The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay during departure, and the Yangtze delta with Shanghai's skyline on arrival — while the left side offers mostly featureless coastline and open water throughout.
Flown HND to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Shanghai is 1,080 miles (1,738 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
East China Sea crossing south of the Kyushu region, with the Japanese coastline near Nagasaki visible before the long open-water stretch toward the Chinese coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTHaneda's south-wind departure sends aircraft out over Tokyo Bay before turning west toward Shanghai, and on the right side passengers get a good look at Yokohama's port and the Izu Peninsula coastline, with Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone often visible on the horizon to the southwest. The left side mostly shows open Boso Peninsula coastline and the Pacific, which is far less distinctive.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn the approach into Pudong from the east, the flight path crosses the Yangtze River delta, and the right side offers views of the river's broad mouth, Chongming Island, and eventually the dense high-rise towers of Shanghai's Pudong skyline as the aircraft lines up for landing. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinct farmland and canals south toward Hangzhou Bay.
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 Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Shanghai. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay during departure, and the Yangtze delta with Shanghai's skyline on arrival — while the left side offers mostly featureless coastline and open water throughout.
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. Haneda's south-wind departure sends aircraft out over Tokyo Bay before turning west toward Shanghai, and on the right side passengers get a good look at Yokohama's port and the Izu Peninsula coastline, with Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone often visible on the horizon to the southwest. The left side mostly shows open Boso Peninsula coastline and the Pacific, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and Yokohama waterfront, Izu Peninsula coastline, Mount Fuji (distant), Miura Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Pudong from the east, the flight path crosses the Yangtze River delta, and the right side offers views of the river's broad mouth, Chongming Island, and eventually the dense high-rise towers of Shanghai's Pudong skyline as the aircraft lines up for landing. The left side mostly shows the flatter, less distinct farmland and canals south toward Hangzhou Bay. Notable sights include: Yangtze River mouth, Chongming Island, Shanghai Pudong skyline, Hangzhou Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Shanghai?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,080 miles (1,738 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Shanghai flight path pass over?
East China Sea crossing south of the Kyushu region, with the Japanese coastline near Nagasaki visible before the long open-water stretch toward the Chinese coast