While the Japan coastline gives the left side a scenic edge at takeoff, the right side wins across the full flight: the great-circle route likely brings Kamchatka's volcanic peaks and Alaska's coastal ranges into view during cruise, and the approach into Boston delivers a clear skyline view — outweighing the left side's mostly ocean and harbor-water views.
Flown NRT to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Boston is 6,686 miles (10,760 km), a flight of about 13 hours 5 minutes.
The great-circle path passes over the Sea of Okhotsk, the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, the Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, then Alaska's southern coastal mountains before crossing into northern Canada.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTDeparting Narita on a northbound climb toward the great-circle track, the left side faces inland over the Kanto plain, giving glimpses of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula's patchwork farmland, and the distant Tokyo sprawl. The right side looks straight out over open Pacific water with little to see.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTOn final approach into Logan heading south over the harbor, the right side faces west toward downtown Boston, giving a clear view of the compact skyline along the Charles River and Cambridge beyond it. The left side mostly shows open harbor water and the airport's own runways.
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 New Tokyo International (NRT) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Boston. While the Japan coastline gives the left side a scenic edge at takeoff, the right side wins across the full flight: the great-circle route likely brings Kamchatka's volcanic peaks and Alaska's coastal ranges into view during cruise, and the approach into Boston delivers a clear skyline view — outweighing the left side's mostly ocean and harbor-water views.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Narita on a northbound climb toward the great-circle track, the left side faces inland over the Kanto plain, giving glimpses of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula's patchwork farmland, and the distant Tokyo sprawl. The right side looks straight out over open Pacific water with little to see. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Boso Peninsula coastline, Chiba farmland, distant Tokyo skyline.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Logan heading south over the harbor, the right side faces west toward downtown Boston, giving a clear view of the compact skyline along the Charles River and Cambridge beyond it. The left side mostly shows open harbor water and the airport's own runways. Notable sights include: Boston downtown skyline (Prudential and Hancock towers), Charles River, Cambridge/MIT, Boston Harbor islands.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Boston?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 13 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,686 miles (10,760 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Boston flight path pass over?
The great-circle path passes over the Sea of Okhotsk, the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, the Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, then Alaska's southern coastal mountains before crossing into northern Canada.