
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】
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan
Japan’s birth rate rose for the first half of the year for the first time in over a decade
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
First Pokémon anime movie since 2020 announced, brings new characters and staff to the series [Video]
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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】