Everything you need to know about chartering a private jet to Japan

Japan is one of the most popular travel locations in the world, and with good reason: it offers a great blend of history, architecture, nature, and culture, with iconic sites like Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-ji, and the Shibuya Crossing enticing visitors from around the world.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you don’t need to wait until you reach your destination to start experiencing the ultimate luxury. Chartering a private jet for your Japanese vacation can give you a first-class experience right from the very start of your journey – and it’s easier than you might think. Here's our guide to chartering a private jet to Japan.

Why charter a private jet to Japan?

Japan boasts some of the world’s most scenic landscapes. At Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano, you can see wild snow monkeys find relief from the ice-capped cliffs in the famous hot spring, while the iconic cone-shaped Mount Fuji can be hiked to the summit and back within a day.

History buffs will find many pristinely preserved sites. Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple near eastern Kyoto has a history dating back to the year 798, and Todai-ji Temple in Nara was first opened in 752. One of Japan’s most popular buildings, Kinkaku-ji, dates back to 1397 and features an iconic gold-leaf-covered pavilion.

Japan is also a hub for culture and technology. Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is known to draw the most fashionable youth in Japan, while the city’s technology district, Akihabara, is a sensory overload of colors and sounds.

This island country off the east coast of Asia has become synonymous with luxury, offering tourists unparalleled extravagance with a huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants, remote beach resorts, relaxing spas, and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences. There is even a 2,000-square-metre geothermal spa hotel designed around a large hot spring in Amanemu for those looking to experience the rare natural wonder and restorative relaxation of hot lakes. 

Top private jet airports in Japan

• Narita International Airport puts you 60km from the lights and sounds of Tokyo.
• Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) is an ideal choice for Kyoto. 
• Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya is the main gateway to Japan’s central region. Relax at the Fu No Yu bathhouse while taking in the sunset over the Ise Bay.

Top events in Japan

Along with its beauty and history, Japan has an active and vibrant culture. From July to August, you can enjoy the festivals of Northern Honshu, which take place in Tohoku, the northern region of Japan. The festivals include gigantic float parades, taiko drums, dancers, and musicians. Nebuta Matsuri is the largest and most popular festival, taking place at the height of summer from August 2-7.

From August to October, make your way to the festivals of the southern island of Kyushu, including breathtaking lantern and fire festivals. The Yamaga Lantern Festival takes place from August 15-16 and features the famous One Thousand Lantern Dance, which sees hundreds of women dance in formation with lanterns on their heads.

If you’re in Japan on 2 and 3 December, the Chichibu Yomatsuri event is definitely not one to miss. This event is also known as the Chichibu Night Festival and is a unique cultural experience just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. It has been held annually at Saitama’s Chichibu Shrine for more than 300 years and features an evening procession of four spectacular large floats, adorned with ornate designs, that move down the street followed by smaller floats and lively music made by flutes and taiko drums. There is also the rare opportunity to witness an amazing winter fireworks show. 

Japan tourist attractions for you to explore

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding world-class accommodation. The question is, with so many places to visit and things to do, what should you do while you’re there? 

Here is a small Japan travel guide with some of the best places to visit in Japan: 

• Kyoto: Kyoto is a city that epitomizes traditional Japan. The city's temples and shrines, combined with Zen gardens and traditional tea ceremonies, provide a window into Japan's rich heritage. The Fushimi Inari Shrine, for example, marked by its mesmerizing red torii gates, is a symbol of spiritual reverence and devotion. Kyoto also offers a quieter escape from the urban landscape in its surrounding neighborhoods, where narrow stone streets, old wooden houses, and the sounds of chanting from temples and shrines paint a vivid picture of Japan's rich heritage.
• Tokyo: Tokyo stands as a vibrant contrast to the traditional allure of Kyoto, with its dynamic blend of contemporary and traditional elements. It is a bustling metropolis that has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. As one of the best cities to visit in Japan, you will be spoilt for choice with unique experiences, such as go-karting through the city streets, indulging at one of the many eateries (including themed cafés and the tiny restaurants on the atmospheric Memory Lane), and immersing yourself in art and culture at a digital art museum. Walking across the iconic Shibuya Crossing is an experience in itself.
• Takayama: Takayama is a charming small town nestled in the Japan Alps, providing a glimpse into rural Japanese life. You can stroll through the historic center, known for its traditional wooden houses and vibrant shrines. The morning markets offer the chance to savor fresh local produce, while snacks like mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings) provide a taste of regional street food.
• Kanazawa: Often overlooked by international tourists, Kanazawa offers a quieter alternative to Kyoto's geisha districts, but very few people manage to make it there on their holiday in Japan. It’s a peaceful haven of natural beauty that features one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, several art museums, and even a castle. The city's wooden teahouses in districts like Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi provide a glimpse into the country's traditional culture, and visitors can even take part in traditional tea ceremonies. 
• Nikko: Nikko is a serene temple town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the mountains a few hours outside of Tokyo. Known for its vivid autumn colors and spectacular temples and shrines, Nikko is perfect for a day trip if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience from the hustle and bustle of the city. Toshogu Shrine, an architectural marvel with its lavish red and gold buildings set amidst ancient cedar trees, stands as the primary attraction. The area offers a tranquil retreat from urban life, with opportunities to explore other serene shrines and savor local delicacies like grilled rice balls and sushi.

When you choose a private charter service like ACS, your private travel experience isn’t limited to jets. Once you’re in Japan, if you’d like to visit any of the destinations on this list (including the more remote ones) smaller private aircraft, like helicopters, can also be arranged to help you get as close to your chosen destination as possible. Simply speak to your dedicated charter consultant and arrange a helicopter transfer in Japan to get you much closer to your preferred destination, quickly, comfortably, and conveniently. 

What determines the cost of chartering a private jet?

The cost of a private jet charter is dependent on numerous factors, including the type of aircraft and the route you’d like to take.

Traveling as a group is a great way to cut costs. For example, if your extended family is joining you on a trip to Japan, rather than booking separate flights you could charter a high-capacity heavy jet like the Gulfstream G550, which comfortably seats 14 passengers.

Booking flights in advance is typically more cost-effective. If you and your friends are traveling to Japan for a popular festival or cultural event, book in advance for a greater chance of securing the best aircraft at the best charter rates.

If you do leave it to the last minute, ask whether there’s an empty-leg jet from Japan that you could fly on. This is when a private jet booked for a one-way flight is due to return empty to its base or another location. As the jet needs to make the return journey regardless, clients are often offered highly discounted rates to fill the seats, with savings of up to 75%.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet to Japan?

As mentioned above, the exact price of your private jet charter comes down to several factors, including your departure and arrival airports and the type of private jet you require. 

Considering the distance between the US and Japan, you will likely require a mid-size, super-midsize or heavy jet that can complete the journey with one fuel stop or an ultra-long-range heavy jet that can fly non-stop across the Pacific Ocean. These are some pricing examples for private jet charters to Japan:

• If you depart from Van Nuys Airport, Los Angeles, in a super-midsize jet like the eight-seater Cessna Citation X and land at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, with one fuel stop you can expect to pay more than $90,000.
• Flying non-stop from Van Nuys Airport to Narita International Airport, Tokyo, in an ultra-long-range heavy jet like the Dassault Falcon 7X typically costs more than $140,000.  
• Flying from an East Coast airport like Miami Executive in Florida to Fukushima Airport will still likely require a fuel stop, even if you opt for an ultra-long-range aircraft. Depending on variables such as weather conditions and number of passengers, the Gulfstream G-550 has the capability of completing the trip non-stop for more than $180,000. 

If you’d like to charter a private jet and you’re looking for a precise quote for your charter flight, contact our team today. You'll be assigned a dedicated charter consultant who will take care of all the arrangements, so all you have to do is sit back and look forward to your trip.

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