The right side wins overall because it captures Chicago's skyline and lakefront on departure plus the long cruise-phase views of Alaska's mountains, the Bering Sea coast, and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula and Kuril Islands, which together outweigh the left side's mostly open-ocean cruise despite its stronger Tokyo Bay landing.
Flown ORD to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Tokyo is 6,291 miles (10,124 km), a flight of about 13 hours 5 minutes.
Canadian Shield lakes and forest over Manitoba/Saskatchewan, the Alaska Range near Denali, the Bering Sea coastline, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic chain (including Klyuchevskaya Sopka), and the Kuril Islands before descending toward Japan
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures to the northwest typically roll west then bank right onto a north-northwest heading toward Canada, swinging Chicago's downtown skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline into view on the right side of the cabin during the climb.
Landing at HND
LEFTHaneda's common south-wind arrival brings aircraft up over Tokyo Bay heading north to land on 34L/34R, putting the dense Tokyo skyline and bay waterfront on the left side, with Mount Fuji sometimes visible as a distant silhouette to the southwest on clear days.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Tokyo. The right side wins overall because it captures Chicago's skyline and lakefront on departure plus the long cruise-phase views of Alaska's mountains, the Bering Sea coast, and Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula and Kuril Islands, which together outweigh the left side's mostly open-ocean cruise despite its stronger Tokyo Bay landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORD departures to the northwest typically roll west then bank right onto a north-northwest heading toward Canada, swinging Chicago's downtown skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline into view on the right side of the cabin during the climb. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower cluster), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's grid of suburbs, Chicago's northern lakefront.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. Haneda's common south-wind arrival brings aircraft up over Tokyo Bay heading north to land on 34L/34R, putting the dense Tokyo skyline and bay waterfront on the left side, with Mount Fuji sometimes visible as a distant silhouette to the southwest on clear days. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo downtown skyline and Odaiba waterfront, distant Mount Fuji silhouette, Haneda's bay-side runway complex.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Tokyo?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 13 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,291 miles (10,124 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Canadian Shield lakes and forest over Manitoba/Saskatchewan, the Alaska Range near Denali, the Bering Sea coastline, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic chain (including Klyuchevskaya Sopka), and the Kuril Islands before descending toward Japan