[Experience report] Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi are right in front of you! Enjoy the spectacular view of the sky with a helicopter tour

Want to see the spectacular view of Hakone from below? Do you want to see it from above?

Hakone, a tourist destination near the Tokyo metropolitan area, is constantly visited by tourists.The natural scenery in particular is full of scenic charm, such as Owakudani where volcanic smoke rises, beautiful mountains, Lake Ashi where excursion boats come and go, and Japan’s symbol, Mt. Fuji.If you’re going to take a trip to Hakone , you’ll want to not only walk around the city, but also take in the spectacular scenery that only Hakone has to offer.So, this time we will tell you how to efficiently enjoy the spectacular scenery of Hakone .The key is not to “walk around and see” but to “see from above.” Yes, there is actually a way to take a “helicopter tour” of Hakone .

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Why we recommend Toho Air’s “helicopter tour”

Enjoy as a detour from sightseeing in Hakone

This article introduces “helicopter sightseeing” provided by Toho Airlines. In this chapter, we will introduce the recommended points of Toho Air’s helicopter tour.The first recommended point is that you can enjoy it as a detour from sightseeing in Hakone .Generally speaking, when we hear the words “ride in a helicopter,” we tend to think of going all the way to a helipad, but Toho Air’s takeoff and landing helipad is located near the restaurant “Rest House Fuji View” on the Ashi Lake Skyline. The best part is that you can easily take a helicopter tour while driving, either waiting for boarding while eating at Rest House Fuji View or enjoying the scenery from the parking lot that serves as an observation deck.Lake Ashinoko Skyline (*) is a beautiful driveway overlooking Hakone ‘s beautiful plateau and mountain range, so if you combine it with a helicopter tour , it may not be an exaggeration to say that you’ve conquered the spectacular scenery of Hakone .*Ashi Lake Skyline is a toll road that costs 620 yen (one-way/general fare) for light and regular cars.

One flight time is short

The next recommended point is that each flight is short .Except for people who don’t get motion sickness at all, aren’t there a lot of people who are a little worried about the shaking that is typical of helicopters? You may be worried about your health after a long flight.On that point, Toho Air’s helicopter tours are short, lasting about 5 minutes each. Since the helipad is already located in a spectacular view of Hakone , you can enjoy the dynamic scenery immediately after departure.

Above all, it’s reasonable

The last recommended point is that it’s reasonably priced .Speaking of helicopter tours, due to their unique nature, the price per flight often exceeds 10,000 yen, but with Toho Air, the price per adult is 5,000 yen (tax included). Furthermore, it costs 3,000 yen (tax included) for children between 3 and 12 years old!Even considering the short flight time of about 5 minutes, the price is very reasonable.The reason for this is that Toho Airlines’ core business is originally route operations, construction work, and life-saving medical transportation. For over 30 years, we have been offering helicopter excursions during long holidays and the year-end and New Year holidays because we want the general public to learn more about the appeal of helicopters and enjoy them.When you hear this background, don’t you feel even closer to him?Well, now that you’re interested, I’d like to introduce an actual helicopter tour below.

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Go on a helicopter tour with your family! A report on a 5-minute flight

Fill your stomach while admiring the spectacular view at “Lake Ashi Skyline Rest House Fuji View”

From now on, with the help of Mr. S’s family, let’s introduce an actual helicopter tour.On this day, the family arrived an hour earlier than the scheduled flight time and decided to have a slightly late lunch at “Ashi Lake Skyline Rest House Fuji View” near the heliport. The road to get here was full of spectacular views, and from the large windows inside the restaurant you could see everything from Susono City to Mishima, Numazu, and Suruga Bay, and everyone was impressed by the panoramic view!
After placing my order, I was playing with the nostalgic fortune-telling machine on the table when a delicious smell wafted in the air.

Mom ordered the “Fuji Hakone Lake Ashinoko Curry”, which is shaped like Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji on one plate, for 1,580 yen (tax included) . If you look closely, you’ll see a “current location” flag erected on top of a ridgeline made of rice. Every once in a while, you’ll see dishes that are cutely deformed versions of tourist attractions, but have you ever seen a dish that looks so realistic?In front of the playful curry, you can enjoy chatting.

My son seemed hungry, so he ordered “Bacon and Shimeji Mushroom Tomato Sauce Pasta” for 980 yen (tax included) . I can’t help but notice my mom’s tsukkomi, “You were eating bread earlier, right?”

Let’s go on a helicopter tour overlooking Hakone!

Meanwhile, the helicopter has finished its test flight and has arrived at the helipad.My son was also very excited to see the helicopter that appeared dashingly against the blue sky! The staff will guide you and you will finally get on board.

After completing the safety check, let’s take to the skies! 

The feeling of floating vertically is the real thrill of a helicopter. In contrast to the smiling parents, the son is a little nervous about his first experience in life.By the way, during a helicopter tour, you won’t be able to hear each other’s conversations due to the noise of the flight, so we recommend that you complete conversations in advance, such as calming anxious children and deciding who will be the camera person.

Eventually, the towns of Mishima and Numazu and Suruga Bay came into view . With the aid of a hazy sky, it looks like a fantastic painting.

Next, the helicopter changed course and Lake Ashi, the symbol of Hakone , appeared below us. Personally, when I drove around Lake Ashi, I had the impression that it was a very long and narrow lake, but when you see it from directly above, it’s actually quite a vast lake. By the way , the small white smoke rising from the mountainsideon the left side of the photo is that volcanic smoke from Owakudani. 

You can see Lake Ashi and Owakudani from this angle!

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Mom will be impressed by the panoramic view of Hakone!Be sure to take lots of videos and photos of the spectacular views that are hard to see.

As you fly further along Lake Ashi, you will see sightseeing boats passing leisurely on the lake . You’ll never get tired of looking at it, as its appearance changes every moment depending on the reflection of the light that shines through the clouds.

During the flight, the sun began to set little by little, and before I knew it, the distant mountains were enveloped in the evening sky.

After enjoying the spectacular view of Hakone, the helicopter makes a turn and we are finally on our way home. 

The scenery you can see from behind the cockpit is a great way to tickle your sense of adventure .

The S family returned from their flight.

“It was amazing! The scenery was just so beautiful and I was so moved,” said Dad. Mom seemed very satisfied, saying, “I had so much fun that I couldn’t believe it was only 5 minutes.” My son looked nervous during the flight, but judging by the proud look on his face, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.Unfortunately, we couldn’t see Mt. Fuji because it was hidden by clouds on this flight, but on clear days such as in the morning, you can see Mt. Fuji right in front of your eyes.

Enjoy the afterglow of a scenic tour

Furthermore, in addition to the memories of the spectacular view, Toho Airlines also gave my son a wonderful present!It is a brooch embroidered with the heroic figure of a helicopter . A son begs his mother to put it on his chest right away. Cherish this brooch, a medal of honor, for your courage forever.

At the end, we all took a commemorative photo while watching the setting sun.

The spectacular view seen through the helicopter’s large windows and the immersive ride experience left a lasting impression on both children and adults of the great adventure .

Check flight information on Official X

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A great adventure for adults and children to enjoy panoramic views in a helicopter

When I actually experienced it, I realized that the appeal of a “helicopter tour” was not only that it was an efficient way to see Hakone ‘s spectacular scenery. It gives both adults and children a sense of adventure.A new adventure not only helps children develop their minds, but it’s also a great chance for adults to revive their childhood. 

Why not try a helicopter tour with your family, friends, or couples? You are sure to be able to share unforgettable impressions with your loved ones.If you are interested, please check the flight information on Toho Airlines’ official website as well as the official X (formerly Twitter) account!

To “Toho Airlines” official website

Go to “Helicopter Tour” details page

To “Toho Airlines” X official account