The left side wins both the most dramatic moments of the flight: Hong Kong Island's skyline and harbor during takeoff, and a rare Mount Fuji/Yokohama panorama during the Haneda approach, while the right side sees mostly open water and less distinctive coastline at both ends.
Flown HKG to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Tokyo is 1,804 miles (2,903 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
Northern tip of Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) chain are crossed or paralleled along the route before the descent toward Japan's Kii Peninsula and Tokyo Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTEastbound departures from HKG typically route out along the south side of Hong Kong Island before turning toward the open sea, putting the island's skyscraper skyline and Victoria Harbour directly on the left side of the climb-out.
Landing at HND
LEFTOn the common south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft track north up Tokyo Bay before landing, so the west-facing left side looks toward Yokohama's waterfront and, on clear days, the distinctive cone of Mount Fuji rising beyond the Hakone mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo. The left side wins both the most dramatic moments of the flight: Hong Kong Island's skyline and harbor during takeoff, and a rare Mount Fuji/Yokohama panorama during the Haneda approach, while the right side sees mostly open water and less distinctive coastline at both ends.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eastbound departures from HKG typically route out along the south side of Hong Kong Island before turning toward the open sea, putting the island's skyscraper skyline and Victoria Harbour directly on the left side of the climb-out. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline (Central/Causeway Bay), Victoria Peak, Aberdeen/Repulse Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the common south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft track north up Tokyo Bay before landing, so the west-facing left side looks toward Yokohama's waterfront and, on clear days, the distinctive cone of Mount Fuji rising beyond the Hakone mountains. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Izu Peninsula/Hakone mountains, Yokohama port skyline, Tokyo Bay.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,804 miles (2,903 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Northern tip of Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) chain are crossed or paralleled along the route before the descent toward Japan's Kii Peninsula and Tokyo Bay.