The landing approach into Chitose offers more dramatic and varied terrain—the Ishikari Plain, river valley, and Maruyama hills provide better visual interest than the departure from Melbourne. Right seats capture this approach sequence more effectively.
Flown MEL to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Sapporo is 5,562 miles (8,951 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
This route crosses the East China Sea and passes over or near the Korean Peninsula (typically to the west). The flight path traverses open ocean for roughly 6 hours after leaving Australian airspace. Approaching Japan, the Kyushu and Honshu islands become visible, with the Sea of Japan to the west. The route then tracks northeastward toward Hokkaido. Notable midpoint visibility includes the Tsushima Strait region (between Korea and Japan) and the transition from open ocean to the Japanese archipelago. Window views during the oceanic portion are limited to cloud formations and occasional ship traffic; the approach to Hokkaido reveals the mountainous spine of Honshu and eventually Hokkaido's volcanic terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTMelbourne typically departs runway 27 (westbound) or 09 (eastbound). Left seats on eastbound departures (09) offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Westbound departures (27) favor left seats for views across the bay toward the You Yangs and western suburbs.
Landing at CTS
RIGHTChitose typically uses runway 19 (southbound approach) or 01 (northbound approach). Right seats on southbound approaches (19) provide excellent views of the Ishikari Plain, Toyohira River valley, and the Maruyama area. Northbound approaches (01) also favor right seats for views of Sapporo's urban grid and surrounding terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Sapporo. The landing approach into Chitose offers more dramatic and varied terrain—the Ishikari Plain, river valley, and Maruyama hills provide better visual interest than the departure from Melbourne. Right seats capture this approach sequence more effectively.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne typically departs runway 27 (westbound) or 09 (eastbound). Left seats on eastbound departures (09) offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Westbound departures (27) favor left seats for views across the bay toward the You Yangs and western suburbs. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate south), Dandenong Ranges (southeast, forested ridge), You Yangs volcanic peaks (southwest), Yarra River valley (north).
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Chitose typically uses runway 19 (southbound approach) or 01 (northbound approach). Right seats on southbound approaches (19) provide excellent views of the Ishikari Plain, Toyohira River valley, and the Maruyama area. Northbound approaches (01) also favor right seats for views of Sapporo's urban grid and surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain (broad agricultural flatland), Toyohira River (meandering river valley), Maruyama forested hills (west of Sapporo), Sapporo urban grid (geometric street pattern visible at lower altitude).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Sapporo?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,562 miles (8,951 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Sapporo flight path pass over?
This route crosses the East China Sea and passes over or near the Korean Peninsula (typically to the west). The flight path traverses open ocean for roughly 6 hours after leaving Australian airspace. Approaching Japan, the Kyushu and Honshu islands become visible, with the Sea of Japan to the west. The route then tracks northeastward toward Hokkaido. Notable midpoint visibility includes the Tsushima Strait region (between Korea and Japan) and the transition from open ocean to the Japanese archipelago. Window views during the oceanic portion are limited to cloud formations and occasional ship traffic; the approach to Hokkaido reveals the mountainous spine of Honshu and eventually Hokkaido's volcanic terrain.