The outbound climb offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Blue Mountains and coastal views. While the landing approach into Sapporo is pleasant, the takeoff views from Sydney are more spectacular and memorable.
Flown BWU to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Sapporo is 5,332 miles (8,581 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea and Philippine Sea, passing east of the Philippines and Taiwan. Notable midpoint geography includes the Luzon Strait (between Philippines and Taiwan), the East China Sea, and the Ryukyu Islands chain. At cruise altitude (33,000-35,000 feet), these features appear as distant landmasses and water bodies on the horizon rather than prominent foreground elements. The flight typically passes west of Okinawa before turning northwest toward Hokkaido. No major mountain ranges are dramatically visible at cruise altitude during the midpoint, though the curvature of the Earth and atmospheric haze dominate the view.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
LEFTLeft side captures the Tasman Sea and the Blue Mountains to the west as the aircraft climbs out on a northwesterly heading. Right side shows inland terrain with less dramatic relief.
Landing at CTS
RIGHTRight side offers views of Hokkaido's interior mountains and the approach to Sapporo from the south. The aircraft typically descends on a southerly or southeasterly approach, making the right side optimal for seeing the Ishikari Plain and surrounding terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Sapporo. The outbound climb offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Blue Mountains and coastal views. While the landing approach into Sapporo is pleasant, the takeoff views from Sydney are more spectacular and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Tasman Sea and the Blue Mountains to the west as the aircraft climbs out on a northwesterly heading. Right side shows inland terrain with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Tasman Sea coastline, Nepean River valley, Sydney metropolitan sprawl receding eastward.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Hokkaido's interior mountains and the approach to Sapporo from the south. The aircraft typically descends on a southerly or southeasterly approach, making the right side optimal for seeing the Ishikari Plain and surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain (agricultural flatlands), Maruyama and surrounding forested hills, Chitose city and river valley, Sapporo urban area on northern horizon.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Sapporo?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,332 miles (8,581 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Sapporo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea and Philippine Sea, passing east of the Philippines and Taiwan. Notable midpoint geography includes the Luzon Strait (between Philippines and Taiwan), the East China Sea, and the Ryukyu Islands chain. At cruise altitude (33,000-35,000 feet), these features appear as distant landmasses and water bodies on the horizon rather than prominent foreground elements. The flight typically passes west of Okinawa before turning northwest toward Hokkaido. No major mountain ranges are dramatically visible at cruise altitude during the midpoint, though the curvature of the Earth and atmospheric haze dominate the view.