Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the polar routing over Russia and the North Pacific, the left side also faces south giving occasional views of Siberian river systems and the Kamchatka Peninsula coastline on clear days, making it the stronger choice throughout.
Flown MXP to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Tokyo is 6,052 miles (9,740 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast over the Alps, across Austria and southern Poland, then over western Russia and the vast Siberian taiga. The Ob and Yenisei river systems are visible as enormous dark ribbons cutting through snow or boreal forest depending on season. The route then crosses the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula with its volcanic peaks before descending over the North Pacific toward Japan.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
LEFTMalpensa typically departs on runway 35L/35R heading north, then routes eastward. Left side gives you a clear view south and east over the Po Valley and toward Lake Maggiore and the Alps as you climb and turn. The right side faces west toward open farmland with less of interest.
Landing at HND
LEFTHND typically lands on runway 34L/34R from the north or runway 16L/16R from the south depending on winds. Approaching from the northwest on the polar route, the left side faces south and east toward Tokyo Bay, the city center, and Mount Fuji on clear days. The right side looks northwest over suburban sprawl and less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Tokyo. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the polar routing over Russia and the North Pacific, the left side also faces south giving occasional views of Siberian river systems and the Kamchatka Peninsula coastline on clear days, making it the stronger choice throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Malpensa typically departs on runway 35L/35R heading north, then routes eastward. Left side gives you a clear view south and east over the Po Valley and toward Lake Maggiore and the Alps as you climb and turn. The right side faces west toward open farmland with less of interest. Notable sights include: Lake Maggiore directly below during climb, the Alps stretching northeast including Monte Rosa massif, the Po Valley flatlands spreading south, Lake Como visible to the east as the aircraft turns.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. HND typically lands on runway 34L/34R from the north or runway 16L/16R from the south depending on winds. Approaching from the northwest on the polar route, the left side faces south and east toward Tokyo Bay, the city center, and Mount Fuji on clear days. The right side looks northwest over suburban sprawl and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and its reclaimed land districts visible below on approach, Mount Fuji as a distant cone to the southwest on clear days, the dense urban grid of central Tokyo and Yokohama, the Rainbow Bridge and waterfront of Odaiba.
How long is the flight from Milano to Tokyo?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,052 miles (9,740 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the Alps, across Austria and southern Poland, then over western Russia and the vast Siberian taiga. The Ob and Yenisei river systems are visible as enormous dark ribbons cutting through snow or boreal forest depending on season. The route then crosses the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula with its volcanic peaks before descending over the North Pacific toward Japan.