Although the Hong Kong takeoff on the right side is the single most dramatic moment of the flight, the left side's descent into Narita offers a longer, richer payoff — Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and a chance at Mt. Fuji — while its takeoff view of the Pearl River Delta, though flatter, is offset by this stronger landing sequence, giving the left side a slight overall edge.
Flown HKG to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Tokyo is 1,841 miles (2,962 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
Open East China Sea between the Chinese coast near Fujian/Zhejiang and the Ryukyu Islands, with Kyushu's coastline becoming visible as the aircraft nears Japan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG toward the northeast, the slight left turn onto course swings the right side toward Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the green peaks of Lantau before the aircraft climbs out over the Pearl River Delta. The left side mostly faces the flatter, hazier Shenzhen/Pearl River Delta sprawl.
Landing at NRT
LEFTOn approach into Narita from the south, the descent path carries the aircraft up over Tokyo Bay before turning toward Chiba, putting the Tokyo skyline and bay on the left side. On very clear days the snow-capped cone of Mt. Fuji is visible far to the southwest on that same side, while the right side mostly faces open Pacific coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo. Although the Hong Kong takeoff on the right side is the single most dramatic moment of the flight, the left side's descent into Narita offers a longer, richer payoff — Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and a chance at Mt. Fuji — while its takeoff view of the Pearl River Delta, though flatter, is offset by this stronger landing sequence, giving the left side a slight overall edge.
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 slight left turn onto course swings the right side toward Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the green peaks of Lantau before the aircraft climbs out over the Pearl River Delta. The left side mostly faces the flatter, hazier Shenzhen/Pearl River Delta sprawl. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon high-rises, Lantau Peak, Tian Tan Buddha/Po Lin Monastery area.
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. On approach into Narita from the south, the descent path carries the aircraft up over Tokyo Bay before turning toward Chiba, putting the Tokyo skyline and bay on the left side. On very clear days the snow-capped cone of Mt. Fuji is visible far to the southwest on that same side, while the right side mostly faces open Pacific coastline. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo skyline/waterfront, Mt. Fuji (distant, clear days only), Boso Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,841 miles (2,962 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Open East China Sea between the Chinese coast near Fujian/Zhejiang and the Ryukyu Islands, with Kyushu's coastline becoming visible as the aircraft nears Japan.