While the right side wins at takeoff with Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay, the left side delivers the more sustained and spectacular experience. After crossing Russia and Scandinavia, the left side picks up the North Sea coastline, then delivers the iconic Paris approach with the Seine and central landmarks in clear view. The Paris landing view on the left is arguably one of the best urban approach views in commercial aviation.
Flown NRT to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Paris is 6,039 miles (9,719 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest from Tokyo over the Sea of Japan, crosses the Russian Far East and Siberian taiga, passes north of Lake Baikal, continues over the West Siberian Plain, crosses the Ural Mountains (a subtle low ridge visible in clear conditions), traverses European Russia and the Baltic states, crosses the North Sea or southern Scandinavia depending on routing, then descends over northern France toward Paris. The Urals and the vast Siberian river systems such as the Ob and Yenisei are the most geographically distinctive midpoint features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTNRT typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures heading toward Europe swing left over the Pacific, so the right side faces west toward the Kanto Plain and Tokyo Bay. You get a clear view of the greater Tokyo metropolitan sprawl, Tokyo Bay, and on clear days Mount Fuji rising above the Kanto Plain to the southwest.
Landing at LBG
LEFTLe Bourget sits northeast of central Paris. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 25 or 27, meaning you are tracking westward toward the city. The left side faces south, giving a direct view over central Paris — the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame island, and the dense Haussmann boulevard grid are all clearly visible on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Paris. While the right side wins at takeoff with Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay, the left side delivers the more sustained and spectacular experience. After crossing Russia and Scandinavia, the left side picks up the North Sea coastline, then delivers the iconic Paris approach with the Seine and central landmarks in clear view. The Paris landing view on the left is arguably one of the best urban approach views in commercial aviation.
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. NRT typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures heading toward Europe swing left over the Pacific, so the right side faces west toward the Kanto Plain and Tokyo Bay. You get a clear view of the greater Tokyo metropolitan sprawl, Tokyo Bay, and on clear days Mount Fuji rising above the Kanto Plain to the southwest. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (southwest horizon), Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Chiba Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget sits northeast of central Paris. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 25 or 27, meaning you are tracking westward toward the city. The left side faces south, giving a direct view over central Paris — the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame island, and the dense Haussmann boulevard grid are all clearly visible on approach. Notable sights include: Seine River bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower, Île de la Cité / Notre-Dame, Haussmann boulevard grid of central arrondissements.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Paris?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,039 miles (9,719 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Tokyo over the Sea of Japan, crosses the Russian Far East and Siberian taiga, passes north of Lake Baikal, continues over the West Siberian Plain, crosses the Ural Mountains (a subtle low ridge visible in clear conditions), traverses European Russia and the Baltic states, crosses the North Sea or southern Scandinavia depending on routing, then descends over northern France toward Paris. The Urals and the vast Siberian river systems such as the Ob and Yenisei are the most geographically distinctive midpoint features.