The right side wins across all phases: Mount Fuji near Tokyo at departure, Taiwan's coastal mountains and the Philippine archipelago during cruise, and the Titiwangsa Range with a glimpse of Kuala Lumpur's skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless Pacific and South China Sea waters.
Flown NRT to KUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur is 3,361 miles (5,409 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The route passes near Taiwan's eastern coastal mountains, then continues over the Luzon Strait and the northern Philippines before crossing the South China Sea toward Peninsular Malaysia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTDeparting NRT southbound before turning onto the southwest track toward Malaysia, the right side looks across Tokyo Bay toward Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The left side only shows the flat Boso Peninsula and open Pacific.
Landing at KUL
RIGHTOn the descent into KUL from the northeast, the right side reveals the forested Titiwangsa mountain range and, closer in, the Kuala Lumpur skyline with the Petronas Towers before the aircraft crosses over flat palm-oil plantations near the airport. The left side mostly shows featureless agricultural lowlands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur. The right side wins across all phases: Mount Fuji near Tokyo at departure, Taiwan's coastal mountains and the Philippine archipelago during cruise, and the Titiwangsa Range with a glimpse of Kuala Lumpur's skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless Pacific and South China Sea waters.
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. Departing NRT southbound before turning onto the southwest track toward Malaysia, the right side looks across Tokyo Bay toward Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The left side only shows the flat Boso Peninsula and open Pacific. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Izu Peninsula, Suruga Bay, Tokyo Bay.
What can I see when landing at Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
When landing at Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into KUL from the northeast, the right side reveals the forested Titiwangsa mountain range and, closer in, the Kuala Lumpur skyline with the Petronas Towers before the aircraft crosses over flat palm-oil plantations near the airport. The left side mostly shows featureless agricultural lowlands. Notable sights include: Titiwangsa Range, Kuala Lumpur skyline (Petronas Towers), Klang Valley, oil palm plantations.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,361 miles (5,409 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur flight path pass over?
The route passes near Taiwan's eastern coastal mountains, then continues over the Luzon Strait and the northern Philippines before crossing the South China Sea toward Peninsular Malaysia.