The right side captures both of the flight's only two scenic highlights: a possible Mount Fuji sighting on departure and Sydney Harbour's iconic skyline on arrival, while the long mid-Pacific cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown NRT to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Sydney is 4,867 miles (7,833 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
Open Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing east of the Mariana Islands and west of Papua New Guinea before crossing the Coral Sea toward the Australian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTOn a southbound departure from Narita, Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone is often visible off to the southwest shortly after climb-out on clear days, a rare and dramatic landmark for an otherwise flat Kanto plain departure. The left side only shows the featureless Pacific and Chiba coastline.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTSydney's north-facing approach into runway 34L typically tracks south along the coast before turning inland, putting the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it descends. The left side mostly faces open ocean with only distant coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Sydney. The right side captures both of the flight's only two scenic highlights: a possible Mount Fuji sighting on departure and Sydney Harbour's iconic skyline on arrival, while the long mid-Pacific cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
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. On a southbound departure from Narita, Mount Fuji's snow-capped cone is often visible off to the southwest shortly after climb-out on clear days, a rare and dramatic landmark for an otherwise flat Kanto plain departure. The left side only shows the featureless Pacific and Chiba coastline. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay coastline, Boso Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sydney's north-facing approach into runway 34L typically tracks south along the coast before turning inland, putting the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it descends. The left side mostly faces open ocean with only distant coastline. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Sydney?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,867 miles (7,833 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Sydney flight path pass over?
Open Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing east of the Mariana Islands and west of Papua New Guinea before crossing the Coral Sea toward the Australian coast.