The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a better view of the Frankfurt skyline and Taunus hills during the turn after takeoff, and a dramatic Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay approach into Haneda. The long Siberian cruise segment is scenically neutral for both sides, so the takeoff/landing advantage decides it.
Flown FRA to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Tokyo is 5,818 miles (9,363 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
Ural Mountains foothills, vast Siberian taiga and river networks (Ob and Yenisei basins), Lake Baikal region visible in clear conditions
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
RIGHTDeparting FRA in the typical westerly configuration, the aircraft climbs out over the Rhine-Main basin before curving northeast toward the Baltic. Passengers on the right get a good look back at the Frankfurt skyline and the wooded Taunus hills as the turn develops.
Landing at HND
RIGHTOn the common south-wind arrival into Haneda, flights descend from the north over Tokyo before turning onto final for 34L/34R. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone to the southwest before the aircraft banks over Tokyo Bay and the dense city skyline for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Tokyo. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a better view of the Frankfurt skyline and Taunus hills during the turn after takeoff, and a dramatic Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay approach into Haneda. The long Siberian cruise segment is scenically neutral for both sides, so the takeoff/landing advantage decides it.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing FRA in the typical westerly configuration, the aircraft climbs out over the Rhine-Main basin before curving northeast toward the Baltic. Passengers on the right get a good look back at the Frankfurt skyline and the wooded Taunus hills as the turn develops. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline, Rhine-Main river confluence, Taunus hills.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common south-wind arrival into Haneda, flights descend from the north over Tokyo before turning onto final for 34L/34R. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone to the southwest before the aircraft banks over Tokyo Bay and the dense city skyline for landing. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Tokyo skyline (Odaiba/Rainbow Bridge area), Haneda runways over water.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Tokyo?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,818 miles (9,363 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Ural Mountains foothills, vast Siberian taiga and river networks (Ob and Yenisei basins), Lake Baikal region visible in clear conditions