A helicopter tour over Yokohama is the best way to see the city’s massive skyscrapers and exciting landmarks.
Some of the must-sees during an ariel tour of the city are Yokohama are: Minatomirai, Red Brick Warehouse, the Yokohama bay area, the Yokohama bay bridge, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Stadium, Ferris Wheel, etc.
If you plan a helicopter tour of Yokohama at night, you can see the glittering amongst millions of lights.
Flights last between five and 55 minutes, with both shared and private options available.
This article covers everything you need to know before you book a helicopter tour in Yokohama.
Table of contents
Tours that take off from Yokohama heliport
In this section, we list all the chopper tours that take off from Minatomirairinji Helipad in Yokohama.
Private tour over Yokohama just after sunset
You take off just after sunset and get fantastic sights of the city of Yokohama.
The 40-minute helicopter tour takes you over the city’s Minato Mirai district.
Witness the towering buildings, such as the Landmark Tower and Marin Tower.
You can’t miss the gorgeous sight of Yokohama’s Ferris wheel shimmering with night lights and the Tokyo Bay.
This helicopter cruise is a completely private affair so just perfect for a birthday surprise or an anniversary gift.
Tour Operator: Attractive JAPAN
Cost of the tour: ¥81,300 (US$583) for a group of 3 passengers
Private Helicopter Tour to see Mt Fuji or Tokyo Tower
On this 50-minute heli tour of Yokokama, soar above iconic Yokohama Bay Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the breathtaking Yokohama Bay, connecting the bustling waterfront to the futuristic Minato Mirai district.
Admire the Landmark Tower, one of Japan’s tallest buildings, and Marin Tower.
Let the nocturnal beauty of Minato Mirai, the city center and Enoshima unfold beneath you.
Whether it’s a special occasion, a romantic gesture, or a family outing, this sky-bound adventure promises to create lasting memories for all who embark on it.
Tour Operator: Attractive JAPAN
Cost of the tour: ¥204,400 (US$1,465) for a group of 3 passengers
Tours that take off from Funabashi Heliport
Below is a chopper tour that takes off from the Funabashi Heliport.
City lights Helicopter Tour in Yokohama
On this 1.5-hour helicopter flight, you are bound to be mesmerized by the nighttime scenic beauty of both Tokyo and Yokohama.
Glide over the Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku and Yokohama Harbour.
Gaze upon the Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Roppongi District, Yokohama Chinatown, Tokyo Station Gallery, and much more.
Tour Operator: AIROS Skyview Tokyo Helicopter Tours
Cost of the tour: ¥240,000 (US$ 1,599) per group (up to 3)
From where do helicopters take off?
Most Yokohama helicopter tours take off from the Minatomirairinji Helipad.
Address: Minatomirairinji Helipad, Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 1 Chome−7. Get directions
Note: You can reach this heliport by taxi. The location is about five minutes from Sakuragicho Station and Yokohama Station East Exit.
The City lights Helicopter Tour in Yokohama departs from the Funabashi Heliport.
Address: Funabashi Heliport, 1-chōme-44-2230 Kanasugi, Funabashi, Chiba 273-0853, Japan. Get directions
There are three stations close to the Minatomirairinji heliport – Sakuragicho Station, Yokohama Station and Minatomirai Station.
Sakuragicho Station services the Blue Line and the Negishi Line and is five minutes by taxi from the heliport.
Being a massive travel terminal the Yokohama Station services a lot of lines (see image).
Once you reach Yokohama Station, take the East exit and board a taxi for a five-minute ride to the Minatomirai heliport.
Minatomirai Station is approximately 900 meters (half a mile) from Minatomirairinji Helipad and the distance can be walked in 12 minutes.
Once you get off the train, remember to take Exit 2 of Minatomirai Station – that’s the closest to the helipad.
Minatomirai heliport has no car parking. If you plan to drive to the helipad, head straight to Rinko park parking lot, which a minute’s walk away.
There are no toilets at the Minatomirai heliport.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs on the operational days, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Timing of the helicopter tours
The Yokohama air tours run only on the weekends except the City lights Helicopter Tour in Yokohama which is operational throughout the week.
Private sunset Yokohama tour starts take offs at 6 pm and continues in slots up to 8.30 pm Friday through Sunday.
Mt Fuji or Tokyo Tower Private Helicopter Tour starts departures at 7 pm and continues in slots up to 8.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
City lights Yokohama Helicopter Tour’s first batch of flight takes place at 6 pm and continues in slots up to 7.30 pm daily.
During winter, the the take offs stop a little earlier.
Note: All flight times are an approximation and are subject to change depending on the weather conditions.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable Helicopter rides over Yokohama.
Passengers exceeding the weight limits may not be allowed to fly.
A minimum of two and a maximum of three passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Helicopter tours over Yokohama are not wheelchair accessible.
Flash photography is NOT allowed during the flight.
Passengers who have gone diving in the past 24 hours cannot participate.
All passengers and bags must be inspected, and lockers are available at no extra cost to hold belongings while flying.
A valid photo ID is required.
Luggage should be left in the locker.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
The tours are not recommended for pregnant women and guests with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
The choice may default to English if two languages are requested on the same flight for the audio commentary.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Exclusions of the air tour
The Yokohama aerial tours do not include personal expenses and food and drinks.
Transportation costs to/from attraction are excluded from your ticket.
It is very normal to tip the pilot and other ground staff, but unfortunately, gratuities are not part of the helicopter tour price.
A pick up from your hotel and drop back isn’t included in the cost, but this shouldn’t worry you because all the departure points are very close to the city center.
Cancellation policy of air tours in Yokohama
Most Yokohama heli tours are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.
Only the City lights Yokohama Helicopter Tour is refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours before your helicopter tour.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the start date of the tour won’t receive any refund.
When helicopter ride gets canceled
Sometimes because of bad weather or technical issues in the helicopter, a planned trip may not happen.
In such a case, the helicopter tour operator will offer a different date or a full refund. You get to decide.
Tours in Japan
# Helicopter tours in Tokyo
# Helicopter tours to Mt Fuji
# Helicopter tours in Osaka
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