The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Tokyo Bay and potential Mount Fuji view at departure, which is one of the most dramatic urban-plus-volcano takeoff panoramas in aviation. The landing view from the left is excellent but Paris is more evenly split between sides. Right also tracks the Siberian coastline and parts of the Ural foothills during the cruise.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest over the Sea of Japan, crosses the Russian Far East and southern Siberia (vast taiga and river systems including the Ob and Yenisei), passes over the Ural Mountains (a low, broad ridge visible as a subtle topographic change), then descends over Eastern Europe through Poland and Germany before entering French airspace. The Siberian river deltas and frozen lake systems are visually striking from cruise altitude in clear conditions.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Paris. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Tokyo Bay and potential Mount Fuji view at departure, which is one of the most dramatic urban-plus-volcano takeoff panoramas in aviation. The landing view from the left is excellent but Paris is more evenly split between sides. Right also tracks the Siberian coastline and parts of the Ural foothills during the cruise.
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's primary departure runways (34L/34R heading northwest, or 05 heading northeast) mean a right-side seat gives you the best view of Tokyo Bay and the city sprawl as you climb out. The right side tracks over the bay and offers a clear look back at the Yokohama waterfront and the Miura Peninsula. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Yokohama port and waterfront, Miura Peninsula, Mount Fuji (visible to the southwest on clear days during the climb-out turn).
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Orly typically uses runways 06/08 for arrivals from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-southeast. A left-side seat gives you the view over central Paris — the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and the city center — as you descend on final approach from the east. Notable sights include: Paris city center and the Seine river bends, Eiffel Tower, Bois de Boulogne, Versailles palace grounds (visible to the southwest on clear days).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Paris?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Orly (ORY) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Tokyo to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Sea of Japan, crosses the Russian Far East and southern Siberia (vast taiga and river systems including the Ob and Yenisei), passes over the Ural Mountains (a low, broad ridge visible as a subtle topographic change), then descends over Eastern Europe through Poland and Germany before entering French airspace. The Siberian river deltas and frozen lake systems are visually striking from cruise altitude in clear conditions.