While the right side wins at takeoff from Essendon, the left side of the aircraft on this northeast-tracking route captures the more dramatic geography overall — the Australian coastline and Bass Strait during early climb, and the spectacular Tokyo Bay approach with the potential Mount Fuji sighting on descent makes left the better choice for the full journey.
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Flight Path
Melbourne to Tokyo is 5,086 miles (8,186 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
After departing Melbourne and crossing Bass Strait, the route tracks northeast over the Coral Sea and the western Pacific Ocean. The flight passes east of the Australian coast near Queensland, then crosses the vast open Pacific with little land visible for several hours. The Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa and surrounding islands) may be visible as scattered specks below during the final approach to Japan, and the Japanese coastline of Kyushu and Honshu comes into view before descending toward the Kanto Plain and Narita.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTEssendon Airport's primary runway 26 means a westward departure, and a right-side seat faces north, giving views over inner Melbourne suburbs, the Yarra River bends, and Port Phillip Bay's northern shore as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast. The CBD skyline is clearly visible to the southeast on the right side during the initial climb.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNarita Airport sits east of Tokyo, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 34L/34R, meaning the final approach tracks southward. A left-side seat faces east over the Pacific coastal plain of Chiba Prefecture, but more importantly during the descent arc, left-side passengers get views of Tokyo Bay, the greater Tokyo urban sprawl, and on clear days Mount Fuji far to the southwest on the horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Tokyo. While the right side wins at takeoff from Essendon, the left side of the aircraft on this northeast-tracking route captures the more dramatic geography overall — the Australian coastline and Bass Strait during early climb, and the spectacular Tokyo Bay approach with the potential Mount Fuji sighting on descent makes left the better choice for the full journey.
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 Airport's primary runway 26 means a westward departure, and a right-side seat faces north, giving views over inner Melbourne suburbs, the Yarra River bends, and Port Phillip Bay's northern shore as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast. The CBD skyline is clearly visible to the southeast on the right side during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline to the southeast, Port Phillip Bay northern shore, Yarra River bends through inner suburbs, Tullamarine freeway corridor.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Narita Airport sits east of Tokyo, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 34L/34R, meaning the final approach tracks southward. A left-side seat faces east over the Pacific coastal plain of Chiba Prefecture, but more importantly during the descent arc, left-side passengers get views of Tokyo Bay, the greater Tokyo urban sprawl, and on clear days Mount Fuji far to the southwest on the horizon. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and its reclaimed land, greater Tokyo urban sprawl, Mount Fuji on the distant southwestern horizon (clear days), Chiba coastal lowlands.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Tokyo?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,086 miles (8,186 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Tokyo flight path pass over?
After departing Melbourne and crossing Bass Strait, the route tracks northeast over the Coral Sea and the western Pacific Ocean. The flight passes east of the Australian coast near Queensland, then crosses the vast open Pacific with little land visible for several hours. The Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa and surrounding islands) may be visible as scattered specks below during the final approach to Japan, and the Japanese coastline of Kyushu and Honshu comes into view before descending toward the Kanto Plain and Narita.