Both sides get a strong bookend view — San Diego on departure from the right, Tokyo and Fuji on arrival from the left — but the extended descent past Tokyo Bay with Fuji on the horizon is the more memorable and longer-lasting scene, giving the left side a slight edge despite nine-plus hours of featureless Pacific in between.
Flown SAN to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Tokyo is 5,545 miles (8,924 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The majority of the route crosses open North Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours; depending on the exact great-circle track, the flight may pass well south of the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula, but typically no land is visible until the Japanese coast comes into view on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting Runway 27 heads west over San Diego Bay, and the right side faces north toward downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the Point Loma headland as the aircraft climbs. The left side only shows the flatter Tijuana border area and Baja coastline, which is less visually striking.
Landing at NRT
LEFTOn the more common northerly-wind approach into Runway 34, the aircraft flies up from the south, and the left side (facing west) offers a view across Tokyo Bay toward the city skyline, with Mount Fuji's distinctive silhouette visible on the horizon in clear weather. The right side only shows the flatter farmland and Pacific coastline of the Boso Peninsula.
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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 New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Tokyo. Both sides get a strong bookend view — San Diego on departure from the right, Tokyo and Fuji on arrival from the left — but the extended descent past Tokyo Bay with Fuji on the horizon is the more memorable and longer-lasting scene, giving the left side a slight edge despite nine-plus hours of featureless Pacific in between.
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. Departing Runway 27 heads west over San Diego Bay, and the right side faces north toward downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the Point Loma headland as the aircraft climbs. The left side only shows the flatter Tijuana border area and Baja coastline, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge and San Diego Bay, Point Loma peninsula, La Jolla coastline.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the more common northerly-wind approach into Runway 34, the aircraft flies up from the south, and the left side (facing west) offers a view across Tokyo Bay toward the city skyline, with Mount Fuji's distinctive silhouette visible on the horizon in clear weather. The right side only shows the flatter farmland and Pacific coastline of the Boso Peninsula. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji (distant silhouette), Tokyo Bay, Tokyo skyline, Boso Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Tokyo?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,545 miles (8,924 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The majority of the route crosses open North Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours; depending on the exact great-circle track, the flight may pass well south of the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula, but typically no land is visible until the Japanese coast comes into view on descent.