Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Philippine Sea, neither side offers dramatically more, but the left side tracks closer to the Vietnamese and Chinese coastlines during the northern portion of the route, occasionally offering glimpses of coastal geography. Left is the clear choice overall.
Flown XSP to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Singapore to Tokyo is 3,332 miles (5,362 km), a flight of about 7 hours.
The route tracks northeast from Singapore across the South China Sea, passing east of Vietnam and the Vietnamese coast, then over the Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan. The aircraft crosses the East China Sea, passing within range of the Ryukyu Islands chain including Okinawa, before crossing the Philippine Sea and approaching Japan's Kii Peninsula and the Kanto region from the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from XSP
LEFTSeletar's runway 03 departure heads roughly northeast, putting the left side facing northwest toward central Singapore. You get a clear view over the Johor Strait, the causeway linking Singapore to Malaysia, and the dense urban core of Singapore city as the aircraft banks.
Landing at NRT
LEFTNRT's primary landing approach on runway 34L/34R comes in from the south heading north, placing the left side facing west toward the Kanto Plain and the distant outline of Mount Fuji on clear days. The right side faces east over the Pacific Ocean with little to see.
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 Seletar (XSP) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Tokyo. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Philippine Sea, neither side offers dramatically more, but the left side tracks closer to the Vietnamese and Chinese coastlines during the northern portion of the route, occasionally offering glimpses of coastal geography. Left is the clear choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Seletar in Singapore?
During takeoff from Seletar (XSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seletar's runway 03 departure heads roughly northeast, putting the left side facing northwest toward central Singapore. You get a clear view over the Johor Strait, the causeway linking Singapore to Malaysia, and the dense urban core of Singapore city as the aircraft banks. Notable sights include: Johor-Singapore Causeway, Johor Bahru city across the strait, Seletar Reservoir, central Singapore skyline to the southwest.
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 landing approach on runway 34L/34R comes in from the south heading north, placing the left side facing west toward the Kanto Plain and the distant outline of Mount Fuji on clear days. The right side faces east over the Pacific Ocean with little to see. Notable sights include: Kanto Plain urban sprawl, Tokyo Bay to the southwest, Mount Fuji on the distant western horizon on clear days, Chiba city and its industrial port below.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Tokyo?
The flight from Seletar (XSP) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 7 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,332 miles (5,362 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Singapore to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Singapore across the South China Sea, passing east of Vietnam and the Vietnamese coast, then over the Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan. The aircraft crosses the East China Sea, passing within range of the Ryukyu Islands chain including Okinawa, before crossing the Philippine Sea and approaching Japan's Kii Peninsula and the Kanto region from the south.