Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay on departure, then the Aleutian Islands and Alaska coastline during the trans-Pacific crossing, followed by the Canadian Rockies and northern US geography on approach. Left-side views are strong only during final descent into Minneapolis.
Flown NRT to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Minneapolis is 5,936 miles (9,553 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula. Depending on exact routing, passengers may see the Bering Sea, the Alaska Range (if routed far enough north), and the Canadian Rockies (particularly the Cascade Range and Rocky Mountains) as the aircraft descends over western North America. The route typically crosses over British Columbia and Alberta before heading southeast toward Minnesota. Clear-weather flights offer views of snow-capped peaks in the Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges during the final 3-4 hours of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain, and Mount Fuji during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound over water before turning northwest, giving right-side passengers the best vantage of these iconic features.
Landing at MSP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Upper Mississippi River valley, Minnesota River confluence, and the Twin Cities metropolitan area during descent into MSP. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making left-side views superior for these features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Minneapolis. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay on departure, then the Aleutian Islands and Alaska coastline during the trans-Pacific crossing, followed by the Canadian Rockies and northern US geography on approach. Left-side views are strong only during final descent into Minneapolis.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain, and Mount Fuji during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound over water before turning northwest, giving right-side passengers the best vantage of these iconic features. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay (immediate foreground), Mount Fuji (southwest on horizon), Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Upper Mississippi River valley, Minnesota River confluence, and the Twin Cities metropolitan area during descent into MSP. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making left-side views superior for these features. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and bends), Minnesota River confluence, Twin Cities urban core, Minnesota River valley.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,936 miles (9,553 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula. Depending on exact routing, passengers may see the Bering Sea, the Alaska Range (if routed far enough north), and the Canadian Rockies (particularly the Cascade Range and Rocky Mountains) as the aircraft descends over western North America. The route typically crosses over British Columbia and Alberta before heading southeast toward Minnesota. Clear-weather flights offer views of snow-capped peaks in the Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges during the final 3-4 hours of flight.