
Now, chances are you’ve already seen many pictures and video footage from Japan, especially of tourist areas in cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. But this video, shared about a month ago on Vimeo, offers a look at these cities from a very unique perspective — from up in the air! The video, filmed by a tourist visiting Japan, was taken from the perspective of a remote-controlled drone attached with a camera. And while some of the shots captured are of well-known tourist spots, Internet users both inside and outside of Japan seem to have been impressed by how the unique angle gives the familiar scenes quite a new feel! Let’s see what some of the popular sites of Japan look like from up above.
Here’s the video taken by Gino Montalvo, who visited Japan earlier this year. According to his post, it was filmed using a drone, or remote-controlled aircraft called the DJI Phantom 2.
▼Not surprisingly, the video includes footage of the famous “scramble crossing” in Shibuya, both at night …
▼… and during the day. The sheer number of people there is always mind-boggling.
▼And here are some shots from above the Shinjuku Gyoen park.
▼You can see the cherry trees in full bloom, and the park looks absolutely gorgeous from the air, all covered in pink.
▼The video also has some very nice views of the entire park.
▼Here’s the Odaiba area at night, recognizable by the life-size Gundam model exhibited in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
▼The Phantom 2 manages to get up-close and personal with the Gundam model.
▼We’re also treated to a view of the Tokyo Skytree.
▼And here’s Mt. Fuji, although the mountain top is hidden in the clouds.
▼Montalvo also traveled to Osaka, where this shot of Osaka Castle was taken.
▼And there’s also footage from Kyoto — here’s a view of the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Although the video is just three minutes and 40 seconds long, it’s quite a fun visual trip through Japan, isn’t it? And it’s particularly delightful that Montalvo was able to film when the cherry trees were in bloom, since they only last for about one week out of the year.
And in case you were wondering, the Phantom 2, which was used to film the video, is quite an awesome-loooking machine.
▼The DJI Phantom 2 — The “Vison+” version shown here comes complete with the camera and stabilizing device options at a price of US$1,299. A version without the options is also available for $679.
While filming with such a nifty-looking piece of flying machinery probably takes some skill and practice, the video here seems like so much fun that we wouldn’t be surprised if it made you seriously think about ordering one of them and learning some remote-controlled flying maneuvers. Well, if you ever do end up owning such a fancy gadget, we certainly hope you can record some great footage and share it with us!
Source: Vimeo (from Gino Montalvo) via GOTRIP! (Japanese), DJI site Phantom 2 page
Photo of DJI Phantom 2: DJI site Phantom 2 page
All other photos: Vimeo (from Gino Montalvo)













Stunning video, “In Japan”, captures breathtaking moments from around the country【Video】
Volcanoes, castles and more: 10 of Japan’s best drone-shot videos to give you wanderlust【Video】
Expertly-piloted micro drone records breathtaking HD video of Japanese high school girls【Video】
Geminoid F: Japan’s android actress with a starring role in a new film 【Video】
Street footage from Hollywood movie “Tokyo Joe” shows post-war Shibuya colourised by AI 【Video】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Small Hokkaido bookshop’s unique service is getting business from all over Japan
Foreign tourists outnumber Japanese ones at Kyoto hotels for first time ever
Supercomputer noodles bring the magic of Fugaku to the dining table
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
We say goodbye to our Japan Wish winner and look back on her time in Japan【Video】
Instant Tokyo nostalgia – Beautifully bittersweet brand-new video looks like it was shot 17 years ago
First-look video of new Nintendo Museum shows off giant controllers fans can actually play games with!
Japan’s nine-year-old karate champion returns—in Australian singer Sia’s new music video【Video】
Leave a Reply