About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to San Francisco. Right side wins both the departure and arrival phases. At takeoff you get Tokyo Bay and a distant Mount Fuji; on arrival you get the full panorama of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city. The transoceanic cruise phase over the North Pacific offers little to distinguish sides, so the bookend views at both airports make right the clear overall choice.
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. NRT typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures heading toward the Pacific route the aircraft over or near Tokyo Bay on the right side, giving clear views of the bay and the urban sprawl of greater Tokyo. The right side also catches Mount Fuji to the southwest as the aircraft climbs and turns westward before heading east over the Pacific. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji (distant, southwest), Chiba urban grid, Pacific coastline of Honshu.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO's primary arrival runways 28L/28R bring aircraft in from the east over the Bay Area. On the right side, passengers get a prolonged view of San Francisco Bay, the city of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft descends over the bay on final approach. The left side faces south toward the peninsula and is less dramatic. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city grid, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to San Francisco?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours eastbound.
What does the Tokyo to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northeast from Japan, passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain and crossing the Gulf of Alaska before descending toward Northern California. Passengers may see the Aleutian Islands as a faint volcanic arc on the horizon in good visibility, and the rugged snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range and Coast Mountains of British Columbia may be visible on the northern horizon during the descent phase. The vast majority of the route is open North Pacific Ocean with occasional cloud systems.