The left seat delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience over Tokyo Bay and the city skyline, which is the visual highlight of this relatively short flight. The midpoint over the East China Sea offers little from either side, and the landing views are somewhat comparable, so the Tokyo departure tips the balance to the left.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southwest over the Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands chain, then crosses the East China Sea — largely open water with occasional small island groups including the Ryukyu chain visible on clear days far to the west. The Okinawa island group lies well to the west of the direct track. The final approach crosses the northern Taiwan coastline near Keelung before descending into the Taipei Basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tokyo International (HND) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Taipei. The left seat delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience over Tokyo Bay and the city skyline, which is the visual highlight of this relatively short flight. The midpoint over the East China Sea offers little from either side, and the landing views are somewhat comparable, so the Tokyo departure tips the balance to the left.
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. Haneda primarily departs southward over Tokyo Bay on runways 34L/34R or westward on runway 16R. A left seat on southbound departures gives you the Tokyo city skyline, Rainbow Bridge, and the dense urban grid of central Tokyo before the aircraft banks over the bay. On westbound departures, left side tracks along the bay shoreline toward Yokohama. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba waterfront, Yokohama port and Minato Mirai skyline, central Tokyo urban grid including Shinjuku towers.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Songshan Airport sits on the north side of Taipei city and aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast on runway 10, tracking over the Keelung River and northern Taipei basin. A right seat on this approach gives a clear view of the Taipei Basin, Taipei 101, and the surrounding Yangmingshan volcanic hills to the north. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 and Xinyi district skyline, Keelung River winding through northern Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park volcanic hills, Taipei Basin urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Taipei?
The flight from Tokyo International (HND) to Sungshan (TSA) takes Approximately 3 hours.
What does the Tokyo to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands chain, then crosses the East China Sea — largely open water with occasional small island groups including the Ryukyu chain visible on clear days far to the west. The Okinawa island group lies well to the west of the direct track. The final approach crosses the northern Taiwan coastline near Keelung before descending into the Taipei Basin.