Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Manila Bay on departure and Tokyo Bay on arrival, the left seat delivers the most geographically interesting views. The right side sees mostly open Pacific and the flat agricultural interior of Luzon on departure.
Flown MNL to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Tokyo is 1,896 miles (3,051 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast over the Philippine Sea, crossing the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa and surrounding islands are visible on clear days as you pass over or near them roughly mid-flight), then over the East China Sea approaches before landfall over Kyushu or the Kii Peninsula area of Honshu. The Ryukyus are the most visually notable feature en route, appearing as a scattered chain of small green islands in deep blue water.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTNAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends the aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side. You get a clear view of the bay's expanse and the Manila city skyline receding behind you, with Laguna de Bay visible further left as you climb.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNRT typically uses runway 34L/34R for northerly arrivals, with the approach coming from the south over the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay. The left side gives you Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo waterfront, and on clear days the urban sprawl of central Tokyo including the bay area reclamation zones.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Tokyo. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Manila Bay on departure and Tokyo Bay on arrival, the left seat delivers the most geographically interesting views. The right side sees mostly open Pacific and the flat agricultural interior of Luzon on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends the aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side. You get a clear view of the bay's expanse and the Manila city skyline receding behind you, with Laguna de Bay visible further left as you climb. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Manila city skyline and Rizal Park area, Laguna de Bay, Cavite coastline.
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 runway 34L/34R for northerly arrivals, with the approach coming from the south over the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay. The left side gives you Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo waterfront, and on clear days the urban sprawl of central Tokyo including the bay area reclamation zones. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba city and industrial waterfront, Boso Peninsula coastline, Tokyo waterfront reclaimed land districts.
How long is the flight from Manila to Tokyo?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,896 miles (3,051 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the Philippine Sea, crossing the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa and surrounding islands are visible on clear days as you pass over or near them roughly mid-flight), then over the East China Sea approaches before landfall over Kyushu or the Kii Peninsula area of Honshu. The Ryukyus are the most visually notable feature en route, appearing as a scattered chain of small green islands in deep blue water.