Right-side seats win overall because the Tokyo departure offers superior scenic value with Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Kanto Plain. While the Phoenix landing on the left is visually interesting, the takeoff experience from Haneda is more distinctive and memorable.
Flown HND to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Phoenix is 5,789 miles (9,317 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific Ocean. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Japanese archipelago and surrounding waters during departure; the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight (approximately 5,000+ miles of open water with no visible landmarks); the Aleutian Islands chain (Alaska) visible on clear days during the approach to North America; the Alaska coastline and Gulf of Alaska; the Rocky Mountain range becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward Arizona; and the transition from forested Pacific Northwest terrain to high desert as the flight approaches the Southwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Haneda. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape, the urban sprawl of greater Tokyo, and eventually Mount Fuji on clear days.
Landing at PHX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Phoenix. You'll see the transition from the Sonoran Desert's characteristic saguaro landscape into the Salt River Valley, with the city sprawl and surrounding mountain ranges becoming increasingly detailed.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Phoenix. Right-side seats win overall because the Tokyo departure offers superior scenic value with Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Kanto Plain. While the Phoenix landing on the left is visually interesting, the takeoff experience from Haneda is more distinctive and memorable.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Haneda. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape, the urban sprawl of greater Tokyo, and eventually Mount Fuji on clear days. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Kanto Plain urban grid, Mount Fuji (on clear days), Izu Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Phoenix. You'll see the transition from the Sonoran Desert's characteristic saguaro landscape into the Salt River Valley, with the city sprawl and surrounding mountain ranges becoming increasingly detailed. Notable sights include: Salt River Valley, Phoenix metropolitan area, South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Phoenix?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,789 miles (9,317 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific Ocean. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Japanese archipelago and surrounding waters during departure; the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight (approximately 5,000+ miles of open water with no visible landmarks); the Aleutian Islands chain (Alaska) visible on clear days during the approach to North America; the Alaska coastline and Gulf of Alaska; the Rocky Mountain range becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward Arizona; and the transition from forested Pacific Northwest terrain to high desert as the flight approaches the Southwest.