It is always fun to see the layout of big cities from high up in the air, and Tokyo is no different
Tokyo has many skyscrapers, and many of them, such as Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, etc., have observatories on the top floors.
But nothing beats the unique perspective one gets when you take off on a helicopter and see Tokyo from above.
Since it is an important part of your holiday experience in Tokyo, it is best to find out about all the available helicopter tours in the city, their cost, discounts, timings, duration, departure helipads, weight restrictions, etc., before booking your tour.
Top tickets
# Heli Flight Over Tokyo Bay
# Tokyo City Tour
# Mt. Fuji Cross-Country TourWe highly recommend booking your Tokyo Helicopter tour tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
Restrictions strictly followed
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Cost of Tokyo helicopter tours
The cheapest and most popular aerial ride costs US$403 per group (up to 3).
At the higher end, the tickets can go up to US$3106 per group (up to 3).
Prices of helicopter flights in Tokyo depend on three factors.
- Amount of time you spend in the air
- Time of flight – night flights tend to be more expensive
- Inclusions – a cruise around Mount Fuji is costlier than a quick ride
If you want to see the best of Tokyo on a chopper, check out the 45-minute skyscrapers air tour.
Related: Take your Yokohama adventure to new heights with a helicopter tour!
Which helicopter tour is best for you?
Exploring Tokyo from the skies offers an unforgettable experience of this iconic city.
Most of the tours come with customizable itineraries, allowing you to focus on specific landmarks you want to see, making it perfect for a tailored, time-efficient experience.
With multiple flights scheduled throughout the day for such tours, you can easily find a time that fits into your Tokyo itinerary.
Heli Flight Over Tokyo Bay: Ideal for those short on time
This private tour takes you over Tokyo Bay, giving you breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and possibly even a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Air time: 10 minutes
Cost: $403 / for a group of up to 3 travelers
Pilot’s commentary: Yes
Customizable: Yes
Buy This TicketRelated: Experience Osaka like never before with exhilarating helicopter tours over the city
Tokyo City Tour: Maximum value for money
For those looking to maximize value while enjoying a longer ride, the Tokyo City Tour is an excellent option, offering 20 minutes of flight time at a great price.
You’ll get expansive views of Tokyo’s major landmarks, including the Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa district, and Tokyo Station Gallery. It’s especially captivating at night, with the city lights sparkling below.
It is an excellent choice for small groups or couples seeking an intimate adventure.
Air time: 20 minutes
Cost: $951 / for a group of up to 3 travelers
Pilot’s commentary: Yes
Customizable: Yes
Buy This TicketRelated: Take to the skies with Kyoto helicopter tours
Mt. Fuji Cross-Country Tour: Luxurious ride
For a truly luxurious and extended flight, the Mt. Fuji Cross-Country Tour offers a 90-minute journey that takes you beyond Tokyo to view one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: Mt. Fuji.
This private tour not only covers the best of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and the Yokohama Landmark Tower but also ventures out to scenic spots like Lake Ashinoko and Enoshima Island.
The highlight is, of course, the majestic Mt. Fuji, which can be admired in all its glory from the air.
This tour is perfect for those who want to see Tokyo and Japan’s stunning countryside in a single flight, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s natural and urban beauty.
Air time: 90 minutes
Cost: $3106 / for a group of up to 3 travelers
Pilot’s commentary: Yes
Customizable: No
Buy This TicketRecommended
Want to fly over Tokyo at sunset?
This is a totally different experience because you see the city skyline bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The evening takeoffs make it just the right helicopter tour for two, especially if you are a romantic couple. The Tokyo Central Sunset Tour spans 30 minutes and allows a small crowd of up to five people onboard.
Cost of the tour: US$2,894 per group (up to 5)
Helicopter tour timings in Tokyo
The helicopter tours in Tokyo are operational all through the week.
The first batch of these tours often starts taking off at 9 am onwards. They continue to take off in slots up to 4 pm. During winter, they stop a little earlier.
The first batch of night helicopter tours usually depart at 5.30 pm. They continue to take off in slots up to 8 pm.
Things to know before booking your tickets
Check for specific exclusions and exclusions so that you are not in for last-minute surprises!
Ticket inclusions
Besides a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter with a cabin with climate control, you also get free inflight narration. If different passengers request more than two languages on the same flight, the audio commentary defaults to English.
All local taxes and service fees are part of the tour cost. Also, depending on the tour you opt for, there may be additional inclusions.
For instance, if you book the 10-minute Tokyo helicopter tour, a private car pickup and drop-off are also included.
Ticket exclusions
Gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, food and drinks, and souvenir photos are usually not included in the tickets.
However, some tours may include one of these. For instance, if you book the 10-mins Tokyo helicopter tour, a private car pickup and drop-off are also included
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
All about heliports & helicopters
Here’s everything you need to know about reaching the heliports, group sizes, and accessibility features for Tokyo helicopter tours.
From where do helicopters take off
Helicopter tours over Tokyo take off from different heliports based on the time of the tour you choose. All daytime Tokyo helicopter rides start from Tokyo Heliport.
Address: 4-chōme-7-25 Shinkiba, Koto City, Tōkyō-to 136-0082, Japan. Get Directions
The night heli tour of Tokyo departs from the Funabashi heliport.
Address: 1 Chome-44 Kanasugi, Funabashi, Chiba 273-0853. Get Directions
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
How to reach the heliports
The Tokyo heliport is five minutes by car (or taxi) from Shinkiba station.
From the station, you can also take a bus to reach the heliport.
Bus Stop No 1: The bus bounded for the Wakasu campsite
Bus Stop No 2: Board the bus bounded for Toyocho or Shinkiba Zyunkan
This heliport is used for flights in the Greater Tokyo Area by both the Government and private helicopter tour companies.
The Tokyo heliport has a waiting room and restrooms.
Funabashi heliport is about 15 minutes by car (or taxi) from both Funabashi Station and Keisei-Funabashi Station.
Funabashi Heliport does not have a waiting room or a restroom. However, restroom facilities are available at a convenience store nearby.
How many people can one tour accommodate?
When you book a helicopter tour over the city of Tokyo, you charter the flight. That means you will be charged one price for up to three people.
Even if you are one person, you will be paying for the whole helicopter ride, and that is why there is no minimum number of passengers required for confirmation of the tour.
On most of the tours, including the Pilot, there is a limit of four people per helicopter.
Children under two years of age can join the tour for free, and they must sit on their parents’ lap. If your kid is three years old, they must sit separately as adults. Infant seats are available in the helicopters.
Are the heliports and helicopters accessible?
There are tours completely accessible. Check out the Tokyo Skyscrapers helicopter tour. The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Are there any restrictions for helicopter tours?
It’s good to keep in mind the following as you plan your Tokyo helicopter tour:
- Weight limits apply for a safe and comfortable ride.
- Tours have minimum and maximum passenger requirements; if not met, the tour may be canceled.
- Most helicopter tours are not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is banned at Tokyo Heliport due to terrorism countermeasures. However, photos can be taken in the helicopter and during the flight. For photos outside the helicopter, consider departing from Funabashi Heliport or Yokohama Nishi Heliport.
- Passengers who have gone scuba diving within 24 hours cannot participate in a helicopter tour.
- Only service animals are allowed onboard.
- All tours are private, meaning only your group will be on the flight.
- Infants must sit on their caregiver’s lap during the flight.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- A valid passport or ID is required.
- Flight times may vary due to weather conditions.
- Seating arrangements are determined by the organizers for safety and balance.
Popular helicopter tour companies in Tokyo
AIROS Skyview Tokyo Helicopter Tours is a leading helicopter tour operator across Tokyo. The company is well-known for its state-of-the-art helicopters, expert pilots, safety, and customer satisfaction.
H.I.S. Co Ltd(TIC) is another operator based in Tokyo that offers helicopter tours with the utmost commitment to safety, excellence, and personalized service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lunch/dinner included in the heli ride?
Lunch or dinner is not included in the standard Tokyo heli tours. Typically, the overall cost of the ride covers the flight itself and associated services, if any, like a guide or transportation to and from the heliport.
Do I need to book a heli tour in advance? If so, how far in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Some tours might require booking a few weeks in advance.
What time of day is best for a Tokyo heli tour?
Mornings are better for the soft lighting, while afternoons offer bright, clear views. Some choose the evening for sunset views or nocturnal skyline views.
Can I request a specific route or landmark to fly over on a chopper ride?
Most heli rides in Tokyo are private and allow customizability. With the norm of small groups of up to 3 or 5 people onboard, passengers can request flying over attractions of their choice.
How long does the helicopter event last for?
The duration of a helicopter tour in Tokyo can vary depending on the specific package or route chosen by the tour operator. Typically, helicopter tours over Tokyo range from around 10 minutes to 90 minutes in duration. Some tours may offer longer durations or customizable options.
Is there a dress code or specific attire required on a Tokyo helicopter ride?
While there’s usually no specific dress code for a helicopter tour, it’s recommended that you dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Loose items like hats and scarves might need to be removed for safety reasons. Footwear should be comfortable and secure as you will be climbing in and out of the helicopter.
How early should I arrive before my scheduled flight time?
It’s better to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled Tokyo air tours. This allows for check-in, safety briefings, and any last-minute instructions.
Is it cold on a helicopter ride?
The temperature inside a chopper can vary depending on many factors, such as the outside temperature, the altitude, and whether the doors or windows are open. Generally, it is cold on a helicopter only at higher altitudes or during colder weather. However, helicopters usually have climate control systems to regulate the temperature inside the cabin, and passengers can often adjust the airflow to their comfort level.
What are the rules for helicopters flying at night?
Rules include adequate lighting, such as position lights, anti-collision lights, and landing lights, for proper visibility. Also, pilots must be proficient in night flying techniques and can use night vision goggles, maintain situational awareness, and follow designated routes or procedures
Are helicopter flights in Tokyo safe? What safety measures are in place?
Yes, the rides are safe. Tour operators adhere to strict safety regulations, including regular maintenance checks, safety briefings before each flight, and ensuring pilots are well-trained and licensed.
Can I take photos or videos during the Tokyo aerial tour?
Yes, taking photos or videos is usually allowed and encouraged. However, selfie sticks and large camera equipment may not be permitted for safety reasons.
How much do you tip for a helicopter tour?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. The amount can vary based on the quality of service and your overall satisfaction. A tip of 10-20% of the total tour cost is generally considered appropriate. If the pilot or staff provided exceptional service and made your experience especially memorable, you might consider tipping more generously.
