Both sides face many hours of open North Pacific, but the left side's payoff at the end of the flight — a clear shot of Mount Fuji alongside the Tokyo Bay skyline during the Haneda approach — is more visually striking than the coastal glimpse the right side gets during the California departure.
Flown LAX to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Tokyo is 5,476 miles (8,812 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Vast open North Pacific Ocean; the great-circle track passes well north, skirting the Gulf of Alaska and occasionally within sight of the Aleutian Islands or Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic coastline before curving southwest toward Japan
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX departures heading toward Japan climb out over Santa Monica Bay and typically bank north, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. This coastal, mountainous view beats the open-ocean view on the left during the initial climb.
Landing at HND
LEFTOn the typical south-wind arrival into Haneda, aircraft descend over Tokyo Bay and turn north onto final approach for runway 34L/34R, putting central Tokyo's skyline and, on clear days, Mount Fuji's distant silhouette on the left side of the plane. The right side mainly faces the less distinctive Chiba shoreline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Both sides face many hours of open North Pacific, but the left side's payoff at the end of the flight — a clear shot of Mount Fuji alongside the Tokyo Bay skyline during the Haneda approach — is more visually striking than the coastal glimpse the right side gets during the California departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX departures heading toward Japan climb out over Santa Monica Bay and typically bank north, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. This coastal, mountainous view beats the open-ocean view on the left during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains, Point Dume, Catalina Island offshore, California coast trending toward Point Conception.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical south-wind arrival into Haneda, aircraft descend over Tokyo Bay and turn north onto final approach for runway 34L/34R, putting central Tokyo's skyline and, on clear days, Mount Fuji's distant silhouette on the left side of the plane. The right side mainly faces the less distinctive Chiba shoreline. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji silhouette to the southwest, Tokyo Bay with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, central Tokyo skyline (Minato/Shinagawa), Boso Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,476 miles (8,812 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Vast open North Pacific Ocean; the great-circle track passes well north, skirting the Gulf of Alaska and occasionally within sight of the Aleutian Islands or Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic coastline before curving southwest toward Japan