The left side wins overall because the NRT landing approach delivers the most dramatic single view of the flight — Tokyo Bay with the city sprawl and the distant possibility of Mount Fuji. The takeoff right-side advantage is real but the Melbourne departure scenery is less dramatic than the Tokyo arrival.
Flown MEL to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Tokyo is 5,082 miles (8,179 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks north over central Australia briefly before crossing the Coral Sea and the eastern coast of Queensland near Cairns or Townsville. It then crosses the Coral Sea and passes over or near the southern tip of Papua New Guinea, before traversing the Philippine Sea and the Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa visible as a distinct island group) in the final hours before descending toward Honshu. The vast majority of the route is open ocean with no significant landmasses.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
RIGHTMelbourne's runways 16/34 are the primary long-haul departures. A northbound departure on runway 34 gives the right side a clear view over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline receding to the south. The Dandenong Ranges sit to the east on the right side as the aircraft climbs out heading north.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNRT typically uses runways 16L/R for southerly arrivals or 34L/R for northerly. On a flight arriving from the southwest, the approach over Chiba Prefecture on runway 34 gives the left side views of Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo waterfront, and Mount Fuji on the western horizon if visibility is good. The left side also captures the dense urban sprawl of greater Tokyo spreading inland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Tokyo. The left side wins overall because the NRT landing approach delivers the most dramatic single view of the flight — Tokyo Bay with the city sprawl and the distant possibility of Mount Fuji. The takeoff right-side advantage is real but the Melbourne departure scenery is less dramatic than the Tokyo arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne's runways 16/34 are the primary long-haul departures. A northbound departure on runway 34 gives the right side a clear view over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline receding to the south. The Dandenong Ranges sit to the east on the right side as the aircraft climbs out heading north. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley.
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. NRT typically uses runways 16L/R for southerly arrivals or 34L/R for northerly. On a flight arriving from the southwest, the approach over Chiba Prefecture on runway 34 gives the left side views of Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo waterfront, and Mount Fuji on the western horizon if visibility is good. The left side also captures the dense urban sprawl of greater Tokyo spreading inland. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (distant, western horizon), Tokyo waterfront and Odaiba, Chiba urban area.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Tokyo?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,082 miles (8,179 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north over central Australia briefly before crossing the Coral Sea and the eastern coast of Queensland near Cairns or Townsville. It then crosses the Coral Sea and passes over or near the southern tip of Papua New Guinea, before traversing the Philippine Sea and the Ryukyu Islands chain (Okinawa visible as a distinct island group) in the final hours before descending toward Honshu. The vast majority of the route is open ocean with no significant landmasses.