The takeoff from SFO offers more visually distinctive and iconic scenery (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, Marin Headlands) than the landing approach to Asahikawa. While the Daisetsu Mountains are impressive, the San Francisco departure provides unmatched urban and coastal drama.
Flown SFO to AKJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Asahikawa is 4,719 miles (7,594 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific Ocean for approximately 4,500 nautical miles. Notable features include the Aleutian Islands chain (visible during the northern arc of the great circle route), with peaks like Mount Redoubt occasionally visible in clear conditions. The route passes north of the Hawaiian Islands. As the aircraft approaches Japan, the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island appear on the horizon before the final descent into Hokkaido. The Pacific coastline of northern Honshu and southern Hokkaido becomes visible in the final approach phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the initial climb-out northwestward. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at AKJ
RIGHTRight seats provide views of Hokkaido's mountainous terrain and the Ishikari River valley during approach to Asahikawa. The descent path brings these features into clear view on the right side of the aircraft.
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 San Francisco International (SFO) to Asahikawa (AKJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Asahikawa. The takeoff from SFO offers more visually distinctive and iconic scenery (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, Marin Headlands) than the landing approach to Asahikawa. While the Daisetsu Mountains are impressive, the San Francisco departure provides unmatched urban and coastal drama.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the initial climb-out northwestward. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Asahikawa in Asahikawa?
When landing at Asahikawa (AKJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of Hokkaido's mountainous terrain and the Ishikari River valley during approach to Asahikawa. The descent path brings these features into clear view on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Daisetsu Mountains, Ishikari River valley, Asahikawa city, Hokkaido plains.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Asahikawa?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Asahikawa (AKJ) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,719 miles (7,594 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Asahikawa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific Ocean for approximately 4,500 nautical miles. Notable features include the Aleutian Islands chain (visible during the northern arc of the great circle route), with peaks like Mount Redoubt occasionally visible in clear conditions. The route passes north of the Hawaiian Islands. As the aircraft approaches Japan, the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island appear on the horizon before the final descent into Hokkaido. The Pacific coastline of northern Honshu and southern Hokkaido becomes visible in the final approach phase.