Although the Chicago approach favors the right side, the vast majority of this long transpacific-to-transcontinental flight is spent over the dramatic northern arc past Kamchatka's volcanic peaks, the Alaska Range, and the wild Canadian Arctic, all visible on the left, far outweighing the flatter, ocean-heavy scenery on the right.
Flight Path
The great-circle route curves north from Japan across the Sea of Okhotsk, past the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, over the Bering Sea, across the Alaska Range near Denali, then down through the Yukon, Hudson Bay lowlands, and northern Ontario before descending toward the Great Lakes and Chicago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
LEFTHaneda's north-wind departure climbs out over central Tokyo before banking right toward the great-circle track to North America, and during that turn Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone becomes visible on the horizon to the southwest on the left side, along with Sagami Bay and Yokohama's harbor.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArriving from the north over Wisconsin and Lake Michigan, the descent into O'Hare gives the south-facing side a view across the lake toward the Chicago skyline before the final turn onto the westbound runways.
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 Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Chicago. Although the Chicago approach favors the right side, the vast majority of this long transpacific-to-transcontinental flight is spent over the dramatic northern arc past Kamchatka's volcanic peaks, the Alaska Range, and the wild Canadian Arctic, all visible on the left, far outweighing the flatter, ocean-heavy scenery on the right.
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 north-wind departure climbs out over central Tokyo before banking right toward the great-circle track to North America, and during that turn Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone becomes visible on the horizon to the southwest on the left side, along with Sagami Bay and Yokohama's harbor. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, central Tokyo skyline, Sagami Bay, Yokohama.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the north over Wisconsin and Lake Michigan, the descent into O'Hare gives the south-facing side a view across the lake toward the Chicago skyline before the final turn onto the westbound runways. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago suburbs.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Chicago?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 12h 30m.
What does the Tokyo to Chicago flight path pass over?
The great-circle route curves north from Japan across the Sea of Okhotsk, past the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, over the Bering Sea, across the Alaska Range near Denali, then down through the Yukon, Hudson Bay lowlands, and northern Ontario before descending toward the Great Lakes and Chicago.