The right side wins on takeoff with the best views of Osaka Bay and the city, and while the left side is better for the Amsterdam landing, the right side still offers reasonable views of the Dutch countryside on approach. The takeoff spectacle from the right — an artificial island airport surrounded by bay water with a major city beyond — is the most distinctive and memorable view of the entire flight.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest from Osaka over the Sea of Japan, crossing the Korean Peninsula and northeastern China near Beijing, then over Mongolia and Siberia's vast taiga and river systems including the Ob and Yenisei rivers, across the Ural Mountains into European Russia, over the Baltic states, and finally descending across northern Germany and the Netherlands. The Siberian leg offers striking views of frozen rivers and endless boreal forest, and the Urals are visible as a low rolling ridge from altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KIX
RIGHTKIX sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Departures on runway 06R head northeast, putting the right side facing the Kansai coastline and the city of Osaka. You get a clear view of the bay, the urban sprawl of Osaka, and on clear days the Rokko Mountains behind the city.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol's most common landing approaches are from the east or northeast on runways 18R/18C, meaning the aircraft tracks roughly southward on final. The left side faces east, giving views over central Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJ waterfront. The right side faces west toward flat polder farmland with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansai International (KIX) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Osaka to Amsterdam. The right side wins on takeoff with the best views of Osaka Bay and the city, and while the left side is better for the Amsterdam landing, the right side still offers reasonable views of the Dutch countryside on approach. The takeoff spectacle from the right — an artificial island airport surrounded by bay water with a major city beyond — is the most distinctive and memorable view of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansai International in Osaka?
During takeoff from Kansai International (KIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. KIX sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Departures on runway 06R head northeast, putting the right side facing the Kansai coastline and the city of Osaka. You get a clear view of the bay, the urban sprawl of Osaka, and on clear days the Rokko Mountains behind the city. Notable sights include: Osaka Bay and its port facilities, the Osaka city skyline, Rokko Mountains to the north, Awaji Island to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol's most common landing approaches are from the east or northeast on runways 18R/18C, meaning the aircraft tracks roughly southward on final. The left side faces east, giving views over central Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJ waterfront. The right side faces west toward flat polder farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and historic city center, the IJ river and Amsterdam Centraal waterfront, Westpoort industrial harbor, flat Dutch polder landscape with windmills and drainage channels.
How long is the flight from Osaka to Amsterdam?
The flight from Kansai International (KIX) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Osaka to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Osaka over the Sea of Japan, crossing the Korean Peninsula and northeastern China near Beijing, then over Mongolia and Siberia's vast taiga and river systems including the Ob and Yenisei rivers, across the Ural Mountains into European Russia, over the Baltic states, and finally descending across northern Germany and the Netherlands. The Siberian leg offers striking views of frozen rivers and endless boreal forest, and the Urals are visible as a low rolling ridge from altitude.