About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Tokyo. While the left side wins at takeoff with Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's skyline, the right side delivers the more dramatic payoff at landing with the full panorama of Tokyo Bay and the world's largest metropolitan area spreading to the horizon. During the cruise over the Pacific and East China Sea, neither side has a significant advantage, but the Tokyo arrival on the right is the highlight of this route.
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's runways 16/34 and 27/09 are most commonly used. Departing northbound toward Japan, a left-side seat gives you views over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline as the aircraft climbs and turns. The bay's distinctive funnel shape and the city grid are clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD and Docklands, Dandenong Ranges to the east, Mornington Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Right side for the best views. Aircraft approaching HND typically land on runways 34L/34R from the south or use runway 22 from the northeast. Coming in from the south over Tokyo Bay, a right-side seat gives you the best view of the Tokyo Bay waterfront, the Rainbow Bridge, and the dense urban fabric of central Tokyo including Shinjuku and the Imperial Palace grounds. Left side faces mostly open bay water on final approach. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba, Shinjuku skyscraper district, Imperial Palace grounds.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Tokyo?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Tokyo International (HND) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Melbourne to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the Coral Sea, passing east of Queensland's coast, then crosses the Tasman Sea and heads north over the Pacific Ocean. The flight passes east of New Caledonia and Vanuatu in the early stages, then transits over open Pacific before crossing the southern Japanese island chain of the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa visible on clear days) and descending over the East China Sea and Kyushu before approaching Tokyo from the south.