About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to London. Left side wins both ends of this flight decisively. Tokyo Bay and a potential Fuji sighting on departure, and the iconic Thames-over-London approach on arrival make left the clear choice. The polar routing over Siberia and Russia offers limited landmark differentiation between sides at cruise altitude.
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. NRT departures on runway 16R/34L mean northbound departures head roughly northwest after takeoff. A left-side seat gives you a clear view of Tokyo Bay and the dense urban sprawl of central Tokyo including the bay waterfront. You may also catch Mount Fuji to the southwest as the aircraft banks onto its westbound routing. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, central Tokyo urban grid, Mount Fuji (southwest, ~100km), Chiba coastal lowlands.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09L/27R and 09R/27L, running east-west. Westerly landings on 27L/27R bring aircraft in from the east over London, and a left-side seat tracks directly over central London — the Thames, City of London, Tower Bridge, and the Docklands are all visible on the left as you descend. This is one of the most spectacular urban approaches in aviation. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster (Docklands), City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park (final approach).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to London?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Tokyo to London flight path pass over?
The flight follows a polar great-circle route tracking northwest over the Sea of Japan, across Siberia's vast taiga and the Ob and Yenisei river systems (visible as enormous frozen ribbons in winter), over the Ural Mountains (a low, broad ridge visible as a subtle terrain change), then across European Russia, the Baltic states, and Denmark before crossing the North Sea into England. The Siberian river deltas and frozen tundra are the most visually striking midpoint features at cruise altitude.