While the right side offers a strong San Francisco departure view, the left side's approach into Haneda features Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, and Yokohama, a more visually striking and memorable landmark combination that outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown SFO to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Tokyo is 5,148 miles (8,285 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
The route arcs across the North Pacific well south of the Aleutian chain, passing over open ocean for most of the crossing with no reliably visible land; on clear stretches near the Kuril Islands or Kamchatka's coastline, distant volcanic peaks may occasionally appear on the horizon before the descent toward Japan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTAfter departing SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft banks back over San Francisco Bay en route to its northwesterly heading, putting the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge on the right side. This brief but classic Bay Area view beats the flatter East Bay scenery on the left.
Landing at HND
LEFTHaneda's south-wind arrival brings flights in from over Tokyo Bay, curving past the Boso Peninsula before lining up on the northbound runways. On this path, the left side typically has the clearer sightline toward Mount Fuji's distinctive peak beyond Yokohama, a far more dramatic view than the flatter Chiba coastline on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Tokyo. While the right side offers a strong San Francisco departure view, the left side's approach into Haneda features Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, and Yokohama, a more visually striking and memorable landmark combination that outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft banks back over San Francisco Bay en route to its northwesterly heading, putting the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge on the right side. This brief but classic Bay Area view beats the flatter East Bay scenery on the left. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco downtown skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
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 south-wind arrival brings flights in from over Tokyo Bay, curving past the Boso Peninsula before lining up on the northbound runways. On this path, the left side typically has the clearer sightline toward Mount Fuji's distinctive peak beyond Yokohama, a far more dramatic view than the flatter Chiba coastline on the right. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Yokohama waterfront, Boso Peninsula.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Tokyo?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,148 miles (8,285 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route arcs across the North Pacific well south of the Aleutian chain, passing over open ocean for most of the crossing with no reliably visible land; on clear stretches near the Kuril Islands or Kamchatka's coastline, distant volcanic peaks may occasionally appear on the horizon before the descent toward Japan.