Travel Yoshino offering sakura helicopter trips

Rather than prioritizing mass tourism, Japan is shifting towards "quality over quantity" by focusing on high-spending visitors who contribute more per capita to the economy. This strategy involves helicopter trips to enjoy sightseeing from above:

Among Japan's many cherry blossom viewing spots, the town of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is often considered one of the best. This is due to the more than 30,000 sakura trees covering the slopes of Mount Yoshino, creating one of the country's most breathtaking cherry blossom displays each spring. However, there is a challenge—since the trees are spread across a mountainside, viewing them requires considerable uphill walking. With such many trees, it can also be difficult to fully appreciate the spectacle from ground level unless you reach an elevated viewpoint. There is an alternative for those who want to experience Yoshino's cherry blossoms in all their glory while avoiding the strain of extensive hiking. Japanese charter flight company AirX offers a unique solution, allowing visitors to take in the stunning scenery from above.


AirX will offer chartered helicopter flights this cherry blossom season on 4, 5, and 6 April for aerial views of Mount Yoshino's sakura. Departing from a heliport in Yoshino's Tenkawamura district, these 10-minute sky tours will follow a designated route. Reservations are available from 10:00 to 16:00, and each flight accommodates up to three passengers plus the pilot.

In addition to the short scenic flights, AirX will operate daily helicopter transfers between Yoshino and Osaka Prefecture's Yao Airport. These 30-minute flights depart at 12:30 from Yoshino to Yao and 13:30 from Yao to Yoshino. For those seeking a more extended aerial experience, AirX also offers 40 and 60-minute cherry blossom viewing flights by helicopter or Cessna. These depart from Yao, circle Mount Yoshino, and return to Osaka.

Pricing is as follows:

• The 10-minute helicopter tour costs 62,700 yen per flight, regardless of the number of passengers.
• The 40 and 60-minute helicopter charters are priced at 150,000 yen and 220,000 yen, respectively.
• Cessna flights for the same duration cost 128,000 yen and 189,000 yen.
• One-way helicopter transfers between Yoshino and Yao are 40,000 yen per person.

Reservations can be made via AirX's Airos booking platform.