Left side wins both ends of this transpacific route. The Tokyo departure delivers Mount Fuji and the full Tokyo Bay panorama, while the New York arrival gives you a sustained low-altitude view of the Manhattan skyline on final approach. During the transpacific crossing the left side also faces south toward the Aleutian Islands chain as the great circle route arcs over the North Pacific.
Flight Path
The great circle route from Tokyo to New York arcs northeast over the North Pacific, passing south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands chain, then crosses the Gulf of Alaska before tracking over southern Alaska and the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia and Alberta. The route then crosses the Great Plains of the northern United States before descending toward the Northeast. At cruising altitude you may see the snow-covered volcanic peaks of Kamchatka, the Aleutian island chain as scattered dark landmasses in the gray Pacific, glaciated peaks of the Alaska Range, and the patchwork agricultural grid of the Canadian prairies.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
LEFTHaneda's dominant departure runway 34L/34R sends aircraft northward over Tokyo Bay, and left-side seats face west toward central Tokyo. You get a clear view of the dense urban grid of Shinagawa and Shibuya, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba waterfront, and on clear days Mount Fuji rises distinctly to the southwest as you climb out.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLaGuardia's primary arrival runway 04 brings aircraft in from the southwest over Queens, and left-side seats face south toward Manhattan. You get a prolonged, close-range view of the entire Manhattan skyline — from the Financial District and Brooklyn Bridge up through Midtown — as the aircraft descends low over the East River approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to New York. Left side wins both ends of this transpacific route. The Tokyo departure delivers Mount Fuji and the full Tokyo Bay panorama, while the New York arrival gives you a sustained low-altitude view of the Manhattan skyline on final approach. During the transpacific crossing the left side also faces south toward the Aleutian Islands chain as the great circle route arcs over the North Pacific.
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. Haneda's dominant departure runway 34L/34R sends aircraft northward over Tokyo Bay, and left-side seats face west toward central Tokyo. You get a clear view of the dense urban grid of Shinagawa and Shibuya, the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba waterfront, and on clear days Mount Fuji rises distinctly to the southwest as you climb out. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (southwest horizon), Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba, central Tokyo urban grid (Shibuya/Shinjuku skyscrapers), Tokyo Bay.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LaGuardia's primary arrival runway 04 brings aircraft in from the southwest over Queens, and left-side seats face south toward Manhattan. You get a prolonged, close-range view of the entire Manhattan skyline — from the Financial District and Brooklyn Bridge up through Midtown — as the aircraft descends low over the East River approach. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Financial District to Midtown), East River and its bridges (Queensboro, Williamsburg, Brooklyn), Central Park, Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to New York?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours eastbound.
What does the Tokyo to New York flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Tokyo to New York arcs northeast over the North Pacific, passing south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands chain, then crosses the Gulf of Alaska before tracking over southern Alaska and the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia and Alberta. The route then crosses the Great Plains of the northern United States before descending toward the Northeast. At cruising altitude you may see the snow-covered volcanic peaks of Kamchatka, the Aleutian island chain as scattered dark landmasses in the gray Pacific, glaciated peaks of the Alaska Range, and the patchwork agricultural grid of the Canadian prairies.