Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Tokyo. The right side wins overall because the Chugach Mountains on departure are dramatic and immediate, and over the North Pacific the right side faces south toward the Aleutian Island chain as the route arcs over the Gulf of Alaska. The Tokyo approach advantage on the left is real but brief, while the Alaskan scenery on the right during climb-out is among the most spectacular of any departure in North America.

During takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Anchorage typically departs south on runway 33L/33R or north on 15L/15R depending on winds. For the dominant southward departure toward Japan, the right side gives you Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range including Denali in the distance to the north. Departing northward, the right side still captures the Chugach Mountains directly alongside the aircraft. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains (immediately east of airport), Cook Inlet (west of city), Knik Arm (north of city), Mount Susitna across the inlet.

When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. HND sits on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast or east over the bay on runways 34L/34R or 22. A left-side seat on approach from the northeast gives you Tokyo Bay, the city skyline including the Tokyo Tower and Skytree area, and Yokohama to the south. The right side faces inland toward suburban sprawl with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay (approach over water), Tokyo Skytree visible northeast of city center, Yokohama waterfront and port to the south, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba reclaimed islands near the airport.

The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 8.5 to 9.5 hours.

The route follows a great circle arc southwest over the Gulf of Alaska, passing near the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands chain (Kodiak Island, the Shumagin Islands visible on clear days), then crossing the North Pacific over open ocean. The Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia may be visible on the right side in clear conditions as the route approaches Japan from the northeast. The final descent crosses the Tohoku coast of Honshu before reaching Tokyo Bay.