While takeoff favors the right for Port Phillip Bay views, the landing approach on the left offers more sustained visual interest with Ishikari Bay, the Hokkaido coastline, and the river valley approach. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea and approaches the Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. Around the midpoint (roughly 4.5 hours in), the aircraft passes east of New Zealand's North Island at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). The route then continues northwest across open ocean toward Japan. No significant land features are visible during the mid-ocean portion. As the aircraft approaches Japan, it crosses the Pacific coast of Honshu or enters Hokkaido airspace from the southeast, with the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido's volcanic peaks potentially visible on clear days during the final descent phase.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Sapporo. While takeoff favors the right for Port Phillip Bay views, the landing approach on the left offers more sustained visual interest with Ishikari Bay, the Hokkaido coastline, and the river valley approach. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne Essendon typically departs to the north or northwest. Right-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the You Yangs volcanic range as the aircraft climbs. Left side faces inland toward the flat plains of Victoria's interior. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate right, expanding as you climb), You Yangs volcanic hills (right, 30 miles northwest), Dandenong Ranges (left-rear, receding), Macedon Ranges (distant left horizon).
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chitose typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south (01/19). On descent from the south, left-side seats face west toward Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan coastline. Right side looks inland over Hokkaido's forested interior. The coastal approach offers more distinctive visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Ishikari Bay (left, visible from 15,000 feet onward), Sapporo urban area (center-right, appearing as sprawl), Maruyama forested hills (right-center), Chitose River valley (center, leading to airport).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Sapporo?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes Approximately 9 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Melbourne to Sapporo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea and approaches the Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. Around the midpoint (roughly 4.5 hours in), the aircraft passes east of New Zealand's North Island at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet). The route then continues northwest across open ocean toward Japan. No significant land features are visible during the mid-ocean portion. As the aircraft approaches Japan, it crosses the Pacific coast of Honshu or enters Hokkaido airspace from the southeast, with the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido's volcanic peaks potentially visible on clear days during the final descent phase.