About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Tokyo. The right side wins overall. The takeoff view from the right is the more dramatic of the two, capturing Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline simultaneously. During the cruise, the right side also tracks closer to the Japanese coastline on descent, and the landing views are competitive but the full-flight experience slightly favors the right for the Australian departure scenery.
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. Essendon typically departs on runway 26 (heading west) or 17 (heading south). On a northbound departure to Tokyo, the aircraft will turn left tracking northeast, putting Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD grid on the right side. The Dandenong Ranges are also visible to the right as the aircraft climbs out. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River corridor.
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 typically uses runways 34L/34R for northerly arrivals or 22/23 for southwesterly approaches. On approach from the southwest over Tokyo Bay, the left side offers views of Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the dense urban fabric of central Tokyo including the visible grid of Shinjuku and the Imperial Palace grounds. Mount Fuji, if conditions allow, appears on the left horizon during the descent. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (on clear days), Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo waterfront, central Tokyo urban grid.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Tokyo?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Melbourne to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Melbourne across the Coral Sea, passing east of Queensland's coast and the Great Barrier Reef system. The flight then crosses the Tasman Sea approaches before tracking over the Pacific Ocean north of New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Mid-flight passes over open ocean with occasional views of island chains including the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa chain) visible during descent into Japan from the south.