About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo. The right side wins overall because the departure view over the LA Basin and Santa Monica Mountains is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The landing on the left is excellent for Tokyo Bay and city views, but the right side still gets a reasonable look at the Kanto Plain on descent. For the long transoceanic cruise, neither side has a meaningful advantage over the North Pacific, so the departure experience tips the balance to the right.
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 typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. A right-side seat gives you the sweep back over the LA Basin, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains as the aircraft banks. Left side faces open Pacific with little to see. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains ridge, Downtown LA skyline in the distance, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. NRT sits northeast of Tokyo and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 34L/34R, meaning a left-side seat looks west toward the Kanto Plain, Tokyo Bay, and the city of Tokyo itself during the descent. Right side faces farmland and the Pacific. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo city grid and urban sprawl, Chiba Prefecture coastline, Mount Fuji on the far southwestern horizon (weather permitting).
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours westbound.
What does the Los Angeles to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs far north over the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain and crossing the broad featureless ocean. At cruise altitude you may see sea ice or cloud formations over the Bering Sea region. The Kuril Islands and Hokkaido's southern coast become visible in the final hours of flight as the aircraft descends toward Honshu.