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March 19, 2019
HOSHINOYA Kyoto's "Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise": A Limited, Once-Daily Journey Through Kyoto's Fall Foliage
HOSHINOYA Kyoto
HOSHINOYA Kyoto: A Helicopter View of the Ancient Capital and Autumn Foliage
Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise Now Available
From November 20 (Tue) to December 5 (Wed), 2018, HOSHINOYA Kyoto, a traditional inn in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, will host an "Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise." This experience offers a bird's-eye view of Kyoto's cityscape from a helicopter.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka
A Heli-Cruise Over World Heritage Sites Painted in Autumn Colors from 1,500 Feet
Arashiyama, Kyoto, was once a favored retreat for Heian period nobles. Board a boat at Togetsukyo Bridge and journey up the Oi River to discover HOSHINOYA Kyoto, an inn where every room offers a river view. This premium resort is now offering the "Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise," a limited, once-daily program for one group only. For approximately 25 minutes, guests will soar above Kyoto's cityscape, taking in the vibrant autumn foliage and numerous World Heritage sites.
The "Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise" departs from a helipad in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, about a 45-minute drive from HOSHINOYA Kyoto. The helicopter will ascend to an altitude of 1,500 feet (approximately 500 meters) for a 25-minute scenic flight over the city. From this vantage point, guests can enjoy panoramic views of World Heritage sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple, as well as the autumn colors blanketing Arashiyama.
Before takeoff, you can consult with the pilot to customize your flight path. The pilot, intimately familiar with Kyoto's skies, will suggest routes tailored to the peak autumn colors and your preferences. During the flight, you can converse with the pilot via a dedicated microphone, enhancing your experience with their insights.
Following the heli-cruise, guests are invited to a "Momiji Tea Ceremony" held in HOSHINOYA Kyoto's "Inner Garden." This exclusive event for overnight guests features comfortable seating arranged beneath a magnificent, approximately 400-year-old Japanese maple tree, allowing you to savor matcha or sparkling wine while gazing up at the vibrant red leaves. The tea ceremony also includes original Japanese sweets crafted by Kameya Yoshinaga, a confectionery established in 1803. It's the perfect setting to leisurely reflect on the memories of your private heli-cruise.
Autumn Leaves Heli-Cruise
Period | November 20 (Tue) - December 5 (Wed), 2018
Time | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location | HOSHINOYA Kyoto (Helicopter Departure/Arrival Point: JPD Kyoto Heliport)
Address | 11-2 Motorokuzancho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Capacity | 1 group per day (1-3 people per group)
Price | ¥100,000 per group (excluding tax and 10% service charge; accommodation fee separate)
Includes | Heli-cruise (approx. 25 minutes),
Momiji Tea Ceremony (Japanese sweets, sparkling wine or matcha)
Eligibility | Guests staying at HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Reservations | Required via the website ( https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/ ) at least 7 days prior to stay. *May be canceled due to inclement weather.