The left side captures the dramatic Tokyo Bay departure view and, during the cruise over the Yellow Sea and Bohai Gulf, offers better angles on the Chinese coastline as the route curves northwest. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff views from the left are more distinctive and memorable overall.
Flown NRT to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Beijing is 1,326 miles (2,134 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Korean Peninsula or skirts its southern edge depending on routing, passing over the Yellow Sea (Huang Hai) — a broad, shallow, often turbid sea visible as brownish-green water below. The Bohai Gulf coastline appears as the aircraft enters Chinese airspace, with the flat alluvial plains of Hebei Province stretching inland. The Taihang Mountains are visible to the west in the distance during descent. No significant mountain ranges are crossed directly on this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTNRT typically departs on runways 16R/16L heading south, then aircraft turn northwest toward Beijing. A left seat gives you views back over the Chiba Peninsula and Tokyo Bay as you climb out and bank northwest. You can see the dense urban sprawl of Greater Tokyo across the bay before heading inland.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTPEK's primary arrival runways are 36L/36R, meaning aircraft approach from the south heading north. On a right seat you get views over the eastern edge of Beijing's urban core and can see the city grid spreading out below. The Yanshan Mountains to the north and northwest are visible ahead and to the right as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Beijing. The left side captures the dramatic Tokyo Bay departure view and, during the cruise over the Yellow Sea and Bohai Gulf, offers better angles on the Chinese coastline as the route curves northwest. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff views from the left are more distinctive and memorable overall.
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 runways 16R/16L heading south, then aircraft turn northwest toward Beijing. A left seat gives you views back over the Chiba Peninsula and Tokyo Bay as you climb out and bank northwest. You can see the dense urban sprawl of Greater Tokyo across the bay before heading inland. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba Peninsula coastline, Greater Tokyo urban grid, Narita city below.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK's primary arrival runways are 36L/36R, meaning aircraft approach from the south heading north. On a right seat you get views over the eastern edge of Beijing's urban core and can see the city grid spreading out below. The Yanshan Mountains to the north and northwest are visible ahead and to the right as you descend. Notable sights include: Beijing urban grid, Yanshan Mountains to the north, Miyun Reservoir northeast of the city, Capital Airport terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Beijing?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Capital (PEK) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,134 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Beijing flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Korean Peninsula or skirts its southern edge depending on routing, passing over the Yellow Sea (Huang Hai) — a broad, shallow, often turbid sea visible as brownish-green water below. The Bohai Gulf coastline appears as the aircraft enters Chinese airspace, with the flat alluvial plains of Hebei Province stretching inland. The Taihang Mountains are visible to the west in the distance during descent. No significant mountain ranges are crossed directly on this route.