Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and the volcanic Izu Peninsula on departure, followed by the Ural Mountains and Siberian terrain during the long cruise phase, and reasonable views of the North German Plain on approach. Left seats offer only the Kanto Plain on departure and limited views during landing.
Flown NRT to HAM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Hamburg is 5,587 miles (8,991 km), a flight of about 11 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula (volcanic peaks and calderas), the Bering Strait region, the Arctic Ocean, the Ural Mountains (visible as a north-south trending ridge separating Europe from Asia), and the vast West Siberian Plain. The Kara Sea and Barents Sea lie to the north. Over northern Scandinavia, the flight passes near or over the Scandinavian Mountains before descending into the North European Plain toward Hamburg.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula as the aircraft climbs southeastward over the Pacific before turning northwest toward Russia and Europe. Left seats face inland toward the Kanto Plain with minimal scenic relief.
Landing at HAM
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the North German Plain, the Elbe River estuary, and Hamburg's urban layout as the aircraft descends from the northeast. Right seats face away from the city toward less distinctive flatlands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Hamburg (HAM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Hamburg. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and the volcanic Izu Peninsula on departure, followed by the Ural Mountains and Siberian terrain during the long cruise phase, and reasonable views of the North German Plain on approach. Left seats offer only the Kanto Plain on departure and limited views during landing.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula as the aircraft climbs southeastward over the Pacific before turning northwest toward Russia and Europe. Left seats face inland toward the Kanto Plain with minimal scenic relief. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (3,776 m, visible ~80 km southwest of NRT), Izu Peninsula coastline, Sagami Bay, Pacific Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Hamburg in Hamburg?
When landing at Hamburg (HAM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the North German Plain, the Elbe River estuary, and Hamburg's urban layout as the aircraft descends from the northeast. Right seats face away from the city toward less distinctive flatlands. Notable sights include: Elbe River and estuary, Hamburg city center and port facilities, North Sea coastal marshlands, Kiel Canal (visible as a linear feature).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Hamburg?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Hamburg (HAM) takes about 11 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,587 miles (8,991 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Hamburg flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula (volcanic peaks and calderas), the Bering Strait region, the Arctic Ocean, the Ural Mountains (visible as a north-south trending ridge separating Europe from Asia), and the vast West Siberian Plain. The Kara Sea and Barents Sea lie to the north. Over northern Scandinavia, the flight passes near or over the Scandinavian Mountains before descending into the North European Plain toward Hamburg.