Kyoto, the enchanting cultural capital of Japan, unveils its captivating night persona from a bird’s-eye view with the City Lights Helicopter Tour. This exclusive 12-minute experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the historic city’s glimmering skyline and iconic landmarks bathed in a mesmerizing glow. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adventure or a romantic escape, this private tour promises an unforgettable perspective that will leave you yearning for more.
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Inclusions
- Passenger Requirements
- Cancellation Policy
- Meeting Details
- Preparing for the Tour
- Experiencing the Kyoto Night View
- What to Expect
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos During the Helicopter Tour?
- Is the Helicopter Tour Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?
- Can I Request a Specific Route or Areas to See?
- What Should I Wear for the Helicopter Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Helicopter Tour?
- The Sum Up
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Key Points

- This 12-minute helicopter tour offers a breathtaking night view of Kyoto’s city lights from the sky.
- The private tour is limited to your group, ensuring exclusivity and personalized experience.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, drop-off, safety orientation, and gratuities for convenience.
- There is a weight limit of 220 kg per flight and 120 kg per passenger.
- The flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour.
Tour Overview

The helicopter tour offers a breathtaking 12-minute experience, allowing visitors to witness the enchanting night scenery of Kyoto from the sky.
Located in Kyoto, Japan, this private tour is limited to your group, providing an exclusive opportunity to marvel at the city’s dazzling lights below.
The tour includes a safety orientation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities.
Passenger requirements include a maximum weight of 220 kg per flight and 120 kg per passenger, and infants under 2 years old aren’t permitted.
Cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour are free, and alternative dates or refunds are offered if the tour is canceled due to weather or aircraft issues.
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Inclusions

The City Lights Helicopter Tour in Kyoto includes a safety orientation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities. Passengers can expect to receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the stunning night view of Kyoto’s city lights from the air.
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety Orientation | Provided before the tour |
| Hotel Pickup and Drop-off | Included for convenience |
| Gratuities | Covered in the tour price |
| Confirmation | Within 48 hours, subject to availability |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour |
Passenger Requirements
To participate in the City Lights Helicopter Tour in Kyoto, passengers must adhere to specific weight requirements.
The total weight per passenger is limited to 265 lbs, and the maximum weight per flight is 220 kg, with a maximum of 120 kg per passenger.
Infants under 2 years old aren’t permitted, and they must sit on laps.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 3 people per booking.
It isn’t wheelchair accessible, and passengers who’ve dived in the past 24 hours can’t join.
All travelers can participate, except for those with diving activities within the last day.
Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
If the tour is canceled due to bad weather or aircraft issues, the company offers an alternative date or a full refund.
The cancellation policy includes:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Refund or alternative date offered if canceled due to weather or aircraft issues.
- No refunds for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.
This straightforward and flexible cancellation policy ensures guests can plan their Kyoto night tour with confidence and peace of mind.
Meeting Details
JPD Kyoto Heliport serves as the meeting point for the City Lights Helicopter Tour in Kyoto.
Passengers will gather at the heliport and receive a safety orientation before boarding the helicopter. The tour departs from and returns to the same location, making the heliport the start and end point of the experience.
This convenient meeting point is located near public transportation, allowing visitors to easily access the tour.
Once the 12-minute helicopter ride concludes, guests will be dropped off back at the JPD Kyoto Heliport, concluding their private night tour of Kyoto’s stunning city lights.
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Preparing for the Tour

Before the exhilarating helicopter tour commences, passengers must complete a brief safety orientation. This covers key procedures, such as:
-
Proper boarding and disembarking techniques
-
Emergency protocols in the unlikely event of an incident
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Weight and balance requirements to ensure a safe flight
After the orientation, passengers proceed to the helipad, where they’ll board the helicopter and embark on a mesmerizing aerial journey over Kyoto’s glittering cityscape.
The tour offers a unique perspective, allowing guests to marvel at the stunning night views from the comfort of the private helicopter.
Experiencing the Kyoto Night View
As the helicopter lifts off from the helipad, passengers are treated to a breathtaking display of Kyoto’s illuminated skyline.
The city’s historic temples and shrines are beautifully highlighted against the night sky, their intricate architecture seemingly glowing from within. The winding Kamo River reflects the city lights, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Passengers lean out the windows, camera-ready, to capture the stunning vistas. The tour provides a unique perspective, allowing guests to see Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks from a bird’s-eye view.
It’s a magical experience that showcases the city’s timeless beauty in a whole new light.
What to Expect

Passengers participating in the City Lights Helicopter Tour in Kyoto can expect a thrilling aerial adventure that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks in a unique and captivating way.
The 12-minute tour provides a bird’s-eye view of Kyoto’s stunning night skyline, including:
- The glittering city lights of the ancient capital.
- The majestic Kiyomizudera Temple and its surrounding Higashiyama district.
- The iconic Torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.
With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities included, the tour offers a seamless and unforgettable experience for visitors to Kyoto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Helicopter Tour?
Yes, passengers are allowed to take photos during the helicopter tour. The tour overview indicates that the experience includes a night view of the city lights, which would be an ideal opportunity for capturing photos of the scenic landscape.
Is the Helicopter Tour Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?
The helicopter tour may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness. The tour involves a 12-minute flight, and passengers should consider their sensitivity to the movement and vibration of the helicopter. Those with severe motion sickness may want to avoid this experience.
Can I Request a Specific Route or Areas to See?
Yes, you can request a specific route or areas to see on the helicopter tour. The tour company will try to accommodate your requests, subject to factors like weather and air traffic conditions.
What Should I Wear for the Helicopter Tour?
For the helicopter tour, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Dress in layers as it may be cooler at the higher elevation. Avoid bulky clothing that could interfere with the harness. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Helicopter Tour?
The helicopter tour has an age restriction – infants under 2 years old are not permitted. Children must sit on their parents’ laps. There’s a maximum of 3 people per booking.
The Sum Up
The City Lights Helicopter Tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Kyoto’s stunning night beauty from above. Soaring over the illuminated cityscape, you’ll witness the enchanting glow of historical landmarks and vibrant streets. With a personalized experience and convenient hotel transportation, this exclusive tour provides an unparalleled perspective of Kyoto’s enchanting after-dark allure.
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