Key Takeaways
• Fuji Dream Airlines launches scenic flights over Mount Fuji from July 2025 every weekend and public holidays.
• Flights use Embraer jets with 76-84 seats, offering close views at lower altitudes for about 50 minutes.
• Ticket price starts at 20,000 yen; bookings must be made seven days in advance and often sell out.
Travelers and locals now have a new way to see Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain, thanks to Fuji Dream Airlines. Starting in July 2025, the airline began offering dedicated scenic flights over Mount Fuji, giving people a chance to enjoy breathtaking views from the sky. These flights are open to everyone, not just group tours, and are already drawing attention from tourists, families, and people who may not be able to climb the mountain themselves.
Fuji Dream Airlines’ new service is available every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, with flights departing early in the morning from Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. The airline says this schedule gives passengers the best chance for clear skies and beautiful views. With bookings filling up quickly for July and August, and extra flights added for September and October, it’s clear that demand is high.
How the Scenic Flights Work
Fuji Dream Airlines uses Embraer jets with either 76 or 84 seats for these special flights. These planes are chosen because they have lots of window seats, so almost everyone gets a good view. The flight lasts about 50 minutes to one hour, taking off and landing at the same airport. The route is designed to give passengers the best possible look at Mount Fuji, as well as other scenic spots like the Japanese Southern Alps, the Shizuoka coastline, Suruga Bay, Nihon-daira, and Omaezaki—if the weather allows.
The airline flies at a lower altitude than regular commercial flights. This means passengers can see more details of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. During the summer months, the area is lush and green. In the winter, Mount Fuji is covered in snow, and the air is often clearer, making for stunning views.
Booking Your Flight: Step-by-Step
Booking a scenic flight with Fuji Dream Airlines is simple, but it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s how the process works:
- Go to the Fuji Dream Airlines official website. The site is available in both Japanese and English, making it easy for international travelers.
- Select the “Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Flight” option from the menu.
- Pick your preferred date. Flights are available on weekends, public holidays, and some extra dates in September and October.
- Enter passenger details and pay for your tickets. The airline accepts credit cards and some online payment methods.
- Check your email for a confirmation message. This will include your boarding instructions and information about getting to the airport.
- Arrive at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport at least 60 minutes before your flight. You’ll need to check in and attend a short pre-flight briefing.
Children under three years old can fly for free, making this a family-friendly activity. However, all bookings must be made at least seven days in advance. This helps the airline manage demand and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
How Much Does It Cost?
The base fare for a Fuji Dream Airlines scenic flight starts at 20,000 Japanese yen (about £101 or $130 USD) per person. This price does not include fuel surcharges or passenger facility fees, which are added at checkout. As of July 2025, there are no discounts for groups or off-peak bookings. The airline recommends booking early, especially for summer weekends, as flights often sell out.
What to Expect on Board
Passengers can expect a comfortable ride with large windows and plenty of chances to take photos. The crew provides information about the sights along the way, and the flight path is carefully planned to give everyone a good look at Mount Fuji. The airline is also looking into adding features like augmented reality guides and multilingual commentary in the future, which would make the experience even better for international visitors.
The flight is designed for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a tourist with limited time, a local resident, or someone who can’t hike up the mountain, this is a unique way to see one of Japan’s most famous landmarks.
Why This Matters: Accessibility and Tourism
Fuji Dream Airlines’ scenic flights are more than just a fun activity—they’re also an important step for tourism in the region. Before 2025, the only way to see Mount Fuji from the air was through expensive group charters or helicopter tours, often bundled with other travel packages. These options were not always easy to book, especially for solo travelers or families.
Now, with individual bookings available, more people can enjoy this experience. The Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism Board is working hard to promote the flights as part of a larger effort to bring more visitors to the area, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, are already seeing more customers thanks to the increased airport traffic.
Official Support and Safety
The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau has approved the special low-altitude routes used by Fuji Dream Airlines for these sightseeing flights. This means the flights are safe and follow all government rules. The airline also schedules flights early in the morning to reduce noise and limit the impact on the environment. They have promised to keep track of any ecological effects and report them as needed.
What the Experts Say
Travel industry experts are calling the move by Fuji Dream Airlines a smart way to attract more tourists to Japan. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these flights fill a gap in the market for unique, short-term experiences that don’t require a lot of planning or physical effort. Local business owners are hopeful that the extra visitors will help the region recover from the slowdown caused by the pandemic.
Some environmental groups have raised concerns about the increase in air traffic. However, because the flights are limited to weekends and holidays, and take place early in the day, most agree that the impact should be small. The airline’s promise to monitor and report on environmental effects is seen as a positive step.
Looking Back: How the Service Evolved
Before Fuji Dream Airlines launched these scenic flights, most aerial tours of Mount Fuji were only available as part of expensive group packages. These tours often included other activities and were not easy to book for individuals or families. In 2024 and early 2025, the airline noticed more people asking for flexible, individual bookings. They responded by creating this new service, with the first flights taking off in late June 2025.
What’s Next for Fuji Dream Airlines and Mount Fuji Scenic Flights
If the current high demand continues, Fuji Dream Airlines may add more flights or extend the service into the winter months. This would give passengers a chance to see Mount Fuji covered in snow, which is a favorite view for many photographers and nature lovers. The airline is also talking with local tour companies and hotels about creating packages that include the flight, ground tours, and cultural experiences. This could make it even easier for visitors to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Technological improvements are also on the horizon. Fuji Dream Airlines is exploring the use of augmented reality (AR) guides, which would let passengers use their phones or tablets to learn more about the sights below. Multilingual in-flight commentary is another feature being considered, which would help international travelers get the most out of their experience.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you’re thinking about booking a Fuji Dream Airlines scenic flight, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your trip:
- Book early. Flights are limited and often sell out, especially during the busy summer months.
- Check the weather. Visibility is usually best in the early morning, but flights may be rescheduled if the weather is poor.
- Bring the right ID. You’ll need a valid passport or government-issued ID to check in.
- Pack light. Only small carry-on items are allowed on these sightseeing flights. There’s no checked baggage service.
- Arrive on time. Get to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport at least 60 minutes before your flight for check-in and a short safety briefing.
For the latest information, booking details, and frequently asked questions, you can visit the official Fuji Dream Airlines website or contact their customer service team directly.
How This Affects Different Groups
- International Tourists: The new flights make it much easier for visitors from other countries to see Mount Fuji, even if they have limited time or can’t hike up the mountain.
- Families: With free tickets for children under three and easy booking, families can enjoy a memorable experience together.
- Elderly and People with Disabilities: The flights are accessible to people who may not be able to climb or hike, opening up the beauty of Mount Fuji to everyone.
- Local Businesses: Hotels, restaurants, and shops near the airport are seeing more customers, which helps the local economy.
- Environmental Groups: While there are some concerns about increased flights, the airline’s careful scheduling and monitoring help address these issues.
Official Resources and Further Information
For those planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check the Japan National Tourism Organization for travel tips, visa requirements, and other helpful information. This site provides official guidance for visitors to Japan 🇯🇵, including updates on travel rules and local attractions.
Conclusion: A New Way to Experience Mount Fuji
Fuji Dream Airlines’ scenic flights over Mount Fuji are changing the way people experience one of Japan’s most famous sights. By making these flights available to everyone, not just group tours, the airline is opening up new possibilities for travelers of all ages and backgrounds. The service is already popular, with flights selling out quickly and plans for future expansion underway.
Whether you’re a tourist looking for a unique adventure, a local resident wanting to see your home from a new angle, or someone who can’t make the climb up Mount Fuji, these scenic flights offer a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable way to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty. With careful planning, a focus on accessibility, and a commitment to protecting the environment, Fuji Dream Airlines is setting a new standard for sightseeing in Japan.
If you’re interested in booking a flight or learning more, visit the Fuji Dream Airlines website or stop by the tourist information desk at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. With the right preparation and a little luck with the weather, you’ll have the chance to see Mount Fuji like never before—from the comfort of your window seat in the sky.
Learn Today
Scenic Flights → Flights designed for sightseeing, focusing on aerial views of landmarks like Mount Fuji.
Embraer Jets → Brazilian-made aircraft chosen for many window seats, enhancing scenic flight passenger experience.
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport → The regional airport in Shizuoka Prefecture serving as departure and arrival for these flights.
Low-Altitude Flight → Flight paths that fly lower than usual commercial routes for clearer and closer views.
Augmented Reality Guides → Digital overlays providing interactive information during flights to enrich passenger sightseeing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Fuji Dream Airlines offers scenic flights over Mount Fuji starting July 2025. These weekend flights provide unique mountain views using Embraer jets and are accessible to families and international tourists. Booking early is essential as flights sell out, making sightseeing simple and inclusive for all ages and abilities.
— By VisaVerge.com
