While the Istanbul departure favors the right side briefly, the left side wins overall thanks to the iconic Mount Fuji view on final approach into Narita, plus intermittent glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and Caspian shoreline early in the cruise phase over Central Asia.
Flown IST to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Tokyo is 5,580 miles (8,980 km), a flight of about 10 hours 35 minutes.
Caspian Sea coastline, Kazakh steppe, Altai Mountains foothills, Mongolian plateau grasslands
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST, the aircraft's initial climb typically banks to reveal the Bosphorus strait and the Asian side of Istanbul with its dense urban sprawl and the Sea of Marmara beyond. This gives a brief but distinctive city-and-water view rarely matched later in the flight.
Landing at NRT
LEFTOn approach to Narita from the north, the final descent path often offers a clear view southwest toward Mount Fuji rising above the Kanto plain, a rare and iconic sight for arriving passengers. The left side also catches glimpses of Tokyo Bay's edge before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Tokyo. While the Istanbul departure favors the right side briefly, the left side wins overall thanks to the iconic Mount Fuji view on final approach into Narita, plus intermittent glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and Caspian shoreline early in the cruise phase over Central Asia.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST, the aircraft's initial climb typically banks to reveal the Bosphorus strait and the Asian side of Istanbul with its dense urban sprawl and the Sea of Marmara beyond. This gives a brief but distinctive city-and-water view rarely matched later in the flight. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul districts, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea 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. On approach to Narita from the north, the final descent path often offers a clear view southwest toward Mount Fuji rising above the Kanto plain, a rare and iconic sight for arriving passengers. The left side also catches glimpses of Tokyo Bay's edge before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Kanto plain farmland, Tokyo Bay edge, Chiba coastline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Tokyo?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 10 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,580 miles (8,980 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea coastline, Kazakh steppe, Altai Mountains foothills, Mongolian plateau grasslands