The left side provides more consistent terrain interest — inland hills near Tokyo, glimpses of Tohoku's mountainous spine during cruise, and the striking volcanic profile of Mount Yotei on approach — compared to the right side's largely featureless Pacific Ocean view.
Flown NRT to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Sapporo is 489 miles (787 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Tohoku mountain ranges (Ou Mountains) inland to the west, Pacific coastline near Sendai and the Sanriku coast to the east, and the Tsugaru Strait separating Honshu from Hokkaido
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out from Narita heading north, the left side faces inland toward the hilly Boso/Kanto interior and, on clear days, distant peaks of the Kanto mountain rim, giving more texture than the flat farmland and featureless Pacific visible to the right.
Landing at CTS
LEFTApproaching Chitose from the south, the left side offers views of the volcanic cone of Mount Yotei and the hills of southwestern Hokkaido, while the right side mostly shows the flatter Tomakomai coastal plain and open 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 New Tokyo International (NRT) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Sapporo. The left side provides more consistent terrain interest — inland hills near Tokyo, glimpses of Tohoku's mountainous spine during cruise, and the striking volcanic profile of Mount Yotei on approach — compared to the right side's largely featureless Pacific Ocean view.
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. As the aircraft climbs out from Narita heading north, the left side faces inland toward the hilly Boso/Kanto interior and, on clear days, distant peaks of the Kanto mountain rim, giving more texture than the flat farmland and featureless Pacific visible to the right. Notable sights include: Kanto Plain farmland, distant Chichibu/Kanto mountain foothills, Tone River delta.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Chitose from the south, the left side offers views of the volcanic cone of Mount Yotei and the hills of southwestern Hokkaido, while the right side mostly shows the flatter Tomakomai coastal plain and open Pacific. Notable sights include: Mount Yotei ('Ezo Fuji'), Shikotsu-Toya volcanic hills, Ishikari lowland farmland.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Sapporo?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 489 miles (787 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Sapporo flight path pass over?
Tohoku mountain ranges (Ou Mountains) inland to the west, Pacific coastline near Sendai and the Sanriku coast to the east, and the Tsugaru Strait separating Honshu from Hokkaido