While the right side wins the Hong Kong harbor takeoff, the left side offers a richer overall experience: glimpses of the Chinese coastline and Korean peninsula during cruise, followed by a striking volcanic approach over Lake Shikotsu and Mount Tarumae into Chitose.
Flown HKG to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Sapporo is 2,130 miles (3,429 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Southeastern Chinese coastline near Fujian and Zhejiang, the East China Sea, the Korean peninsula's southern coast near Jeju Island, and the Sea of Japan crossing toward Honshu before reaching Hokkaido
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG toward the northeast, the initial climb and left turn put Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon's dense high-rises on the right side of the aircraft before the plane straightens out toward the mainland.
Landing at CTS
LEFTOn approach to Chitose from the south, the aircraft tracks north over the Shikotsu-Toya volcanic region, putting the caldera lake and active Mount Tarumae on the left side, a far more dramatic view than the flatter Tomakomai coastal plain on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Sapporo. While the right side wins the Hong Kong harbor takeoff, the left side offers a richer overall experience: glimpses of the Chinese coastline and Korean peninsula during cruise, followed by a striking volcanic approach over Lake Shikotsu and Mount Tarumae into Chitose.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HKG toward the northeast, the initial climb and left turn put Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon's dense high-rises on the right side of the aircraft before the plane straightens out toward the mainland. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau outlying islands.
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. On approach to Chitose from the south, the aircraft tracks north over the Shikotsu-Toya volcanic region, putting the caldera lake and active Mount Tarumae on the left side, a far more dramatic view than the flatter Tomakomai coastal plain on the right. Notable sights include: Lake Shikotsu caldera, Mount Tarumae, Mount Eniwa, forested Hokkaido highlands.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Sapporo?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,130 miles (3,429 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Sapporo flight path pass over?
Southeastern Chinese coastline near Fujian and Zhejiang, the East China Sea, the Korean peninsula's southern coast near Jeju Island, and the Sea of Japan crossing toward Honshu before reaching Hokkaido