The right side captures the spectacular London departure over the Thames and Docklands, and during the polar routing over Russia, right-side passengers get views of the Siberian taiga and the Sea of Okhotsk coastline. The left side's Fuji view on arrival is compelling but depends heavily on weather clarity, whereas the London departure scenery is reliably impressive.
Flight Path
The great circle route from London to Tokyo passes over the Netherlands and northern Germany, across Poland and Belarus, then over Russia including the Ural Mountains, the vast West Siberian Plain, Lake Baikal visible as a long dark slash in the landscape, the Stanovoy Range, the Sea of Okhotsk coastline, Sakhalin Island, and the Japanese Sea before descending over Honshu toward Tokyo
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTLCY's runway 27 departure heads west then turns north, giving right-side passengers views over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London as the aircraft banks. The distinctive Docklands skyline and the curve of the Thames through the city are clearly visible on the right during the initial climb and turn.
Landing at HND
LEFTHND's primary arrival on runway 34L approaches from the south over Tokyo Bay, giving left-side passengers a direct view of Mount Fuji to the southwest on clear days, and the Tokyo urban sprawl and bay on final approach. The approach track keeps Fuji on the left horizon while the bay and city fill the view ahead and left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Tokyo. The right side captures the spectacular London departure over the Thames and Docklands, and during the polar routing over Russia, right-side passengers get views of the Siberian taiga and the Sea of Okhotsk coastline. The left side's Fuji view on arrival is compelling but depends heavily on weather clarity, whereas the London departure scenery is reliably impressive.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. LCY's runway 27 departure heads west then turns north, giving right-side passengers views over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London as the aircraft banks. The distinctive Docklands skyline and the curve of the Thames through the city are clearly visible on the right during the initial climb and turn. Notable sights include: Canary Wharf towers, the Thames bend through central London, O2 Arena dome, Greenwich Peninsula.
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. HND's primary arrival on runway 34L approaches from the south over Tokyo Bay, giving left-side passengers a direct view of Mount Fuji to the southwest on clear days, and the Tokyo urban sprawl and bay on final approach. The approach track keeps Fuji on the left horizon while the bay and city fill the view ahead and left. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (southwest horizon), Tokyo Bay, Yokohama port and city, Tokyo urban grid.
How long is the flight from London to Tokyo?
The flight from City (LCY) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 11.5 to 12.5 hours (no direct service exists; typical routing via connecting hub would add time, but a hypothetical direct great circle flight would be around 11-12 hours).
What does the London to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from London to Tokyo passes over the Netherlands and northern Germany, across Poland and Belarus, then over Russia including the Ural Mountains, the vast West Siberian Plain, Lake Baikal visible as a long dark slash in the landscape, the Stanovoy Range, the Sea of Okhotsk coastline, Sakhalin Island, and the Japanese Sea before descending over Honshu toward Tokyo