The great-circle routing from Narita to Houston passes up over Kamchatka and the Aleutians, across the Alaska Range and Gulf of Alaska, then down through the Canadian Rockies and Rocky Mountain foothills — all of which sit on the right side of the aircraft as it flies a generally southeast heading across North America, giving that side far more dramatic terrain than the flat Great Plains visible on the left.
Flown NRT to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Houston is 6,629 miles (10,669 km), a flight of about 11 hours 50 minutes.
Sea of Okhotsk, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Alaska Range, Canadian Rockies, Great Plains
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTDeparting Narita and climbing out toward the north Pacific routing, passengers on the left get a receding view back toward Tokyo Bay and, on clear days, the distinctive cone of Mt. Fuji far to the southwest. The right side mostly shows open Pacific and the flatter Boso Peninsula coastline.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTOn the descent into IAH from the north, the final approach track gives right-side passengers a distant view of the Houston skyline and the forested terrain of the Sam Houston National Forest, while the left side mostly overlooks flat suburban sprawl and Lake Houston close to the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Houston. The great-circle routing from Narita to Houston passes up over Kamchatka and the Aleutians, across the Alaska Range and Gulf of Alaska, then down through the Canadian Rockies and Rocky Mountain foothills — all of which sit on the right side of the aircraft as it flies a generally southeast heading across North America, giving that side far more dramatic terrain than the flat Great Plains visible on the left.
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 and climbing out toward the north Pacific routing, passengers on the left get a receding view back toward Tokyo Bay and, on clear days, the distinctive cone of Mt. Fuji far to the southwest. The right side mostly shows open Pacific and the flatter Boso Peninsula coastline. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mt. Fuji (distant), Boso Peninsula coastline, Chiba lowlands.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into IAH from the north, the final approach track gives right-side passengers a distant view of the Houston skyline and the forested terrain of the Sam Houston National Forest, while the left side mostly overlooks flat suburban sprawl and Lake Houston close to the airport. Notable sights include: Houston downtown skyline (distant), Sam Houston National Forest, Spring Creek watershed, Houston suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Houston?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,629 miles (10,669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Houston flight path pass over?
Sea of Okhotsk, Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes, Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Alaska Range, Canadian Rockies, Great Plains