While the takeoff from Bankstown favours the right, the landing into Tokyo is significantly more scenic from the left, with Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay views outweighing the Blue Mountains departure. Left-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
Flown BWU to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Tokyo is 4,854 miles (7,812 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no landmarks visible for roughly 2,000 km), then approaches the New Zealand North Island from the southwest. The Taranaki region and Mount Taranaki may be visible on clear days during the southern leg. The route then continues north-northwest over the Pacific, eventually approaching Japan from the south. The Izu Islands (small volcanic islands south of Tokyo) may be visible during final descent on clear days, appearing as small dark specks in the ocean before the Kanto Plain becomes dominant.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River valley as you climb out westward from Bankstown. The escarpment and river gorges are dramatic and clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at HND
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Tokyo. You'll see Mount Fuji (weather permitting) on the western horizon, followed by the Kanto Plain's patchwork of agricultural fields and the Edogawa River delta as you approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Tokyo. While the takeoff from Bankstown favours the right, the landing into Tokyo is significantly more scenic from the left, with Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay views outweighing the Blue Mountains departure. Left-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this long-haul route.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River valley as you climb out westward from Bankstown. The escarpment and river gorges are dramatic and clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (western escarpment), Nepean River valley, Hawkesbury River system, Sydney metropolitan sprawl to the east.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Tokyo. You'll see Mount Fuji (weather permitting) on the western horizon, followed by the Kanto Plain's patchwork of agricultural fields and the Edogawa River delta as you approach from the south. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (distant western horizon), Kanto Plain agricultural grid, Edogawa River delta and Tokyo Bay, Chiba Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Tokyo?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,854 miles (7,812 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no landmarks visible for roughly 2,000 km), then approaches the New Zealand North Island from the southwest. The Taranaki region and Mount Taranaki may be visible on clear days during the southern leg. The route then continues north-northwest over the Pacific, eventually approaching Japan from the south. The Izu Islands (small volcanic islands south of Tokyo) may be visible during final descent on clear days, appearing as small dark specks in the ocean before the Kanto Plain becomes dominant.