This is an extremely short flight — roughly 30-40 minutes — and the aircraft barely reaches cruising altitude before beginning descent. The right side captures the most visually interesting phase: the departure over Tokyo Bay's open water and Haneda's distinctive reclaimed island. The landing approach on either side is over flat agricultural Chiba Prefecture with limited drama.
Flown HND to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo International to New Tokyo International is 37 miles (60 km), a flight of about 35 minutes.
The brief flight path crosses northeastern Tokyo Bay, then tracks northeast over the flat Chiba Prefecture coastal plain. The Edo River and Tone River systems are visible as broad shallow waterways crossing the agricultural lowlands. No significant terrain elevation changes along the entire route — the Kanto Plain is uniformly flat at near sea level.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTHND typically departs on runways 34L/34R heading roughly north, or 05 heading northeast. On a northeasterly departure toward NRT, the right side faces southeast over Tokyo Bay, giving clear views of the bay's open water and the reclaimed land of the airport itself. The left side faces inland over dense urban Tokyo.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNRT typically lands on runways 34L/34R from the south, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south-southwest heading north. The left side on this approach faces west over the Boso Peninsula agricultural flatlands and the distant Kanto Plain, with Mount Tsukuba occasionally visible as a lone peak to the northwest on clear days. The right side faces east over the Pacific coastal plain with less distinctive features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Tokyo. This is an extremely short flight — roughly 30-40 minutes — and the aircraft barely reaches cruising altitude before beginning descent. The right side captures the most visually interesting phase: the departure over Tokyo Bay's open water and Haneda's distinctive reclaimed island. The landing approach on either side is over flat agricultural Chiba Prefecture with limited drama.
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. HND typically departs on runways 34L/34R heading roughly north, or 05 heading northeast. On a northeasterly departure toward NRT, the right side faces southeast over Tokyo Bay, giving clear views of the bay's open water and the reclaimed land of the airport itself. The left side faces inland over dense urban Tokyo. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay open water, Haneda Airport reclaimed island structure, Kawasaki industrial waterfront, Yokohama Bay Bridge visible to the south.
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. NRT typically lands on runways 34L/34R from the south, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south-southwest heading north. The left side on this approach faces west over the Boso Peninsula agricultural flatlands and the distant Kanto Plain, with Mount Tsukuba occasionally visible as a lone peak to the northwest on clear days. The right side faces east over the Pacific coastal plain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Narita Airport runway complex from above, Tone River valley to the north, Chiba Prefecture agricultural patchwork, Mount Tsukuba on the distant northwestern horizon on clear days.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Tokyo?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 37 miles (60 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The brief flight path crosses northeastern Tokyo Bay, then tracks northeast over the flat Chiba Prefecture coastal plain. The Edo River and Tone River systems are visible as broad shallow waterways crossing the agricultural lowlands. No significant terrain elevation changes along the entire route — the Kanto Plain is uniformly flat at near sea level.