Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Osaka. The right side wins overall because the LAX departure view of the LA coastline and mountain backdrop is one of the most visually dramatic urban departures in the US, and the right side also catches the Japanese coastline and Kii Peninsula mountains during the descent into KIX from the Pacific.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX departures heading west over the Pacific typically use runways 24L/24R, so the right side faces north toward Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the LA Basin sprawl. You get a clear view of the coastline curving toward Malibu and the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the city. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon, LA Basin urban grid.

When landing at Kansai International (KIX), sit on the Left side for the best views. KIX sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast. The left side gives you Osaka Bay, the Kobe waterfront, and the Rokko Mountains behind Kobe, while also catching the Osaka urban area spreading inland. Notable sights include: Osaka Bay, Kobe waterfront and port, Rokko Mountains, Osaka urban grid.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Kansai International (KIX) takes Approximately 11-12 hours.

The route tracks northwest across the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands arc. The flight crosses the International Date Line roughly 4-5 hours in. Midpoint is open ocean with occasional cloud systems. As the flight approaches Japan, the Kii Peninsula and its mountainous interior become visible, followed by the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands before descent into Osaka Bay.