Have an awesome trip to Japan!