About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Melbourne. While the left side wins at takeoff for Tokyo Bay views, the right side delivers the more dramatic arrival sequence over Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne. Across the cruise portion heading south-southwest, the right side also tracks closer to the Australian coastline as the flight descends toward Victoria, offering glimpses of the New South Wales and Victorian coast on clear days.
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 typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Southbound departures on 16R head toward the Pacific, and a left-side seat gives views back over the Chiba coastline and Tokyo Bay as the aircraft banks right. You get a clear look at the bay's geometry and the urban sprawl of greater Tokyo receding to the northwest. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba Peninsula coastline, urban Tokyo sprawl to the northwest, Pacific Ocean opening to the east.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Essendon Airport sits northwest of Melbourne CBD. Arrivals typically come from the north or northwest, and a right-side seat gives you the best view of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne city skyline as you descend. The bay's broad expanse and the CBD grid are clearly visible on the right as you track toward the airport. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River corridor, suburban Melbourne grid.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Melbourne?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Tokyo to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southwest across the Philippine Sea, passing east of the Philippines and over the Coral Sea. The route crosses the Tropic of Capricorn over open ocean east of Queensland. As the flight approaches Australia, the Great Barrier Reef may be faintly visible as pale turquoise water patterns far to the right on clear days at lower altitudes. The final descent crosses the New South Wales and Victorian coastline before tracking inland to Melbourne.