The left side offers the best bookend views — a glimpse of Mount Fuji and Japan's alpine terrain on departure, and a dramatic Alps-and-lake approach into Zurich — while the right side is dominated by open ocean during takeoff and flatter terrain on landing.
Flown NRT to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Zurich is 5,962 miles (9,595 km), a flight of about 12 hours 55 minutes.
Sea of Japan crossing, Siberian taiga and river systems near Lake Baikal, the Ural Mountains, and the vast Russian and Eastern European plains before reaching Central Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
LEFTDeparting NRT toward the north before turning west, the left side offers a chance to see the Boso Peninsula coastline and, on clear days, the distant profile of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps as the aircraft climbs and banks westward. The right side mostly faces open Pacific water with little to see.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn approach into ZRH from the northeast, the left side typically faces south toward the Alps, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-capped peaks and alpine foothills as the aircraft descends over the Swiss plateau. The right side mainly shows flatter agricultural land and the Rhine valley with less relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Zurich. The left side offers the best bookend views — a glimpse of Mount Fuji and Japan's alpine terrain on departure, and a dramatic Alps-and-lake approach into Zurich — while the right side is dominated by open ocean during takeoff and flatter terrain on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NRT toward the north before turning west, the left side offers a chance to see the Boso Peninsula coastline and, on clear days, the distant profile of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps as the aircraft climbs and banks westward. The right side mostly faces open Pacific water with little to see. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (distant), Japanese Alps foothills, Boso Peninsula coastline, Tokyo Bay.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into ZRH from the northeast, the left side typically faces south toward the Alps, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-capped peaks and alpine foothills as the aircraft descends over the Swiss plateau. The right side mainly shows flatter agricultural land and the Rhine valley with less relief. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps foothills, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city skyline.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Zurich?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 12 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,962 miles (9,595 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Zurich flight path pass over?
Sea of Japan crossing, Siberian taiga and river systems near Lake Baikal, the Ural Mountains, and the vast Russian and Eastern European plains before reaching Central Europe