About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Tokyo. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get the Bay and Diablo Range; on arrival you get Tokyo Bay and the metropolitan sprawl. The transpacific cruise itself offers little differentiation between sides — both see open North Pacific — but the Aleutian Islands arc may be faintly visible on the left (south) side during the northern great-circle routing if conditions are exceptionally clear.
What can I see during takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. SJC's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest, then routes typically turn north over the Bay. The left side gives you a clear view east across the South Bay toward the Diablo Range and the Santa Clara Valley sprawl below. As the aircraft banks north, the left side picks up the Bay itself and the San Mateo Bridge. Notable sights include: South San Francisco Bay wetlands and salt ponds, Santa Clara Valley urban grid, Diablo Range foothills to the east, San Mateo Bridge spanning the Bay.
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. NRT's primary arrival runways 16L/16R bring aircraft in from the north heading south, placing Tokyo Bay and the dense urban core of greater Tokyo on the left side. You get a sweeping view of the bay, the reclaimed land of Odaiba, and the Tokyo skyline including the distinctive Tokyo Skytree visible as a thin spire to the northwest. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay and its reclaimed waterfront districts, Tokyo Skytree visible as a distant spire to the northwest, Chiba Prefecture's flat urban-industrial sprawl directly below, Narita city and surrounding agricultural plains on approach.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Tokyo?
The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the San Jose to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great-circle route arcs north over the Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain at roughly 50-55 degrees north latitude. The Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia may be visible on the right side as a distant volcanic coastline. The flight then descends south over the Sea of Japan or the Japanese archipelago's northern islands before crossing Honshu toward Narita.