About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Tokyo. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transpacific crossing, the left side also faces generally south toward the Aleutian Islands chain as the great circle route arcs over the North Pacific, offering occasional glimpses of volcanic island peaks above cloud cover. The Tokyo Bay and potential Mount Fuji view on approach seals it.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH's primary departure runways (15L/15R heading southeast, or 27 heading west) mean a left-side seat gives you the best view of downtown Houston's skyline during the climbing turn northward. You'll see the urban grid of Houston spreading out with the Ship Channel and Buffalo Bayou visible as silver ribbons cutting through the sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Buffalo Bayou, Lake Houston to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. NRT's primary landing runways (34L/34R heading north, or 16L/16R heading south) mean approaches from the south or north over the Kanto Plain. A left-side seat on approach from the northwest gives you views over Tokyo Bay and the dense urban fabric of central Tokyo, including the bay's industrial waterfront and the city grid stretching inland. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (distant, to the southwest), Chiba urban sprawl, Tokyo city grid.
How long is the flight from Houston to Tokyo?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 14-15 hours.
What does the Houston to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Houston to Tokyo arcs far north over the Pacific, passing near or over the Gulf of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands chain (with volcanic peaks like Shishaldin and Pavlof occasionally visible above clouds), then descending south over the North Pacific Ocean toward the Japanese archipelago. The route crosses the Aleutian Trench and passes within range of the Kamchatka Peninsula before approaching Japan from the northeast over Hokkaido and Honshu.