The left side wins on the strength of a genuine Mount Fuji sighting during departure and a better vantage over the Gobi Desert and distant Central Asian mountain ranges during cruise, giving it more dramatic terrain overall despite Amsterdam's better view being on the right during landing.
Flown HND to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Amsterdam is 5,789 miles (9,317 km), a flight of about 12 hours 35 minutes.
The route crosses the Sea of Japan, the arid Gobi Desert of Mongolia, the flat steppe of Kazakhstan near the northern Caspian Sea, and the distant Caucasus foothills before continuing over Eastern Europe's Carpathian fringe, Germany, and into the Netherlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
LEFTDeparting Haneda on a north-then-northwest track toward Asia, the aircraft's turn puts Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone on the horizon to the south, with Tokyo's dense skyline and Tokyo Bay's shipping lanes receding below on the same side. The right side mostly shows the flatter Chiba coastline and open bay water, less dramatic by comparison.
Landing at AMS
RIGHTOn approach into Schiphol from the north for a runway 18 landing, the aircraft's alignment turn brings Amsterdam's compact city center and the broad silver expanse of the IJsselmeer into view to the west, with the North Sea coast visible beyond. The left side mainly shows the repetitive green polder grid with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Amsterdam. The left side wins on the strength of a genuine Mount Fuji sighting during departure and a better vantage over the Gobi Desert and distant Central Asian mountain ranges during cruise, giving it more dramatic terrain overall despite Amsterdam's better view being on the right during landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Haneda on a north-then-northwest track toward Asia, the aircraft's turn puts Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone on the horizon to the south, with Tokyo's dense skyline and Tokyo Bay's shipping lanes receding below on the same side. The right side mostly shows the flatter Chiba coastline and open bay water, less dramatic by comparison. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, central Tokyo skyline, Sagami Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Schiphol from the north for a runway 18 landing, the aircraft's alignment turn brings Amsterdam's compact city center and the broad silver expanse of the IJsselmeer into view to the west, with the North Sea coast visible beyond. The left side mainly shows the repetitive green polder grid with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center, IJsselmeer lake, patchwork polder farmland, North Sea coastline near Zandvoort.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Amsterdam?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 12 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,789 miles (9,317 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sea of Japan, the arid Gobi Desert of Mongolia, the flat steppe of Kazakhstan near the northern Caspian Sea, and the distant Caucasus foothills before continuing over Eastern Europe's Carpathian fringe, Germany, and into the Netherlands.