The left side captures the most distinctive scenery of the journey: Tokyo's skyline and Mount Fuji at departure, the volcanic Aleutian and Kamchatka peaks plus Alaska's mountains during the long Pacific crossing, and Minneapolis's river and lakes on arrival. The right side is dominated by open, featureless North Pacific and Canadian prairie for most of the flight.
Flown HND to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Minneapolis is 5,967 miles (9,604 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
North Pacific Ocean crossing near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Aleutian Island volcanic peaks, Bering Sea, Alaska Range (with Denali visible in clear conditions), and the boreal forests and lakes of Yukon and northern Canada before descending over the Canadian Prairies into Minnesota
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
LEFTDeparting HND, the climb-out over Tokyo Bay puts the dense Tokyo skyline and harbor on the left, with Mount Fuji's distinctive cone often visible on the southwestern horizon as the aircraft turns north. The right side only shows the open eastern half of the bay and featureless ocean beyond.
Landing at MSP
LEFTOn approach to MSP from the northwest, the descent path passes just west of downtown Minneapolis, giving left-side passengers views of the Mississippi River, the city's chain of lakes, and the downtown skyline. The right side mostly shows flat suburban and farmland terrain with no distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Minneapolis. The left side captures the most distinctive scenery of the journey: Tokyo's skyline and Mount Fuji at departure, the volcanic Aleutian and Kamchatka peaks plus Alaska's mountains during the long Pacific crossing, and Minneapolis's river and lakes on arrival. The right side is dominated by open, featureless North Pacific and Canadian prairie for most of the flight.
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 HND, the climb-out over Tokyo Bay puts the dense Tokyo skyline and harbor on the left, with Mount Fuji's distinctive cone often visible on the southwestern horizon as the aircraft turns north. The right side only shows the open eastern half of the bay and featureless ocean beyond. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and Odaiba waterfront, central Tokyo skyline, Mount Fuji (distant silhouette), Boso Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to MSP from the northwest, the descent path passes just west of downtown Minneapolis, giving left-side passengers views of the Mississippi River, the city's chain of lakes, and the downtown skyline. The right side mostly shows flat suburban and farmland terrain with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, surrounding farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,967 miles (9,604 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean crossing near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Aleutian Island volcanic peaks, Bering Sea, Alaska Range (with Denali visible in clear conditions), and the boreal forests and lakes of Yukon and northern Canada before descending over the Canadian Prairies into Minnesota