The right side offers stronger scenery across all phases: a glimpse of the Minneapolis skyline on departure, Alaska's mountain ranges and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula during the high-latitude cruise, and Tokyo Bay with a distant Mount Fuji on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless boreal terrain and open Pacific water.
Flown MSP to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Tokyo is 5,936 miles (9,553 km), a flight of about 12 hours 50 minutes.
Northern Canadian boreal forest and Hudson Bay lowlands, the Alaska Range near Anchorage, the Bering Sea, and the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula before the route curves south toward Japan over the Sea of Okhotsk.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP on the northwest-facing runways, the right side offers a brief look at downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River bends before the aircraft climbs over Minnesota's lake country. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and St. Paul's suburbs with less contrast.
Landing at NRT
RIGHTOn approach into Narita, arrivals crossing the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay area on the north-facing runways give right-side passengers a chance to see Tokyo Bay's coastline and, on clear days, the distinctive silhouette of Mount Fuji far to the southwest. The left side mainly faces open farmland and the Pacific.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Tokyo. The right side offers stronger scenery across all phases: a glimpse of the Minneapolis skyline on departure, Alaska's mountain ranges and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula during the high-latitude cruise, and Tokyo Bay with a distant Mount Fuji on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless boreal terrain and open Pacific water.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSP on the northwest-facing runways, the right side offers a brief look at downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River bends before the aircraft climbs over Minnesota's lake country. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and St. Paul's suburbs with less contrast. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Minnesota lake clusters.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Narita, arrivals crossing the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay area on the north-facing runways give right-side passengers a chance to see Tokyo Bay's coastline and, on clear days, the distinctive silhouette of Mount Fuji far to the southwest. The left side mainly faces open farmland and the Pacific. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay coastline, Boso Peninsula, Mount Fuji (distant), Narita farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Tokyo?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 12 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,936 miles (9,553 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Northern Canadian boreal forest and Hudson Bay lowlands, the Alaska Range near Anchorage, the Bering Sea, and the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula before the route curves south toward Japan over the Sea of Okhotsk.