Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Tokyo. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate on departure, and Tokyo Bay with a distant Mount Fuji on approach. The transpacific cruise itself is over open ocean regardless of side, so the terminal views are the deciding factor.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO departures heading northwest on runways 28L/28R give left-side passengers a direct view over San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge as the aircraft banks north. The right side faces inland toward the East Bay hills with far less drama. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, Marin Headlands.

When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Left side for the best views. NRT approaches from the east on runway 34L/34R or from the south on runway 16L/16R. On the common southerly approach over Tokyo Bay, left-side seats look directly over the bay and central Tokyo including the urban sprawl of the Kanto Plain, while right-side seats face the Pacific. On the northerly approach, left side still captures Tokyo Bay and the city. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Mount Fuji (distant, to the southwest), Chiba coastline.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 10.5 to 11.5 hours westbound.

The great circle route arcs north over the Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain (Alaska). Passengers may glimpse the volcanic peaks of the Aleutians on clear days from either side depending on exact routing. The remainder of the flight crosses the open North Pacific, with occasional views of sea ice or storm systems at higher latitudes. The route descends toward Japan over the Tohoku coast before tracking south toward the Kanto Plain.