About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Incheon International (ICN) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul to Tokyo. The right side captures the dramatic departure view over Seoul and the Han River, then tracks the Korean coastline and the Korea Strait crossing. Over the Sea of Japan the views are open water on both sides, but the right side picks up the Japanese coastline approach over Honshu's western shore earlier in the descent sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Incheon International in Seoul?
During takeoff from Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Incheon typically departs eastward on runways 33L/33R or 15L/15R depending on wind. On the dominant northbound departure, the right side faces east toward Seoul's urban core and the Han River. You get a clear look at the city sprawl and the river cutting through it before the aircraft banks toward Japan. Notable sights include: Han River and its bridges through central Seoul, Bukhansan granite peaks north of the city, Incheon's reclaimed land and port infrastructure directly below, Gyeonggi Bay coastline.
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. Narita typically lands on runways 16L/16R or 34L/34R. On the common southbound approach over Chiba Prefecture, the left side faces east toward the Pacific coast and Tokyo Bay. You get a view of the bay, the Boso Peninsula coastline, and on clear days the urban density of the greater Tokyo area across the water to the west. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and its western shoreline, Boso Peninsula coastline along the Pacific, Chiba urban area below the approach path, reclaimed land of Tokyo Bay's eastern shore.
How long is the flight from Seoul to Tokyo?
The flight from Incheon International (ICN) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Seoul to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Yellow Sea shortly after departure, then transits the Korea Strait between the Korean Peninsula and Kyushu. The route passes north of Tsushima Island, a visible landmass in the strait. Over the Sea of Japan the terrain below is open water. The aircraft then crosses the Japanese coastline near the Chugoku or Kinki region depending on routing, before tracking east over Honshu toward the Kanto Plain and Narita.