The Ride of Your Life! Experiencing Japan from Above in a Private Helicopter Tour

See Japan From a Whole New Perspective

(Photo: AriAir)

A helicopter tour is a great way to recreate the magic of touching down in Japan, and multiplying that excitement in a way a plane ride never could. You can take a loved one or friend to have the city and the sky all to yourself. This is a great way to bring back unique pictures and memories, or even celebrate a special event.

Helicopter tours are available all over Japan with AriAir, but here we’ll take a look at their tours for Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and the dramatic scenery of the Mt. Aso volcano.

From Booking to Boarding: How to Prepare for Your Helicopter Tour

(Photo: AriAir)

When preparing for your helicopter ride, there are a few things to note beforehand.

Before flying

Firstly, reservations are required for all bookings. If there is availability, you may be able to make a same-day booking, but the earlier the better! You can choose your tour from the tour plans on AriAir, where you will have a selection of areas and packages, and then make your booking via LINE or through the inquiry form.

As most helicopter rides on AriAir require you to rent the entire helicopter, the more people you ride with, the cheaper the price is per person. Note that there are cancellation fees from 30 days before the flight.

Children are allowed on board, with up to one child under age three on a guardian’s lap. Children above age three will be treated as an adult guest and are required to have a booked seat.

On the day of flying

(Photo: AriAir)

Make sure to check your emails the day of your flight, as there will be updates if the flight is cancelled due to the weather. In that case, the flight will be refunded or rescheduled.

Make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time, and to contact AriAir if you will be late.

Bring your confirmation email on your phone or printed out, and wear what you would normally, but bring a jacket in case.

You can bring small items like your phone and wallet on board. There are lockers at Tokyo heliport for larger items, but not for those departing from the Mt. Fuji area.

Photography Tips to Capture Your Japan Helicopter Tour

(Photo: AriAir)

While some tour packages with AriAir come with a professional photographer, of course you can take your own pictures while up in the air, too!

We asked the AriAir team for their tips on taking the best pictures while in the air:
“Firstly, make sure not to touch your phone to the window or door, as it will be shaky. Loosen your upper arms by your side, but keep your forearms and hands steady. Do these two things and you should be able to take some beautiful snapshots without any blur!”

3 Recommended Japan Helicopter Tour Packages

There are a lot of different packages to choose from, but here we’ll take a look at three of our favorites (package names are shortened for ease of reading).

Video Package: Round-Trip Helicopter Flight from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji

(Photo: AriAir)

・Price: From 165,000 yen – 660,000 yen per passenger
・Capacity: 1-4 people
・Meeting point: Tokyo Heliport
・End point: Tokyo Heliport
・Time: 90 minutes

Especially beautiful from December to March when Mt. Fuji is covered in a glistening layer of snow, the round trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji lets you see all the famous highlights from above. As you leave from Tokyo, you’ll be able to spot Tokyo Tower and Tokyo skytree. Then you’ll fly along the east coast, passing over Odaiba, Yokohama, Enoshima, and even the majestic Lake Ashi. Then you’ll see the iconic Mt. Fuji from an angle like no other, looking down into its volcanic crater. Enjoy everything all over again on the way back, and see what you can spot on the way. All of this with a 4K video shot by a professional cameraman, so you can focus on the views rather than the camera screen.

Mt. Fuji to Tokyo

(Photo: AriAir)

・Price: From 98,000 yen – 294,000 yen per passenger
・Capacity: 1-3 people
・Meeting point: Mt. Fuji-Oshino Heliport
・End point: Tokyo Heliport
・Time: 35 minutes

If you’re visiting Mt. Fuji from the ground and want a more spectacular way to get back to Tokyo, the Mt. Fuji to Tokyo package is a bit more exciting than the view of the back of someone’s head on a crowded bus! Marvel at the mountain from on the ground and in the sky, and watch as the mountain gets smaller and the city of Tokyo gets larger before you, its landmarks drawing you back to the bustling city life.

Mt. Aso Regular Course

(Photo: AriAir)

・Price: From 19,233 yen – 57,700 yen per passenger
・Capacity: 1-3 people
・Meeting point: Aso Sensuikyo Heliport
・End point: Aso Sensuikyo Heliport
・Time: 9 minutes

One of the more affordable options, this 9-minute tour of Mt. Aso from above is the best way to see the volcano in all its glory. Watch as plumes of smoke drift from the crater, and take in a sight not many get to witness. The location is particularly beautiful in May, when bright pink azalea decorate the hillsides of Sensuikyo Gorge.

Special Occasions

(Photo: AriAir)

Of course, this kind of scenic flight makes for the perfect celebration of a special occasion, and could even be the magical moment for a proposal!

AriAir can help with some surprises and special arrangements like preparing floral bouquets for your special someone. For proposals and gift-giving, they recommend bringing something small in your pocket, and bringing it out when your partner is taking in the scenery to surprise them when they turn to look back at you. Their excited reaction against the Tokyo landscape will be a moment you’ll cherish forever – and can even look back on if you choose a photography package!

How to Book Your Helicopter Ride

Whether you’re riding a helicopter with your partner, your friends, or even a solo adventure, make sure you choose the right tour for you, as there is a lot to explore!

(*Information is current as of November 2024, when the article was published. Please check the official websites for the latest plans and prices.)

Written by:

Cassandra Lord is a British journalist specialising in food, travel, and culture, and has been in Japan for five years after studying Japanese at Edinburgh University for four. With a year of experience as co-editor for LIVE JAPAN, Cassandra has since transitioned to freelance writing, contributing to a variety of platforms including The Japan Times and Tokyo Weekender. During her time in Japan she has visited 25 prefectures, with a goal to eventually visit all 47. She also manages her own YouTube channel, “Cassandra Lord”, which is dedicated to all things related to Japanese culinary culture. She also works as a translator and photographer.