Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands are more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. The sea's complex island geography provides superior scenic value for the majority of the flight's lower-altitude segments.
Flown HIJ to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hiroshima to Sapporo is 745 miles (1,199 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
As you travel north across the Chugoku and Kansai regions, you'll pass over the Chugoku Mountains (visible as a forested ridge running east-west), then cross into the Kii Peninsula area. The flight path typically takes you over central Honshu's mountainous terrain before reaching Hokkaido. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Kii Mountains, the transition zone between Honshu and Hokkaido, and the Hidaka Mountains in southeastern Hokkaido as you approach Chitose from the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HIJ
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Seto Inland Sea and its island chains as you climb northward from Hiroshima. The water and scattered islands create strong visual contrast and are visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at CTS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's interior mountains and the approach to Sapporo from the south. You'll see the Ishikari Plain opening up and the Teine and Maruyama mountain ranges that frame the city's location.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hiroshima (HIJ) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hiroshima to Sapporo. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands are more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. The sea's complex island geography provides superior scenic value for the majority of the flight's lower-altitude segments.
What can I see during takeoff from Hiroshima in Hiroshima?
During takeoff from Hiroshima (HIJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Seto Inland Sea and its island chains as you climb northward from Hiroshima. The water and scattered islands create strong visual contrast and are visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Seto Inland Sea, Itsukushima (Miyajima Island with its distinctive shape), Hiroshima Bay, coastal lowlands of western Honshu.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's interior mountains and the approach to Sapporo from the south. You'll see the Ishikari Plain opening up and the Teine and Maruyama mountain ranges that frame the city's location. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain, Teine Mountains, Maruyama area, Sapporo urban grid.
How long is the flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo?
The flight from Hiroshima (HIJ) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 1 hour 55 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 Hiroshima to Sapporo flight path pass over?
As you travel north across the Chugoku and Kansai regions, you'll pass over the Chugoku Mountains (visible as a forested ridge running east-west), then cross into the Kii Peninsula area. The flight path typically takes you over central Honshu's mountainous terrain before reaching Hokkaido. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Kii Mountains, the transition zone between Honshu and Hokkaido, and the Hidaka Mountains in southeastern Hokkaido as you approach Chitose from the south.