The left side wins both the departure, with Tokyo's skyline and a chance at Mt. Fuji, and the arrival, with Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline over Lake Washington. The long mid-Pacific cruise segment is largely featureless open ocean regardless of side, so the terminal phases decide the outcome.
Flown HND to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Seattle is 4,792 miles (7,711 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
The great-circle track crosses the North Pacific south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Aleutian Island chain, then approaches the Alaskan and British Columbian coastline before descending into Puget Sound — mostly open ocean with occasional distant island silhouettes if visibility permits.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HND
LEFTDeparting HND on a north-wind configuration, aircraft climb out over Tokyo Bay before curving northeast toward the Pacific. This puts the sprawling Tokyo cityscape, and on clear days a distant glimpse of Mt. Fuji to the southwest, on the left side.
Landing at SEA
LEFTArriving from the north along the Puget Sound corridor, aircraft typically line up for runway 16 approaching from the north, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped form and the Seattle skyline along Lake Washington on the left side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Seattle. The left side wins both the departure, with Tokyo's skyline and a chance at Mt. Fuji, and the arrival, with Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline over Lake Washington. The long mid-Pacific cruise segment is largely featureless open ocean regardless of side, so the terminal phases decide the outcome.
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. Departing HND on a north-wind configuration, aircraft climb out over Tokyo Bay before curving northeast toward the Pacific. This puts the sprawling Tokyo cityscape, and on clear days a distant glimpse of Mt. Fuji to the southwest, on the left side. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, central Tokyo skyline, Mt. Fuji (distant, weather permitting).
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the north along the Puget Sound corridor, aircraft typically line up for runway 16 approaching from the north, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped form and the Seattle skyline along Lake Washington on the left side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Seattle downtown skyline, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Seattle?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,792 miles (7,711 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Seattle flight path pass over?
The great-circle track crosses the North Pacific south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Aleutian Island chain, then approaches the Alaskan and British Columbian coastline before descending into Puget Sound — mostly open ocean with occasional distant island silhouettes if visibility permits.