While left side wins at takeoff, the right side delivers the more dramatic landing sequence over the Swan River and Perth coastline. Over the long flight the right side also faces north toward the Indonesian archipelago during the mid-flight segment, offering views of Borneo's coastline and the Java Sea island chains, making it the better overall seat.
Flown NRT to PER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Perth is 4,938 miles (7,948 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over the East China Sea, crosses the Philippine Sea, passes near Luzon in the Philippines, transits the South China Sea, crosses Borneo's northern coast and the Indonesian archipelago including Sulawesi and the Banda Sea, then crosses the Timor Sea and the flat red expanse of the Australian outback before descending into Perth. The Banda Sea island chains and the Kimberley coast of northwestern Australia are the most visually distinctive mid-flight features.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTNRT typically departs southward on runway 16R/16L, which puts the left (east) side facing Tokyo Bay and the Boso Peninsula. You get a clear view of the bay's industrial waterfront and the sprawling Kanto Plain stretching inland.
Landing at PER
RIGHTPerth Airport typically lands from the east on runway 03/21 or approaches from the northeast, putting the right (east) side facing the Swan River, the CBD skyline, and the Indian Ocean coastline as you descend. The Swan River's distinctive winding shape and the compact Perth CBD are clearly identifiable from the descent path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Perth. While left side wins at takeoff, the right side delivers the more dramatic landing sequence over the Swan River and Perth coastline. Over the long flight the right side also faces north toward the Indonesian archipelago during the mid-flight segment, offering views of Borneo's coastline and the Java Sea island chains, making it the better overall seat.
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 southward on runway 16R/16L, which puts the left (east) side facing Tokyo Bay and the Boso Peninsula. You get a clear view of the bay's industrial waterfront and the sprawling Kanto Plain stretching inland. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Boso Peninsula coastline, Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Chiba industrial port district.
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Perth Airport typically lands from the east on runway 03/21 or approaches from the northeast, putting the right (east) side facing the Swan River, the CBD skyline, and the Indian Ocean coastline as you descend. The Swan River's distinctive winding shape and the compact Perth CBD are clearly identifiable from the descent path. Notable sights include: Swan River and its distinctive bends, Perth CBD skyline, Indian Ocean coastline at Cottesloe and Scarborough, Rottnest Island on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Perth?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Perth International (PER) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,938 miles (7,948 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Perth flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over the East China Sea, crosses the Philippine Sea, passes near Luzon in the Philippines, transits the South China Sea, crosses Borneo's northern coast and the Indonesian archipelago including Sulawesi and the Banda Sea, then crosses the Timor Sea and the flat red expanse of the Australian outback before descending into Perth. The Banda Sea island chains and the Kimberley coast of northwestern Australia are the most visually distinctive mid-flight features.