While takeoff favors the right for Mongolian mountain views, the landing approach to Narita strongly favors the left for Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain, and Mount Fuji. Since landing views are more dramatic and iconic, left-side seats provide the superior overall experience.
Flown UBN to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ulaanbaatar to Tokyo is 1,897 miles (3,052 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sea of Japan heading southeast. Midway, passengers may glimpse the Korean Peninsula's western coastline (if visible through haze), the Japanese Alps as the aircraft approaches Honshu's central mountains, and eventually the Izu Peninsula's volcanic terrain before the final descent into the Kanto Plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from UBN
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Khangai Mountains and Tuul River valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Ulaanbaatar. The terrain transitions from urban sprawl to rolling steppe with visible water features.
Landing at NRT
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain's urban sprawl, and Mount Fuji (weather permitting) during the descent approach to Narita. The aircraft descends from the northeast, making the left side optimal for coastal and mountain features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ulaanbaatar to Tokyo. While takeoff favors the right for Mongolian mountain views, the landing approach to Narita strongly favors the left for Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain, and Mount Fuji. Since landing views are more dramatic and iconic, left-side seats provide the superior overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar?
During takeoff from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Khangai Mountains and Tuul River valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Ulaanbaatar. The terrain transitions from urban sprawl to rolling steppe with visible water features. Notable sights include: Khangai Mountains (southwest-facing slopes), Tuul River (winding through valley below), Ulaanbaatar city grid (receding northward), steppe grasslands extending to horizon.
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. Left-side seats offer views of Tokyo Bay, the Kanto Plain's urban sprawl, and Mount Fuji (weather permitting) during the descent approach to Narita. The aircraft descends from the northeast, making the left side optimal for coastal and mountain features. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay (dark water body with shipping lanes), Kanto Plain urban grid (dense buildings extending to horizon), Mount Fuji (distant snow-capped peak on clear days, southwest), Chiba Peninsula (eastern shoreline).
How long is the flight from Ulaanbaatar to Tokyo?
The flight from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,897 miles (3,052 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ulaanbaatar to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sea of Japan heading southeast. Midway, passengers may glimpse the Korean Peninsula's western coastline (if visible through haze), the Japanese Alps as the aircraft approaches Honshu's central mountains, and eventually the Izu Peninsula's volcanic terrain before the final descent into the Kanto Plain.