Most of this flight is spent over open ocean, capping the scenic potential of both sides, but the left side's approach into Narita offers a rare payoff: Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and Mount Fuji all in view, which outweighs the more modest coastal takeoff visible from the right.
Flown BNE to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brisbane to Tokyo is 4,442 miles (7,148 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Coral Sea and Solomon Sea past the eastern edge of Papua New Guinea, then continues over the open Philippine Sea west of the Mariana Islands before approaching Japan near the Izu Islands south of Tokyo — almost the entire midflight segment is open Pacific water with no reliably visible land.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
RIGHTDeparting Brisbane to the north, the right-side window looks out over Moreton Bay with its sand islands, while the left side mostly shows suburban sprawl and low hills of the Great Dividing Range. The bay and islands give the takeoff side some real definition against the water.
Landing at NRT
LEFTOn the descent into Narita from the south, the left side of the aircraft faces west toward Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo skyline in the distance, and on clear days the unmistakable cone of Mount Fuji beyond it. The right side over Chiba shows mostly flat farmland and the Pacific coast, which is far less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to Tokyo. Most of this flight is spent over open ocean, capping the scenic potential of both sides, but the left side's approach into Narita offers a rare payoff: Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and Mount Fuji all in view, which outweighs the more modest coastal takeoff visible from the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Brisbane to the north, the right-side window looks out over Moreton Bay with its sand islands, while the left side mostly shows suburban sprawl and low hills of the Great Dividing Range. The bay and islands give the takeoff side some real definition against the water. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane River mouth.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Narita from the south, the left side of the aircraft faces west toward Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo skyline in the distance, and on clear days the unmistakable cone of Mount Fuji beyond it. The right side over Chiba shows mostly flat farmland and the Pacific coast, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (distant), Tokyo Bay, Tokyo skyline, Boso Peninsula farmland.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Tokyo?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,442 miles (7,148 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brisbane to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Coral Sea and Solomon Sea past the eastern edge of Papua New Guinea, then continues over the open Philippine Sea west of the Mariana Islands before approaching Japan near the Izu Islands south of Tokyo — almost the entire midflight segment is open Pacific water with no reliably visible land.