Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay during departure, then the Pacific Ocean crossing, and finally the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay during approach. Left seats miss the iconic Mount Fuji view entirely.
Flown NRT to PVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Puerto Vallarta is 6,641 miles (10,688 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Pacific Ocean crossing over open water for approximately 8 hours; no significant landmarks visible during the mid-ocean portion. The flight path crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii (not visible from typical cruise altitude of 35,000 feet). Approach to Mexico begins over the Pacific with the Sierra Madre Occidental becoming visible approximately 200 miles offshore.
Great circle distance and headings ›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 heading east over water before the aircraft turns westbound across Japan.
Landing at PVR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, the Banderas Bay coastline, and Puerto Vallarta's beachfront during the descent approach from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Puerto Vallarta. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay during departure, then the Pacific Ocean crossing, and finally the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay during approach. Left seats miss the iconic Mount Fuji view entirely.
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 heading east over water before the aircraft turns westbound across Japan. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
When landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, the Banderas Bay coastline, and Puerto Vallarta's beachfront during the descent approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre Occidental range, Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta beachfront, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,641 miles (10,688 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
Pacific Ocean crossing over open water for approximately 8 hours; no significant landmarks visible during the mid-ocean portion. The flight path crosses the International Date Line and passes north of Hawaii (not visible from typical cruise altitude of 35,000 feet). Approach to Mexico begins over the Pacific with the Sierra Madre Occidental becoming visible approximately 200 miles offshore.