Some sights in Japan can only be seen from above.

So come along on a brilliant visual journey through the sky.

Today's destination is none other than Tokyo!

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

A unique flight experience, found nowhere else in Japan awaits us.

So, let's set off...

On the Wings.

When you think of Tokyo's most famous airports, Narita and Haneda may first come to mind.

But this time, we depart from a third airport.

Just a 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku, its nearest station is Chofu.

From there, it's a 10-minute drive.

The small airport is tucked away in a quiet residential area.

It serves around 100,000 passengers annually, with only one operating airline.

Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in linking Tokyo's islands.

Tokyo actually counts 11 islands as part of its metropolis.

Connecting more by air, is Chofu Airport.

Today, we're heading about 190 kilometers south to Miyakejima Airport.

Now, for the boarding procedure.

This airline has a unique and surprising requirement.

Passengers must declare their body weight.

Due to the small aircraft, they need to evenly distribute the passengers and luggage.

Miyakejima is a volcanic island.

Its eruption status is updated daily on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website.

You can also view updated images of the island.

And now, let's board the plane!

Seats are assigned based on the weight declaration, so you can't choose your seat.

With just one row on either side, the plane accommodates 19 passengers.

On this flight, all electronic devices are prohibited during takeoff and landing.

We're ready for departure.

It's just a 50-minute flight to Miyakejima.

Five minutes after takeoff, and we're over the ocean.

There's hardly time to blink!

We're cruising at 4,500 feet.

An extremely low altitude compared to a typical passenger jet,

offering breathtakingly close views.

The first of Tokyo's islands we see is Izu Oshima.

Mount Mihara, towering at its center.

At Chofu Airport, ensuring the safety of all flights, there are professionals.

She works at the airport's flight operations division.

Here, all necessary data for flights,

such as weather information and nearby aircraft, is centralized.

Today, we see some clouds forming around Tokyo and Chiba.

We need to assess how that might affect our flights.

Using the data collected at the division,

the dispatcher determines the optimal flight route, altitude, and the amount of fuel required.

Other airlines receive operational support from the ground as well.

With larger jets, most of the flight is on autopilot.

However, the small aircraft used by this airline require complete manual control.

Their pilots usually rely on their view from the cockpit to navigate.

Because of the need to maintain visibility, Tsunoda's information plays an important role.

Each morning, she heads to the runway.

First, I check the weather conditions and visibility within a 5-kilometer radius.

Tsunoda visually checks if distant buildings are visible.

She also assesses the cloud cover, depth, and the wind.

Using not just data, but her own observations, she determines each day's routes.

She delivers a briefing to pilots before departure.

There are clouds between 800 to 1,000 feet, but shouldn't be a problem for landing.

If she determines that it's not safe, planes will not depart,

regardless of what pilots say.

This is why dispatchers are sometimes referred to as, pilots on the ground.

Have a safe flight.

Even after takeoff, Tsunoda monitors flights' progress.

A scheduled check-in from the pilot who just departed.

Miyake at 56 minutes past. Roger that. Have a safe flight.

"We're on our way."

This is Tsunoda at Chofu.

"Miyakejima Airport here."

Now, she receives a call from Miyakejima Airport.

Are clouds starting to form?

During the rainy season, sea fog or thunderstorms can occur.

In winter, typhoon-like winds can make it difficult to fly, even if visibility isn't bad.

Weather on the remote islands changes constantly and can shift rapidly.

Tsunoda collects real-time updates from local staff who visually confirm the conditions.

The job of a dispatcher involves tirelessly supporting pilots,

both before takeoff and during flight.

Well done.

We communicate and share mutual trust, which allows planes to depart.

Although we don't fly together, we are truly partners.

It's a team effort.

I do my part as a so-called pilot on the ground.

I strive to keep learning every day.

From here on, we'll see more of Tokyo's islands coming into view.

About 30 minutes after departure, Miyakejima comes into sight.

"We're now beginning our descent into Miyakejima Airport."

And don't forget to turn off your electronic devices for landing!

About 50 minutes from Chofu Airport.

We have arrived at Miyakejima Airport.

The gateway to the skies of Miyakejima.

To show us around, a native, Hasegawa Junichi, who works for the airline.

He took us along a trail marked by the island's volcanic history.

In 2000, a major eruption on Miyakejima forced all residents to evacuate.

Even through multiple eruptions, the island always calls us back.

Everyone here loves this island.

Now, the traces of the eruptions are important tourist spots.

As a volcanic island, it of course offers hot springs.

But the ocean is unlike anywhere else.

These are columnar joints, formed when magma cools and solidifies.

Even in the sea, you can be captivated by volcanic charm.

And if you're lucky, you might get to swim with sea turtles and dolphins.

Hasegawa's final stop was the airport.

It's a small airport, but it has a unique route you won't find anywhere else!

Japan's only regular helicopter service.

Connecting six islands, this crucial transportation link operates daily.

A practical and amazing air travel experience is available to anyone who buys a ticket.

It flies even lower than our previous flight.

Come enjoy stunning island views! We're waiting for you.

Thanks for riding along, on two very special air journeys.

Please fly with us again, On the Wings.