Soaring above Kyoto’s ancient landmarks by helicopter offers a thrilling perspective you simply can’t get from the ground. These compact 12-20 minute flights accommodate up to three passengers, making them perfect for couples or small families. The most worthwhile routes circle above the vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari and the glistening Golden Pavilion. I’m particularly fond of the evening tours – watching the sun set behind temple rooftops while city lights twinkle to life is magical and worth the premium price. For photography buffs, the shrine-focused flights provide incredible angles of Kyoto’s religious architecture that you’ll never capture from street level. Let’s explore the standout helicopter tours that showcase the best of Kyoto from above.
Key Points
- Kyoto helicopter tours offer 20-minute flights showcasing major religious sites like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkakuji for €697.21 per group.
- Convenient departures from the JPD Kyoto Heliport, accessible by public transport, provide an aerial perspective of Kyoto’s temples, shrines, and gardens.
- Kyoto helicopter tours range from $429.95 for up to 3 passengers, with flexible booking options and full refunds for canceled flights due to weather.
- Kyoto night view helicopter tours at £606.39 per group allow travelers to witness the dazzling city lights and landmarks from the sky.
- Safety is prioritized, with maximum weight and passenger limits, as well as pre-flight safety orientations to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
A Private Helicopter Ride Through Downtown Tokyo – Kyoto
Your private helicopter tour of downtown Tokyo – Kyoto provides a one-of-a-kind aerial perspective of this iconic Japanese city. Lasting 43 minutes, the tour covers major landmarks like Shinjuku, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower.
From your bird’s-eye view, you’ll marvel at the captivating cityscapes and experience Tokyo’s grandeur in under an hour.
The tour departs and returns to the JPD Kyoto Heliport, conveniently located near public transportation. With an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes included, the experience is hassle-free.
Priced at $1,587.50 for up to 3 people, it’s a unique and cost-effective way to explore Tokyo from the skies.
Do note the passenger restrictions – a maximum of 3 people per booking, with a total weight limit of 220 kg. Infants must sit on laps, and the helicopter isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Plus, those who’ve dived within the past 24 hours can’t participate. In case of inclement weather or aircraft issues, the tour may be canceled, but you’ll receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.
Read our full review: A Private Helicopter Ride Through Downtown Tokyo – Kyoto Review
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Private Helicopter Cruising in Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s captivating landscapes from a bird’s-eye view with a private helicopter tour. Offered by H.I.S. Co., Ltd., this exhilarating experience starts from $429.95 per group of up to 3 passengers.
The tour departs from the JPD Kyoto Heliport, just a 7-minute taxi ride from Mukojima or Chushojima Station.
The helicopter can accommodate a maximum weight of 220 kg, including passengers and baggage. Each seat has a weight limit of 110 kg, and infants must sit on laps. While not wheelchair accessible, this tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Flights are subject to weather conditions, with cancellations and full refunds provided if the weather is deemed unsafe. Passengers can also change their departure date within the cancellation policy.
Soar over Kyoto’s iconic temples, shrines, and gardens for an unparalleled aerial perspective of this historic city.
Read our full review: Private Helicopter Cruising in Kyoto Review
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12 Min]City Lights Helicopter Tour : Kyoto Night View
Take a breathtaking 12-minute helicopter flight over the captivating night skyline of Kyoto. This private tour allows your group of up to 3 people to soar above the city, marveling at the dazzling lights and iconic landmarks below.
The total weight limit is 220kg per flight, with a maximum of 120kg per passenger.
Your journey begins at the JPD Kyoto Heliport, where you’ll receive a safety orientation before taking off. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour ends back at the meeting point, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Kyoto’s mesmerizing night views.
Priced at £606.39 per group, this tour offers a lowest price guarantee and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience, and if the tour is canceled due to weather or aircraft issues, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Read our full review: [12 Min]City Lights Helicopter Tour : Kyoto Night View Review
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20 Min]Kyoto Private Helicopter Tour : Major Shrines and Temples
Soar over Kyoto’s iconic shrines and temples on this 20-minute private helicopter tour. Operated by AIROS Skyview Tokyo Helicopter Tours, this flight takes you high above the city’s major religious sites for a bird’s-eye view.
The tour departs from the JPD Kyoto Heliport, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for your convenience.
During the flight, you’ll enjoy a safety orientation before taking to the skies. The helicopter has a maximum weight limit of 220 kg per flight, or 120 kg per passenger, with a maximum of 3 people per booking. Infants under 2 aren’t permitted, but must sit on laps if included.
This tour is non-refundable within 24 hours of the experience, but you can reschedule or receive a full refund if the flight is canceled due to weather or aircraft issues.
Priced at €697.21 per group, the tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from previous guests.
Read our full review: [20 Min]Kyoto Private Helicopter Tour : Major Shrines and Temples Review
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Kyoto: 12 Minutes Helicopter Cruising Tour
Aboard an AIROS Skyview Tokyo helicopter, you’ll embark on a 12-minute aerial cruise over Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.
This compact yet comprehensive tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the city’s most renowned sites. Soar over the vermilion-gated Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, with its thousands of iconic torii gates winding up the mountainside.
Admire the serene beauty of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, as it glistens on the surface of its tranquil pond. Glide past the imposing Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its elegant architecture and “nightingale floors.”
Witness the lush gardens and elegant structures of the Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s imperial family.
This airborne adventure provides an unparalleled perspective on Kyoto’s historical and cultural treasures, all within a compact 12-minute experience.
With comfortable seating and panoramic views, this helicopter tour offers a unique and memorable way to experience the splendor of ancient Kyoto from above.
Read our full review: Kyoto: 12 Minutes Helicopter Cruising Tour Review
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Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Helicopter Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the helicopter tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. They may have policies or restrictions in place regarding outside items brought on board.
What Is the Maximum Weight Limit for Passengers on the Helicopter?
The maximum weight limit for passengers on the helicopter is typically around 300 pounds or 136 kilograms. Check with the tour operator to confirm the exact weight limit for your specific flight. They’ll ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Taking the Helicopter Tours?
There are typically age restrictions for helicopter tours, with a minimum age of 2 or 3 years old. Some operators may also have upper age limits. Be sure to check the specific tour requirements before booking to ensure you meet the age criteria.
Can I Request a Specific Route or Sightseeing Spots for the Tour?
Yes, you can typically request a specific route or sightseeing spots for the helicopter tour. Many operators offer customized tours where you can choose the places you’d like to see from the air. Just let them know your preferences when booking.
Do the Helicopter Tours Have Any Special Offers or Discounts Available?
Many helicopter tour operators offer special discounts or packages from time to time. You’ll need to check their websites or contact them directly to inquire about any current promotions or deals they have available.
The Sum Up
Enjoy a helicopter tour for an unparalleled view of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks. Choose from short city tours or longer excursions to see major shrines and temples. Soar over the historic city and take in the stunning landscape. Whether you opt for a daytime or night-time flight, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.