content: A new activitylets visitors experience Japan like no other tour can provide . SKY TREK and WOW U are now collaborating for a tour that allows visitors to charter a private plane to experience Tokyo and the surrounding areas from the sky. From seeing Tokyo from aboveand going eye-to-eye level with the famous Mount Fuji, this tour promises theexperience of a lifetime . You are sure to discover a luxurious and exciting adventure. Board the plane for a journey you will never forget.
All aboard!
Many of us have a “100 things to do before you die” list, colloquially known as a bucket list, with must-see travel locations and things to do.
Cruising the skies of Tokyo in a private plane is definitely on my list. Nothing sounds better than sipping on a drink and watching the scenery while hearing the captain tell me which area we are flying over up close. Before, I could only imagine this in my wildest dreams.
Living and working in the big city of Tokyo, it’s easy to forget the vastness and beauty of this country. From the busy metropolises to the rice fields surrounded by natural beauty, all of it can be breathtaking. This unique tour changed my perspective literally and figuratively. I often envied beautiful aerial shots of landscapes on postcards. Everything just seemed to look so much more magical from above. Well, let me break it to you guys, it really is.
This is your captain
Honda Airport private airport takes its name from the famous car manufacturer that you already know. The Honda logo felt assuring on this new journey, as I had never visited a private airport before. A bright interior, a vending machine, and a waiting room greeted me upon my arrival. It was nice to not deal with any large hallways and tacky souvenir stores. It felt more like the inside of a fresh company than an airport. I took a seat and a deep breath while my eyes wandered curiously around. The thought of wondering which of these people around me was the pilot had me excited to greet them. The bell rang the sound of Westminster Abbey and my eyes darted to the person nearing me.
A young handsome man in uniform approached me and gave me a firm handshake as he welcomed me. He introduced himself as, “Mr. Shinoda,” the captain for the flight. This gave me a sense of relief and joy to meet a captain in a personal manner Up until then, pilots have only been these far away personalities that I hear make announcements over the speakers from the cockpit; Always really cool but also a loft and untouchable. Being able to greet the pilot at the beginning was already a great start to the day.
Security Check
Mr. Shinoda sat down with me and we went over the flight rules and safety regulations together. He told me that our route would take us near Shinjuku, Yokohama, Enoshima, and then Atami to see Mount Fuji up close. The weather was clear, so I was lucky to have a good chance to see Mount Fuji today. Our flight height would go up to 3,000 meters and we would be travelling as fast as 300 km per hour. Our journey to the skies would take approximately one hour and two captains would guide us all the way there and back.
As for any flight, dangerous and explosive items are forbidden. I had been told in advance to leave high heels at home and wear comfortable shoes. The plane had enough comfortable space for 6 passengers, but leaving big or bulky items of luggage at the airport is advised during the flight. I was also made aware that the plane doesn’t have a bathroom and washing facilities, so using those prior to takeoff is highly advised. If you are like me, and get travel sick easily, taking anti-travel sickness medicine before takeoff will make sure you enjoy the ride fully. After my body and luggage check was done, I was ready for my journey!
Ready for Takeoff
A charismatic older gentleman in uniform approached me near the exit. He introduced himself as Mr. Osawa, my second captain of the journey. He looked like one of those charming pilots from TV. He had an air of confidence and warmth around him, one that you often find surrounding well experienced professionals. All the security talk had made me slightly nervous, but his presence assured me that I was in the best hands. I was then guided towards the shuttle car, which was a high-end Honda minibus with automatic doors that purred gently like a kitten. We drove near the starting and landing strip. Compared to the planes I passed by, only one stood out among the rest. A plane dressed in a shiny white exterior carrying the logo SKY TREK glossed up in elegant letters had me in pure awe. Learning this was my plane had me starstruck.
Upon arrival, Mr. Shinoda greeted us. I don’t know how he got there so fast, but he had already made the last takeoff preparations while I did mine. I was guided up the steps and into the private plane. What awaited me, was nothing like I had imagined.
Six comfortable looking dark leather seats, four facing forwards and two facings backward, with the logo on the headrest, stood there, waiting for visitors like quiet butlers. I had somehow expected screws, metal, and plastic covering. Contrary to my expectations, the whole interior branding looked more like the interior of a high-class sports car than a plane to me. Around me was spotless white paneling with a taste of mahogany. This reminded that this was a zone of comfort, professionalism, and luxury. I sat down in the sleek seat and fastened my seatbelt.
To my surprise, I realized that all head-sets provided to passengers were the highly praised BOSE noise-cancelling headphones.Through these headphones the pilots would communicate with us during the journey. I picked the one that had a microphone attached to it, so I could communicate back to the captains. Next thing I knew, the doors closed, and my heart started beating louder.
Takeoff
Both captains sat down in the cockpit, just a few meters away from my reach. With their aviator sunglasses and white gloves, I felt like I was part of a movie. I could see the back of their heads as they handled the many blinking lights and switches with ease. The engine roared into action and the propeller at the front started rotating. The plane noise got gently reduced by the BOSE headphones, and our captains informed us that it was time for takeoff. We were gently reminded to keep our mobile devices on flight mode and that taking photos and videos during takeoff and landing is against the law in Japan. Slowly, We rolled onto the starting and landing strip. My heart skipped a beat. The plane rolled faster and faster, speeding up like a bullet train, pushing us calmly into our seats. With incredible speed we left the ground behind. Buildings first appeared as if they were models, and then soon became little accessory boxes in all shapes and colors. People turned to ants, until they seemed to disappear altogether. Rice fields, plain looking before, turned to glittering crystals on the ground. Rivers became green and blue arteries, slithering through the landscape. We had left the ground and reached the skies.
Have a pleasant journey in the skies
Our captains informed us that we had reached the right height and we were now free to take as many videos and photos as we liked. For the first part of the journey, I had been recommended to sit on the left side of the plane as we flew over fields and villages, with our captains explaining to us the sights visible. I was amazed to see just how many fields are around Honda Airport. Very quickly, the peaceful scenery doubled in size as we neared the cities. Working in media, I was glad to see that the windows were glass clear and spotless, perfect for taking those memorable shots for my Instagram and other social media platforms.To be honest, I felt just like a movie star cruising through the skies of Japan. I felt larger than life. Next to me was a drink holder with candy and a SKY TREK branded bottle of water that read in English:
Places you’ve dreamed of visiting
but never have
Places that seem to be an eternity away.
Places in Japan of stunning beauty
you’ve yet to see.
All these and more await.
Embark on your own journey.
of endless freedom and adventure
through the skies today
I let these words repeat in my mind while looking over the perfect landscapes . Tokyo nearing, I felt euphoric. I had never seen Tokyo from this high. How could I? Skytree is not that tall and generally speaking, planes coming into Tokyo land in airports outside of its reach . I felt unbelievably grateful that I got to see the city I live in from such an awe-inspiring perspective.
A few minutes later, I could spot the skyscraper and ferris wheel of Yokohama on the horizon. Making the big city seem small, we continued towards Enoshima and Atami. It felt like a dream.
Then finally, we were encouraged to look to our right to see the main attraction of our journey. Wearing a veil of clouds, displaying a gorgeous and still snow-covered summit, stood the colossal and proud Mount Fuji. I gasped. Even I, who grew up in the Alpine area of Germany, am always surprised by the sheer size of this volcanic mountain. It was no wonder why this graceful giant has become one of the symbols of Japan. I have attempted to ascend Mount Fuji three times in my life, but have made the harsh trek to prominence only once. While I have been meaning to scale the formiddle mount again, the agony of the journey held me back. I felt as though this time, I was meeting Mount Fuji again in a new way, literally seeing eye to eye as we flew at a similar height near the mountain. To be honest, I teared up a little. This is a mountain that inspired poets, artists, politicians and has shaped the history of the Japan we see now. I felt like meeting an old mentor – quiet, powerful and awe inspiring. The true heart of Japan.
I can imagine this is the moment when a man would propose to his future partner. Or where a couple renews their vows. Generally, a moment of excitement and gratefulness that you want to share with the people that matter most to you is very valuable. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be able to see this view.
We were given enough time to take pictures, videos and photographs, and in my excitement, I shot more than I will ever be able to watch. We gently turned 180 degrees and went on our journey back. There was still more to see. I switched to a seat on the right hand side of the plane, to await what more there was to discover.
I was absolutely excited to find out that during our journey back, I could clearly make out the island of Enoshima, lying there like a boat waiting at the harbor. I remembered the days of sunshine when I visited the aquarium there. To my surprise, we came even closer to Tokyo than before, this time I was able to clearly make out buildings that Tokyo visitors will be familiar with. I could see the twin towers of the Tokyo government office, the Empire state building resembling the shape of the Docomo tower, and other famous Shinjuku buildings. I squealed at seeing the triangle shape of Nakano Sunplaza and the neighbourhood. I did not expect to see these sights so clearly. Slowly the signs of busy cities faded. Rice paddies, like sparkling patched blankets came back into view. Buildings and water surfaces reflecting back at us. The weather was so good, that I could see the shadow of our plane on the ground, following us like a loyal companion.We were reminded to check that our seat belts were fastened for landing. I packed my camera away and tried to take in the last moments of the journey without distractions. My mind felt completely calm and satisfied. I took in the landscape almost meditatively. Both captains handled the instruments for landing with ease and experience. Our plane bobbed happily in the lower winds, lowering down to the ground for landing. Buildings started growing more and more in size, and the seemingly disappeared humans grew back into existence. I could see whitehats on school grounds running around, trees and cars coming back into visibility, and the ground approaching closer and closer. A few more shakes and suddenly the ground had us back as we were rolling over the landing strip. Gravity had taken hold of my life once more.
Safe Haven
When I arrived I felt truly satisfied. I had the contentment of a person that has finally realized the experience they had been waiting for. For years, one of my “100 things before you die” had been met today and I could happily cross it off my list of big life adventures. I was also excited to tell my family and post my experience all over my social networking services.
The doors opened and I grabbed my drink to say goodbye to the plane. Both captains were kind enough to take a photo with me too, which will make for another unforgettable memory. I shook hands with both of them and said my goodbyes.Back at the airport building I asked SKY TREK what motivated them to start this tour. They said, “This is a new activity, aimed to make the flight more than just a means of transportation, but rather a whole entertaining experience. Adults can re-experience that feeling of excitement that they used to have as kids. With us, the sky is not the limit.”
Summary
PRO: This luxurious journey will give you the chance to experience Japan like no other tour can. Perfect for solo trips, family, friends, and loved ones, this unique journey will be one that you never forget. No matter if it’s for a special occasion or simply to celebrate the time you are spending in Japan, this activity is bound to become one of your best Japan highlights.
TIP: If you get easily travel sick, bring some travel medicine just in case.
GUIDE: (no information yet)LOCATION: Honda Airport. (About 20 minutes by car from Kawagoe Station / Okegawa Station)
LANGUAGES: Booking: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean.
TIME: The flight leaves during daylight hours and lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Count in some extra time for meeting with your pilots and discussing the safety procedures.
PARTICIPANTS: The private plane fits a maximum of six adult passengers and two pilots.
RESTRICTIONS: General flight safety and security laws apply. Children are allowed on board, on their guardians lap. Once they are older than 4 years old, they will need their own seats. Pregnant ladies are advised to consult their doctor before going on the flight. The flight is not barrier free. Guide dogs are allowed on the plane. Taking pictures and photos during takeoff and landing is prohibited by Japanese law.
EXTRA INCLUDED: The plane provides one drink of water, candy, hand wipes, and fans.
OPTIONAL: You are allowed to bring your own small snacks and drinks. However, popping sparkling corked alcohol is not advised. If you still really want to enjoy something bubbly in the skies of Japan, bring a screw-top drink.
Information
SKY TREK and WOW U are working of creating more similar activities like these in the future. If you are looking for a truly unique, exhilarating and simply unforgettable experience then it’s time to board this plane and take to the skies.
At SKY TREK, we will be carrying out special limited term chartered sightseeing flights via Naha Airport that fly over Shuri Castle and the Kerama Islands for around 30 minutes of total flight time. (June 29th - July 7th) Up to 6 people can board each flight and tickets are 30,000 JPY per person (excluding tax).
※In order to check the identity of those boarding the flight, each participant must bring their passport.
As a special price during the campaign lasting from June 29th - July 7th, each seat will cost 30,000 JPY.
https://tours.skytrek.co.jp/collections/summer-in-okinawa-2019?ls=en
Reservation and purchase inquiries can be made to the following:
If you are only interested in the SKY TREK flight, please get in touch via the following contact details:
SKY TREK Reservation Desk
Mail：[email protected]
URL：https://skytrek.co.jp/
If you are interested in both the tour and the SKY TREK flight, please use these contact details instead:
WOW U Reservation Desk
Mail: [email protected]
