Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji at departure, then the transition across the Japanese Alps and into the Mongolian steppe. The landing approach favors left, but the takeoff advantage and the extended midpoint views over mountainous terrain give right the overall edge.
Flown NRT to UBN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar is 1,897 miles (3,052 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Japanese Alps (including peaks of the Hida and Kiso ranges visible as a north-south mountain chain), then transitions over the Sea of Japan coast near Niigata Prefecture. Crossing into continental Asia, the route passes over the Korean Peninsula's northern regions and enters Manchuria, with the Greater Khingan Range visible as a major north-south mountain system. The final approach crosses the Mongolian steppe with scattered lakes and the Khangai Mountains forming the western boundary of Ulaanbaatar's valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTRight side offers views of Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain's urban sprawl. The left side faces inland toward forested terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during the initial climb.
Landing at UBN
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Khangai Mountains and the approach to Ulaanbaatar's valley location. The descent path from the northeast offers views of the steppe terrain and the city nestled in its basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji at departure, then the transition across the Japanese Alps and into the Mongolian steppe. The landing approach favors left, but the takeoff advantage and the extended midpoint views over mountainous terrain give right the overall edge.
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 offers views of Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain's urban sprawl. The left side faces inland toward forested terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba Peninsula, Mount Fuji (visible on clear days to the west), Kanto Plain urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar?
When landing at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Khangai Mountains and the approach to Ulaanbaatar's valley location. The descent path from the northeast offers views of the steppe terrain and the city nestled in its basin. Notable sights include: Khangai Mountains (western range), Tuul River valley, Ulaanbaatar city basin, surrounding steppe grasslands.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,897 miles (3,052 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Japanese Alps (including peaks of the Hida and Kiso ranges visible as a north-south mountain chain), then transitions over the Sea of Japan coast near Niigata Prefecture. Crossing into continental Asia, the route passes over the Korean Peninsula's northern regions and enters Manchuria, with the Greater Khingan Range visible as a major north-south mountain system. The final approach crosses the Mongolian steppe with scattered lakes and the Khangai Mountains forming the western boundary of Ulaanbaatar's valley.