The left side wins both takeoff and landing with the Hamburg port and Alster lakes on departure, and Tokyo Bay plus the chance of a distant Fuji sighting on arrival. The polar routing also keeps the left side oriented toward Siberian river systems and eventually the Japanese coastline on descent.
Flown HAM to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hamburg to Tokyo is 5,587 miles (8,991 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route follows a polar great circle track northeast over southern Scandinavia, then across the Baltic and into Russia over the Ural Mountains, continuing over the vast West Siberian Plain and the Ob River basin, crossing the Yenisei and Lena river systems, then descending over the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan before reaching the Japanese archipelago and the Kanto Plain on approach to Narita.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HAM
LEFTHamburg's main runways (23/05 orientation) mean a northeastward departure gives the left side a clear view over the Alster lakes, Hamburg's inner city, and the Elbe river winding toward the North Sea. The port of Hamburg with its massive container terminals is distinctly visible on the left as you climb out.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNRT's runways (16R/34L and 16L/34R) typically see arrivals from the north or northwest, meaning the left side gets views over Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Mount Fuji on clear days to the southwest. The left side also captures the Chiba coastline and Tokyo's urban sprawl as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hamburg (HAM) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hamburg to Tokyo. The left side wins both takeoff and landing with the Hamburg port and Alster lakes on departure, and Tokyo Bay plus the chance of a distant Fuji sighting on arrival. The polar routing also keeps the left side oriented toward Siberian river systems and eventually the Japanese coastline on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Hamburg in Hamburg?
During takeoff from Hamburg (HAM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hamburg's main runways (23/05 orientation) mean a northeastward departure gives the left side a clear view over the Alster lakes, Hamburg's inner city, and the Elbe river winding toward the North Sea. The port of Hamburg with its massive container terminals is distinctly visible on the left as you climb out. Notable sights include: Alster lakes (Binnenalster and Außenalster), Hamburg port container terminals, Elbe River estuary, Hamburg city center including the Speicherstadt warehouse district.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. NRT's runways (16R/34L and 16L/34R) typically see arrivals from the north or northwest, meaning the left side gets views over Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Mount Fuji on clear days to the southwest. The left side also captures the Chiba coastline and Tokyo's urban sprawl as you descend. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (on clear days, distant to the southwest), Tokyo metropolitan skyline, Chiba coastal lowlands.
How long is the flight from Hamburg to Tokyo?
The flight from Hamburg (HAM) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,587 miles (8,991 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hamburg to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route follows a polar great circle track northeast over southern Scandinavia, then across the Baltic and into Russia over the Ural Mountains, continuing over the vast West Siberian Plain and the Ob River basin, crossing the Yenisei and Lena river systems, then descending over the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan before reaching the Japanese archipelago and the Kanto Plain on approach to Narita.