Private 30-Minute Tokyo Helicopter Tour: Asakusa, Skytree & Shibuya
The private 30-minute Tokyo helicopter tour is the longest of the city flights — half an hour of private flying over Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Shinjuku, Shibuya and the Imperial Palace. It's the pick for travelers who want an unhurried aerial sweep of the metropolis. This guide covers the route and everything to know before you fly, alongside the other Tokyo helicopter flights we compare.
About This Flight
The longest private city tour over central Tokyo
The aircraft is yours alone — up to 3 passengers
Half an hour of unhurried aerial sightseeing
Consistently rated five stars by travelers
Asakusa, Skytree, Shinjuku, Shibuya & Imperial Palace
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund
Is the 30-Minute Private Helicopter Tour Worth It?
Half an Hour of Private Flying Over Tokyo
Thirty minutes is a long time in the air over a city — long enough to linger over each landmark rather than rush between them. Departing privately from Tokyo Heliport, this flight covers the eastern Skytree side, the historic temples of Asakusa, and the western districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya.
It's the most complete of the standard city tours, suited to travelers who want time to take photos and soak in the scale of the metropolis from above.
What You'll See on the 30-Minute Helicopter Tour
Asakusa, Skytree, Shinjuku & Shibuya
The longer window lets the route reach across the whole central city, capturing perspectives few visitors ever see.
- Asakusa and the Senso-ji temple grounds along the Sumida River
- Tokyo Skytree — the 634 m tower up close
- Shinjuku's skyscraper district and Gyoen greenery
- The Shibuya scramble and surrounding towers
- The moated Imperial Palace gardens at the city's heart
What's Included
Included
The price covers the private flight and ground service.
- Private helicopter charter for up to 3 passengers
- All fees and taxes
- Pre-flight safety briefing
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Not included
Hotel pickup isn't included on this flight. For door-to-door transfers, compare the Tokyo helicopter tour with car pickup.
30-Minute Helicopter Tour — Flight Path
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Before flight
Check-in at Tokyo Heliport
Arrive about 45 minutes ahead for the weigh-in and safety briefing.
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0:00–0:08
Skytree & Asakusa
Lift off and follow the Sumida River to the Tokyo Skytree and the temples of Asakusa.
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0:09–0:18
Imperial Palace & Shinjuku
Cross central Tokyo over the Imperial Palace gardens toward Shinjuku's skyscrapers and Gyoen.
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0:19–0:26
Shibuya & the west side
Bank over the Shibuya scramble and the western districts, with time to circle for photos.
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0:27–0:30
Return to the heliport
Track back east and descend to Tokyo Heliport.
Important Things to Know
What to bring
Bring only the essentials for the cabin.
- Photo ID or passport
- Camera or phone with a wrist or neck strap
- A light layer for the pad
What's not allowed on board
These aren't allowed on board or at the pad.
- Luggage and large bags (lockers are available)
- Loose scarves, large hats and dangling items near the rotors
- Selfie sticks
- Note: ground photography is banned at the Tokyo Heliport departure point
Where the 30-Minute Helicopter Tour Departs
Who Is This Flight Best For?
Best for
The 30-minute tour suits travelers who want the fullest private aerial experience over the city.
- Couples and small groups wanting an unhurried flight
- Photographers who want time to circle each landmark
- Special occasions — anniversaries and proposals
- Visitors who want both the Skytree side and the western districts
Not suitable for
There are shorter and cheaper options for tighter budgets.
- Budget travelers — the 10-minute bay flight costs far less
- Anyone whose goal is Mount Fuji (book the 90-minute Fuji tour)
- Passengers over the 120 kg per-person weight limit
Insider Tips for the 30-Minute Helicopter Tour
What travelers wish they'd known
From recent AIROS Skyview reviews and traveler forums:
- With 30 minutes you have time to ask the pilot to circle a specific landmark — mention it at the briefing.
- It's loud in the cabin; use the headset to talk to the pilot and request the best side for photos.
- Arrive 45 minutes early — the heliport is about 15 minutes by cab from Funabashi Station.
- Your flight is confirmed the evening before based on weather; keep the morning flexible.
- Bring a wrist strap for your camera and stash bags in the heliport lockers.
30-Minute Helicopter Tour FAQs
How much is the private 30-minute Tokyo helicopter tour?
It starts at $1,531 for the whole group of up to three passengers (priced per group, not per person), including all fees and taxes.
What will I see in 30 minutes?
Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku and Shibuya — the fullest sweep of central Tokyo of any standard city flight, with time to linger over each.
Is it private?
Yes, the helicopter is chartered privately for up to three passengers — no strangers on board.
Where does it depart from?
From Tokyo Heliport in Koto City, about 15 minutes by cab from Funabashi Station. Hotel pickup is not included.
Can I customize the route?
The longer flight time allows some flexibility — tell the pilot at the briefing if there's a particular landmark you'd like to circle.
Can I take photos during the flight?
Yes, in the air — use a wrist or neck strap. Ground photography is banned at the Tokyo Heliport departure point, and selfie sticks aren't allowed on board.
Thirty minutes was perfect — we never felt rushed, and the pilot circled the Skytree and Shibuya so we could photograph both. The best way to see Tokyo.
Splurged on the longer flight for our honeymoon and it was worth every yen. Asakusa and the Imperial Palace from above were unforgettable.
Professional team, smooth private flight, and half an hour over the whole city. If you can afford it, take the 30-minute option.