While the takeoff favors the right side for the Fuji view, the left side wins overall because it faces the North American coastline during the long cruise—offering glimpses of the Alaskan and Pacific Northwest coast—and delivers the dramatic downtown San Diego and bay approach on landing.
Flown HND to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to San Diego is 5,582 miles (8,983 km), a flight of about 10 hours 25 minutes.
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Island chain, Gulf of Alaska, and the mountainous British Columbia and Pacific Northwest coastline as the route curves toward California
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
RIGHTDeparting Haneda southbound over Tokyo Bay before turning east, the right side offers a classic view of Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone rising above the Kanto plain on clear days, while Tokyo's bay bridges and Yokohama's harbor recede below.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the standard westbound approach to Runway 27, the aircraft descends over Mission Valley and banks past downtown San Diego, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the skyline, San Diego Bay, and Coronado before touchdown.
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to San Diego. While the takeoff favors the right side for the Fuji view, the left side wins overall because it faces the North American coastline during the long cruise—offering glimpses of the Alaskan and Pacific Northwest coast—and delivers the dramatic downtown San Diego and bay approach on landing.
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. Departing Haneda southbound over Tokyo Bay before turning east, the right side offers a classic view of Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone rising above the Kanto plain on clear days, while Tokyo's bay bridges and Yokohama's harbor recede below. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Yokohama Bay Bridge, Miura Peninsula.
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 Left side for the best views. On the standard westbound approach to Runway 27, the aircraft descends over Mission Valley and banks past downtown San Diego, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the skyline, San Diego Bay, and Coronado before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to San Diego?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 10 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,582 miles (8,983 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to San Diego flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Island chain, Gulf of Alaska, and the mountainous British Columbia and Pacific Northwest coastline as the route curves toward California