Left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery (urban Sapporo and Hokkaido's forested terrain) and significantly more dramatic landing approach over the Seto Inland Sea's island-studded waters and Hiroshima's coastal geography. Right side offers minimal visual interest throughout the flight.
Flown CTS to HIJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sapporo to Hiroshima is 745 miles (1,199 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Transition from Hokkaido's forested interior to central Honshu's mountainous terrain; crossing the Tsugaru Strait region; views of the Chugoku Mountains' western slopes; approach to the Seto Inland Sea's complex island geography
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTS
LEFTLeft side captures Sapporo's urban sprawl and the transition from city to Hokkaido's forested terrain. Right side faces open ocean and flat coastal plains with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at HIJ
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Seto Inland Sea's island-dotted waters and Hiroshima's coastal geography during approach. Right side presents only open ocean and lacks the distinctive topography of the landing zone.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Hiroshima (HIJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Hiroshima. Left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery (urban Sapporo and Hokkaido's forested terrain) and significantly more dramatic landing approach over the Seto Inland Sea's island-studded waters and Hiroshima's coastal geography. Right side offers minimal visual interest throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Sapporo's urban sprawl and the transition from city to Hokkaido's forested terrain. Right side faces open ocean and flat coastal plains with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Sapporo city grid and harbor area, Ishikari Bay coastline, forested Hokkaido interior receding southward.
What can I see when landing at Hiroshima in Hiroshima?
When landing at Hiroshima (HIJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Seto Inland Sea's island-dotted waters and Hiroshima's coastal geography during approach. Right side presents only open ocean and lacks the distinctive topography of the landing zone. Notable sights include: Seto Inland Sea with scattered islands, Hiroshima Bay, Itsukushima Island (Miyajima), coastal mountain ridges.
How long is the flight from Sapporo to Hiroshima?
The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Hiroshima (HIJ) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 745 miles (1,199 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sapporo to Hiroshima flight path pass over?
Transition from Hokkaido's forested interior to central Honshu's mountainous terrain; crossing the Tsugaru Strait region; views of the Chugoku Mountains' western slopes; approach to the Seto Inland Sea's complex island geography