While the right side wins the brief San Diego coastal departure, the left side's approach into Haneda offers the more memorable payoff — Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and a possible glimpse of Mount Fuji — outweighing the short coastal takeoff view given the long ocean-dominated cruise common to both sides.
Flown SAN to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Tokyo is 5,582 miles (8,983 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The great-circle route passes well offshore of the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts before crossing the open North Pacific near the Aleutian Islands region, with no significant landmarks visible during the many hours over open ocean.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTAfter departing Runway 27 over San Diego Bay, the aircraft banks right to intercept its northwest routing toward Japan, swinging the coastline into view on the right side. Passengers get a good look at Point Loma, La Jolla's cliffs, and the curve of the San Diego coast before the plane heads out over open water.
Landing at HND
LEFTOn the typical south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft descend from the south and curve over Tokyo Bay to land on 34L/34R, putting the Tokyo skyline and bay on the left side of the cabin. On clear days, Mount Fuji is often visible in the distance to the southwest during this turn, making the left side the more rewarding view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Tokyo. While the right side wins the brief San Diego coastal departure, the left side's approach into Haneda offers the more memorable payoff — Tokyo Bay, the city skyline, and a possible glimpse of Mount Fuji — outweighing the short coastal takeoff view given the long ocean-dominated cruise common to both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing Runway 27 over San Diego Bay, the aircraft banks right to intercept its northwest routing toward Japan, swinging the coastline into view on the right side. Passengers get a good look at Point Loma, La Jolla's cliffs, and the curve of the San Diego coast before the plane heads out over open water. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Point Loma, La Jolla coastline, Pacific shoreline.
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. On the typical south-wind approach into Haneda, aircraft descend from the south and curve over Tokyo Bay to land on 34L/34R, putting the Tokyo skyline and bay on the left side of the cabin. On clear days, Mount Fuji is often visible in the distance to the southwest during this turn, making the left side the more rewarding view. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo skyline (Odaiba/Rainbow Bridge area), Mount Fuji (distant, weather permitting), Chiba coastline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Tokyo?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,582 miles (8,983 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes well offshore of the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts before crossing the open North Pacific near the Aleutian Islands region, with no significant landmarks visible during the many hours over open ocean.