While the takeoff from Paris offers urban interest, the landing approach into Narita provides more dramatic natural scenery—the Kanto Plain's agricultural geometry and the iconic distant view of Mount Fuji make the right side the stronger choice for the overall journey.
Flown LBG to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Tokyo is 6,039 miles (9,719 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ural Mountains (visible as a low, ancient range during the mid-flight segment over Russia), the Siberian taiga and tundra landscape, Lake Baikal (world's deepest freshwater lake, visible as a distinctive elongated body of water), the Sakha Republic's sparse settlements, and finally the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula before crossing the Pacific toward Japan.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the city's urban sprawl extending eastward. You'll see the distinctive geometry of Parisian districts and the gradual transition to rural Île-de-France before climbing to cruise altitude.
Landing at NRT
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during descent into Narita. You'll see Mount Fuji (weather permitting) on the distant horizon to the southwest, and the Kanto Plain's patchwork of rice paddies, towns, and the Tone River system as you descend toward the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Tokyo. While the takeoff from Paris offers urban interest, the landing approach into Narita provides more dramatic natural scenery—the Kanto Plain's agricultural geometry and the iconic distant view of Mount Fuji make the right side the stronger choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the city's urban sprawl extending eastward. You'll see the distinctive geometry of Parisian districts and the gradual transition to rural Île-de-France before climbing to cruise altitude. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris urban core, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Marne River confluence.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during descent into Narita. You'll see Mount Fuji (weather permitting) on the distant horizon to the southwest, and the Kanto Plain's patchwork of rice paddies, towns, and the Tone River system as you descend toward the airport. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (distant, weather-dependent), Tone River, Kanto Plain agricultural grid, Tokyo Bay.
How long is the flight from Paris to Tokyo?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,039 miles (9,719 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ural Mountains (visible as a low, ancient range during the mid-flight segment over Russia), the Siberian taiga and tundra landscape, Lake Baikal (world's deepest freshwater lake, visible as a distinctive elongated body of water), the Sakha Republic's sparse settlements, and finally the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula before crossing the Pacific toward Japan.