About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Tokyo. Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases. The departure offers the iconic Manhattan skyline view, and the arrival delivers Tokyo Bay with the rare bonus of a distant Mount Fuji sighting on clear days. The transoceanic cruise over the North Pacific offers little to see regardless of side, so the terminal views are the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA departures heading northeast on runway 04 or east on runway 13 give the left side a sweeping view over Flushing Bay, the East River, and Manhattan's skyline receding to the south. The dense grid of Midtown and Lower Manhattan, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, are clearly visible as the aircraft climbs over Queens. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Midtown and Lower Manhattan), East River and its bridges, Flushing Bay, Long Island Sound.
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 approaches from the north or east typically bring aircraft over Tokyo Bay on final to runways 34L/34R or 05. The left side captures Tokyo Bay, the dense urban fabric of central Tokyo, and on clear days the western horizon where Mount Fuji rises as a solitary cone roughly 60 miles away. The Rainbow Bridge and the reclaimed island districts of Odaiba are also visible on the left during these approaches. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (distant, western horizon), Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba, central Tokyo urban grid.
How long is the flight from New York to Tokyo?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 14-15 hours nonstop.
What does the New York to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from LGA to HND tracks northeast over New England and Nova Scotia, then arcs across the North Pacific passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain. The route crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula or passes near it depending on winds and routing, then descends over the Japanese archipelago. The Pacific crossing is largely featureless open ocean, though the Aleutian Islands may be faintly visible as dark volcanic specks on the surface on exceptionally clear days.