The left side wins mainly on takeoff drama with Mount Fuji, plus better cruise-phase views over the Siberian steppe, Ural foothills, and Caspian lowlands as the route curves northwest then west; the right side's ocean-heavy departure and largely flat Central Asian cruise scenery can't match it, even though it gets the stronger Istanbul arrival.
Flown NRT to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Istanbul is 5,580 miles (8,980 km), a flight of about 12 hours 35 minutes.
Route crosses the Sea of Japan, Mongolia's Gobi fringe, the vast Siberian and Kazakh steppe, the southern Ural foothills, and the northern Caspian Sea before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTDeparting Narita, the climb-out typically swings the aircraft toward the west, putting Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula on the left side of the aircraft as it rises over the Kanto plain. The right side mostly shows the flat Chiba countryside and open Pacific.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the north or east, arrivals often cross the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Istanbul skyline, the strait, and its bridges before final descent. The left side typically shows the more rural Thracian countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Istanbul. The left side wins mainly on takeoff drama with Mount Fuji, plus better cruise-phase views over the Siberian steppe, Ural foothills, and Caspian lowlands as the route curves northwest then west; the right side's ocean-heavy departure and largely flat Central Asian cruise scenery can't match it, even though it gets the stronger Istanbul arrival.
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, the climb-out typically swings the aircraft toward the west, putting Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula on the left side of the aircraft as it rises over the Kanto plain. The right side mostly shows the flat Chiba countryside and open Pacific. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Boso Peninsula coastline, Izu Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Istanbul Airport from the north or east, arrivals often cross the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Istanbul skyline, the strait, and its bridges before final descent. The left side typically shows the more rural Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul city skyline, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Istanbul?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 12 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,580 miles (8,980 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Sea of Japan, Mongolia's Gobi fringe, the vast Siberian and Kazakh steppe, the southern Ural foothills, and the northern Caspian Sea before descending toward the Black Sea and Istanbul.