While the right side gets a brief but striking glimpse of Mount Fuji at departure, the left side delivers sustained scenic value through the Tohoku mountain ranges during cruise and the volcanic caldera scenery of Shikotsu-Toya during the approach into Chitose, giving it the edge over the full flight.
Flown HND to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Sapporo is 509 miles (820 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
The route tracks north along Honshu's Pacific coast past the Sendai plain and Kinkazan island, with the Ou Mountain Range and peaks like Zao and Bandai visible inland to the west before the aircraft crosses the Tsugaru Strait into Hokkaido.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTHaneda's typical south-wind departure sends aircraft out over Tokyo Bay before banking north toward Sapporo, and during that initial southbound leg Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone is visible off to the southwest. Passengers on the right also get a last look at Tokyo Bay, Yokohama's port cranes, and the Miura Peninsula before the turn.
Landing at CTS
LEFTApproaches into Chitose from the south typically swing past the Shikotsu-Toya volcanic zone, putting the caldera lake and an active volcano on the left side of the aircraft during the descent and final turn. This is far more dramatic than the flatter Ishikari plain visible on the right during landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Sapporo. While the right side gets a brief but striking glimpse of Mount Fuji at departure, the left side delivers sustained scenic value through the Tohoku mountain ranges during cruise and the volcanic caldera scenery of Shikotsu-Toya during the approach into Chitose, giving it the edge over the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Right side for the best views. Haneda's typical south-wind departure sends aircraft out over Tokyo Bay before banking north toward Sapporo, and during that initial southbound leg Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone is visible off to the southwest. Passengers on the right also get a last look at Tokyo Bay, Yokohama's port cranes, and the Miura Peninsula before the turn. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Yokohama waterfront, Miura Peninsula.
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. Approaches into Chitose from the south typically swing past the Shikotsu-Toya volcanic zone, putting the caldera lake and an active volcano on the left side of the aircraft during the descent and final turn. This is far more dramatic than the flatter Ishikari plain visible on the right during landing. Notable sights include: Lake Shikotsu, Mount Tarumae, Mount Yotei, Shikotsu-Toya National Park forests.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Sapporo?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 509 miles (820 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Sapporo flight path pass over?
The route tracks north along Honshu's Pacific coast past the Sendai plain and Kinkazan island, with the Ou Mountain Range and peaks like Zao and Bandai visible inland to the west before the aircraft crosses the Tsugaru Strait into Hokkaido.