Right seats capture the most distinctive geography: Yakushima's dramatic peaks during departure and Sakurajima's iconic volcanic form during approach. The flight path itself runs roughly north-south between the two airports, so right-side views encompass the most visually varied and geographically significant features.
Flown KUM to KOJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yakushima to Kagoshima is 98 miles (158 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses the Kinko Bay approach zone midway. Notable features include the Osumi Peninsula to the east, open waters of Kinko Bay, and the transition from Yakushima's isolated island geography to the Kyushu mainland's more complex coastal topography. Sakurajima becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Kagoshima from the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KUM
RIGHTYakushima airport typically departs runway 04/22. A right-side seat on a northeasterly departure (runway 04) gives direct views of Yakushima's mountainous interior and the Kuroshio Current waters to the east. Left seats face the island's western slopes and open ocean with less distinctive features.
Landing at KOJ
LEFTApproaching Kagoshima airport on runway 34 (typical northwesterly approach), left-side seats offer views of Kinko Bay's distinctive shape and Sakurajima volcano across the water. Right seats face inland terrain with fewer notable visual references during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yakushima (KUM) to Kagoshima (KOJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yakushima to Kagoshima. Right seats capture the most distinctive geography: Yakushima's dramatic peaks during departure and Sakurajima's iconic volcanic form during approach. The flight path itself runs roughly north-south between the two airports, so right-side views encompass the most visually varied and geographically significant features.
What can I see during takeoff from Yakushima in Yakushima?
During takeoff from Yakushima (KUM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Yakushima airport typically departs runway 04/22. A right-side seat on a northeasterly departure (runway 04) gives direct views of Yakushima's mountainous interior and the Kuroshio Current waters to the east. Left seats face the island's western slopes and open ocean with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Yakushima's central mountain peaks (Miyanoura-dake area reaching 1,936m), the island's dense forested terrain, Kuroshio Current waters to the east, and the smaller islands of the Yakushima archipelago to the south.
What can I see when landing at Kagoshima in Kagoshima?
When landing at Kagoshima (KOJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Kagoshima airport on runway 34 (typical northwesterly approach), left-side seats offer views of Kinko Bay's distinctive shape and Sakurajima volcano across the water. Right seats face inland terrain with fewer notable visual references during descent. Notable sights include: Sakurajima volcano (active, often with visible steam), Kinko Bay's curved shoreline, Kagoshima city sprawl, and the Satsuma Peninsula to the west.
How long is the flight from Yakushima to Kagoshima?
The flight from Yakushima (KUM) to Kagoshima (KOJ) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 98 miles (158 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yakushima to Kagoshima flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Kinko Bay approach zone midway. Notable features include the Osumi Peninsula to the east, open waters of Kinko Bay, and the transition from Yakushima's isolated island geography to the Kyushu mainland's more complex coastal topography. Sakurajima becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Kagoshima from the south.