Feature | Japan travel UPDATEs

Our "special edition" pieces introduce you to interesting destinations and happenings in Japan. You'll learn about their history, what makes them unique, and how to get there.

Around Tokyo

Helicopter Cruising (Tokyo)

Enjoy a magnificent bird's-eye view of TOKYO by night with a helicopter cruise. The 'night-cruise' experience is mesmerizing as the glittering gem-like nightscape reveals itself from sky level. Take to the air from URAYASU HELIPORT located in CHIBA PREFECTURE, to indulge in this special experience that lasts approximately 15 minutes.

●Helicopter Cruising

Best time : After sunset - 9:00pm
Address : 14 Chidori Urayasu-shi Chiba
URL : http://www.excel-air.com/english/corporate/

Yokohama Minato Mirai (Kanagawa)

YOKOHAMA MINATO MIRAI is a pleasant place to visit during the day to enjoy some shipping or a stroll, but we also recommend the lovely view at night after sunset. Japan's tallest skyscraper, LANDMARK TOWER and the Ferris Wheel are the star attractions making this nightscape spot one of the best in the TOKYO metropolitan area.

●Yokohama Minato Mirai

Best time : After sunset - 9:00pm
Address : Minato Mirai Nishi-kuYokohama-shi Kanagawa
URL : http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/ja/tourism/yakei/

Other cities

Hakodate (Hokkaido)

The exquisite night view overlooking the city from the MT. HAKODATE summit observatory is said to imitate the 'joyous sensation of opening a jewelry box', with a view likened to 'a city strewn with fallen dancing stars'. You are sure to be moved on your visit here, whether you are a night view enthusiast or not. On a fine day, the summit offers a view stretching as far as the TSUGARU STRAIT and the SHIMOKITA PENINSULA in AOMORI.

●Hakodate

Best time : After sunset - 10:00pm
Address : Hakodate-yama Hakodate-shi Hokkaido
URL : http://www.334.co.jp/eng/

Kobe (Hyogo)

From a height of close to 100m off ground level, KOBE PORTTOWER offers a complete 360 degree sprawling night view of KOBE'S tourist attractions and city center, including venues such as MOSAIC KOBE HARBOURLAND, HARBOURLAND ILLUMINATION, MERIKEN PARK, KOBE PORT, PORT ISLAND, KOBE AIRPORT, MOTOMACHI and SANNOMIYA, etc.