About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to San Diego. The landing approach into SAN on the right side delivers one of the most dramatic urban-coastal arrival views in US aviation — San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific all at once in clear California light. The takeoff left-side view of Fuji is spectacular but weather-dependent; the SAN arrival is reliably stunning.
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. HND typically departs on runways 34L/34R heading northwest, or runway 16L/16R heading south. For the transpacific routing northeast, departures often use runway 05 or climb out over Tokyo Bay. A left-side seat gives you the Tokyo metropolitan sprawl, the distinctive grid of central Tokyo, and Mount Fuji rising to the southwest as the aircraft turns eastward over the bay. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (southwest, ~100km), Tokyo Bay and its reclaimed land strips, Yokohama port and harbor, the dense urban grid of central Tokyo.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN runway 27 is the primary arrival, with aircraft approaching from the east over Mission Valley and downtown San Diego before touching down heading west. A right-side seat gives you the full panorama of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and its distinctive bridge, Point Loma peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean opening to the west. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay and Naval Base, Coronado Island and the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula, downtown San Diego skyline.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to San Diego?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Tokyo to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from Tokyo across the North Pacific on a great circle route, passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain, crossing the Gulf of Alaska, then descending along the US West Coast. Midpoint features include the vast empty North Pacific with occasional cloud systems, possible views of Aleutian volcanic peaks on clear days, and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest as the aircraft begins its descent toward California.