While takeoff offers good Tokyo views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Mediterranean coastline, urban Tel Aviv, and the geological transition to the Judean Hills make for a more visually compelling final descent.
Flown NRT to TLV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Tel Aviv is 5,718 miles (9,203 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Asian continent westward, passing over or near: the Japanese Alps and central Honshu mountains during initial climb; the Gobi Desert and Taklamakan Desert in western China (visible as vast tan expanses); the Tian Shan mountain range on the China-Kazakhstan border; the Caspian Sea (large inland body of water); the Caucasus Mountains between the Caspian and Black Sea; and finally the Anatolian Plateau in Turkey before descending toward the eastern Mediterranean and Israel. The Caspian Sea is particularly striking—a massive inland sea visible for an extended period during the flight's middle hours.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the sprawling urban landscape of greater Tokyo, including the bay's distinctive shape and surrounding industrial areas.
Landing at TLV
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Tel Aviv. You'll see the Mediterranean coastline, the coastal plain, and the approach to Ben Gurion Airport. The Dead Sea region and Judean Hills are also visible to the east on the left side during the descent corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Tel Aviv. While takeoff offers good Tokyo views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Mediterranean coastline, urban Tel Aviv, and the geological transition to the Judean Hills make for a more visually compelling final descent.
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 and the Kanto Plain as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the sprawling urban landscape of greater Tokyo, including the bay's distinctive shape and surrounding industrial areas. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Kanto Plain urban grid, Mount Fuji (visible on clear days to the southwest at distance), Boso Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Tel Aviv. You'll see the Mediterranean coastline, the coastal plain, and the approach to Ben Gurion Airport. The Dead Sea region and Judean Hills are also visible to the east on the left side during the descent corridor. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea coastline, Tel Aviv urban area, Judean Hills (eastern horizon), Dead Sea (visible as a distinct pale blue body at distance).
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Tel Aviv?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,718 miles (9,203 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Asian continent westward, passing over or near: the Japanese Alps and central Honshu mountains during initial climb; the Gobi Desert and Taklamakan Desert in western China (visible as vast tan expanses); the Tian Shan mountain range on the China-Kazakhstan border; the Caspian Sea (large inland body of water); the Caucasus Mountains between the Caspian and Black Sea; and finally the Anatolian Plateau in Turkey before descending toward the eastern Mediterranean and Israel. The Caspian Sea is particularly striking—a massive inland sea visible for an extended period during the flight's middle hours.