Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Naha. While takeoff on the right offers good views of Hokkaido's mountains, the landing approach on the left provides more visually striking scenery—the Kerama Islands and turquoise waters of the East China Sea are far more distinctive than the Ishikari Plain. Left side wins overall.

During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the initial climb-out over Ishikari Bay and the Ishikari Plain, with views of Sapporo city and the Teine and Maruyama mountain ranges to the southeast. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Ishikari Bay (immediate offshore), Sapporo urban area, Teine Mountains, Maruyama peak.

When landing at Naha (OKA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer superior views during descent into Naha, including the Kerama Islands, the shallow turquoise waters of the East China Sea, and the Okinawa mainland with its distinctive coastline. Right side faces open ocean with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Kerama Islands (Tokashiki and Zamami), East China Sea shallow waters (turquoise), Okinawa mainland coastline, Naha city and harbor.

The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Naha (OKA) takes 2h 15m.

The flight path crosses central Honshu, passing east of the Kii Peninsula and over the Inland Sea region. Notable features include the Izu Peninsula (visible from altitude as a distinctive landmass jutting into the Pacific), the Kii Mountains as a north-south ridge, and the Seto Inland Sea with its numerous islands. The transition from Honshu to Shikoku occurs mid-flight, with the Shikoku Mountains visible as a secondary ridge. As the aircraft approaches Okinawa, the Ryukyu Islands chain becomes visible, with Okinawa's distinctive shape appearing roughly 30 minutes before landing.