A helicopter tour over Osaka is the best way to see the city’s massive skyscrapers, Osaka Bay’s shimmering waters, and other significant landmarks.
Some of the other must-sees during an ariel tour of the city are Osaka Castle, the Bay Area Course, Kaiyukan, USJ, WTC, and ATC, and Cosmo Tower (tallest building in Western Japan).
If you plan a helicopter tour of Osaka at night, you can see the sparking lights and its fantastic neon signs.
This article covers everything you must know before you book your helicopter tour in Osaka.
Table of contents
Osaka cultural heritage helicopter tour
During this 18-minute flight over Osaka, you will see multiple ancient tombs all over the city.
The chopper flies over burial spots such as the Daisenryo burial mound (also known as Moju tombs) where the Nitoku emperor sleeps, the Kofun tombs, etc.
The Kofun tombs were built between 3-7th century AD and recently listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You also get to see the other Osaka landmarks such as Minamiko, Cosmo Tower, Abeno Harukas, Osaka port, etc.
Departure point: Yao Airport, Osaka 581-0043, Japan. Get directions
Cost of the tour (3+ years): US$471 per group (up to 3)
Kyoto-Osaka night view helicopter excursion
Cover Kyoto and Osaka’s best sights within an hour on this 43-minute helicopter ride.
Aerial views of landmarks like trendy Shinjuku, historic Imperial Palace, and iconic Tokyo Tower are sure to make you weak in the knees.
Marvel at the airborne views of the Osaka port, Cosmo Tower, and the Abeno Harukas building.
Get set for this nighttime tour for a serene experience after daytime hustle and bustle fade away.
Departure point: Kyoto Heliport Japan, 612-0000 京都府京都市伏見区向島柳島１. Get directions
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$1,658 per group (up to 3)
What to expect
From where do helicopters take off
Depending on the tour you have chosen, Osaka heli flights can depart from Yao Airport or Kyoto heliport.
The heliports are near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Helicopter tour timings
The flights over Osaka are operational all through the week.
Osaka cultural heritage helicopter tour departs in multiple slots between 10 am and 3 pm.
Kyoto-Osaka night view helicopter excursion runs in multiple slots between 6.30 am and 8 pm.
Inclusions of the air tours
Osaka heli rides include a helicopter tour in the city in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
The ticket prices are also inclusive of a live commentary onboard by the pilot, noise canceling headsets, landing and facility fees, and pre-flight briefing.
Osaka helicopter flights exclude hotel transfers, meals and beverages, and personal expenses.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits of 220kg /flight apply for safe and comfortable Osaka heli tours. Passengers over 120 kg may not be allowed onboard for safety concerns.
A maximum of three passengers are allowed on these tours.
Infants under two years old may not be allowed on some tours. It is recommended to contact your tour operator to confirm the same.
Passengers who have done scuba diving in the past 24 hours cannot participate.
Osaka helicopter tours are not wheelchair-accessible.
A valid passport is required.
Check in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
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% 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.
Related reading
# Helicopter tours in Tokyo
# Yokohama helicopter tours
# Helicopter tours to Mt Fuji
Recommended Reading
# What to expect on maiden helicopter tour
# How to dress up for helicopter tours
# Overcoming the fear of flying
# Scuba Diving – how long to wait before flying
# Why helicopter tours are worth it
# FAQs about Helicopter tours