The right side wins at takeoff for Tokyo views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery: after crossing the North Pacific, you get the Aleutian Islands chain, the Alaskan coast, and then the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood on approach. The landing views on the left are genuinely exceptional and tip the balance.
Flown HND to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Portland is 4,846 miles (7,798 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route arcs northeast over the North Pacific, passing south of the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic chain, then tracking along the Aleutian Islands arc where volcanic peaks occasionally pierce cloud cover. The route crosses the Gulf of Alaska before making landfall near the Oregon or Washington coast, then descending over the Cascade Range with Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens all potentially visible on the left side during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTHND typically departs northward or eastward over Tokyo Bay on runways 34L/34R or 05. A right-side seat gives you the Tokyo skyline, Tokyo Tower, and the dense urban grid of central Tokyo as you climb out over the bay. Left side faces open water and the industrial Kawasaki waterfront.
Landing at PDX
LEFTPDX sits on the south bank of the Columbia River and typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east. A left-side seat faces south, giving you the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood dominating the eastern skyline, and the city of Portland with the Willamette River cutting through it as you descend. Right side faces north toward the Washington shore and suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Portland. The right side wins at takeoff for Tokyo views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery: after crossing the North Pacific, you get the Aleutian Islands chain, the Alaskan coast, and then the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood on approach. The landing views on the left are genuinely exceptional and tip the balance.
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 northward or eastward over Tokyo Bay on runways 34L/34R or 05. A right-side seat gives you the Tokyo skyline, Tokyo Tower, and the dense urban grid of central Tokyo as you climb out over the bay. Left side faces open water and the industrial Kawasaki waterfront. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, central Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba reclaimed island, Mount Fuji on the southwestern horizon (weather permitting).
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDX sits on the south bank of the Columbia River and typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east. A left-side seat faces south, giving you the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood dominating the eastern skyline, and the city of Portland with the Willamette River cutting through it as you descend. Right side faces north toward the Washington shore and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Mount Hood to the southeast, Columbia River and Columbia River Gorge, Willamette River through downtown Portland, Mount St. Helens on the northern horizon.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Portland?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,846 miles (7,798 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Portland flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northeast over the North Pacific, passing south of the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic chain, then tracking along the Aleutian Islands arc where volcanic peaks occasionally pierce cloud cover. The route crosses the Gulf of Alaska before making landfall near the Oregon or Washington coast, then descending over the Cascade Range with Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens all potentially visible on the left side during descent.