While the right side wins the departure with Kobe's harbor and bridge views, the left side offers a stronger overall experience thanks to glimpses of the Ryukyu island chain during cruise and a spectacular final approach over the Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101 and the Keelung River, which are more memorable than the right side's largely featureless stretch over the East China Sea.
Flown KIX to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Osaka to Taipei is 1,044 miles (1,679 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Southern Kyushu coastline near Kagoshima, the East China Sea, and the scattered Ryukyu Islands (Amami and Okinawa) visible in the distance along the flight path before the descent into Taiwan
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KIX
RIGHTDeparting KIX on runway 24 toward the southwest, the right-side window faces north across Osaka Bay toward the Kobe waterfront, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Awaji Island as the aircraft climbs out. This urban-harbor sequence is more visually rich than the left side's view of the Kii Peninsula's hazier hills.
Landing at TSA
LEFTOn the runway 28 approach into TSA, the aircraft descends from the east over the Taipei Basin, and the left side faces south toward the Xinyi district, giving a clear view of the Taipei 101 tower rising above the city, the looping Keelung River, and the green ridge of Elephant Mountain behind the skyline. The right side instead shows the volcanic Yangmingshan hills, which are scenic but less iconic than the skyline view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansai International (KIX) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Osaka to Taipei. While the right side wins the departure with Kobe's harbor and bridge views, the left side offers a stronger overall experience thanks to glimpses of the Ryukyu island chain during cruise and a spectacular final approach over the Taipei skyline, including Taipei 101 and the Keelung River, which are more memorable than the right side's largely featureless stretch over the East China Sea.
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. Departing KIX on runway 24 toward the southwest, the right-side window faces north across Osaka Bay toward the Kobe waterfront, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Awaji Island as the aircraft climbs out. This urban-harbor sequence is more visually rich than the left side's view of the Kii Peninsula's hazier hills. Notable sights include: Osaka Bay, Kobe skyline and port, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the runway 28 approach into TSA, the aircraft descends from the east over the Taipei Basin, and the left side faces south toward the Xinyi district, giving a clear view of the Taipei 101 tower rising above the city, the looping Keelung River, and the green ridge of Elephant Mountain behind the skyline. The right side instead shows the volcanic Yangmingshan hills, which are scenic but less iconic than the skyline view. Notable sights include: Taipei 101, Keelung River bends, Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), Taipei Basin skyline.
How long is the flight from Osaka to Taipei?
The flight from Kansai International (KIX) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,044 miles (1,679 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Osaka to Taipei flight path pass over?
Southern Kyushu coastline near Kagoshima, the East China Sea, and the scattered Ryukyu Islands (Amami and Okinawa) visible in the distance along the flight path before the descent into Taiwan