About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Tokyo. The left side wins overall because the mid-flight and landing views are stronger. Once the aircraft turns south over Honshu, the left side tracks along the Pacific coast and picks up the Tohoku coastline, the Kanto Plain opening up, and the extended Tokyo Bay approach. The right side has a better takeoff moment but loses interest over the open Pacific for much of the cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. New Chitose runways 01L/01R run roughly north-south, and departures heading south toward Tokyo put the right side facing west toward the Hidaka Mountains and the broad Ishikari Plain. You get a clear look at the volcanic peaks of Tarumae-zan and Eniwa-zan rising above the lowlands as the aircraft climbs out. Notable sights include: Tarumae-zan volcano, Eniwa-zan, Ishikari Plain, Lake Shikotsu.
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. Arrivals into Haneda on runway 34L/34R approach from the north over Tokyo Bay, and the left side faces east toward the bay and the city's waterfront. You get a prolonged view of the Tokyo Bay shoreline, the Rainbow Bridge, and the dense urban grid of central Tokyo as the aircraft descends over the water. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba waterfront, Tokyo city grid.
How long is the flight from Sapporo to Tokyo?
The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What does the Sapporo to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south over the Tsugaru Strait between Hokkaido and Honshu, then down the Pacific side of Tohoku over Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. The Ou Mountain Range runs parallel to the route on the right side through central Tohoku. The Sanriku coastline with its deeply indented ria coast is visible to the left at lower altitudes. The flight crosses into the Kanto region over Ibaraki Prefecture before descending toward Tokyo Bay.