While the left side wins at takeoff for Montreal views, the right side delivers the more dramatic and sustained scenery: on the polar routing you get southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords on the right side over the North Atlantic, and the Tokyo Bay approach with potential Fuji views on arrival makes right the stronger overall pick.
Flown YUL to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Tokyo is 6,461 miles (10,398 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle polar route tracks northeast over Quebec and Labrador, then crosses southern Greenland with its ice cap and fjord coastline visible, crosses the Norwegian or Icelandic airspace region, arcs over Siberia and the Russian Far East including the Kamchatka Peninsula with its volcanic peaks, then descends over the North Pacific toward the Japanese archipelago and Tokyo Bay
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTYUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest then curving north, and a left-side seat captures the Montreal city skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and Mount Royal as the aircraft climbs out. The island of Montreal is clearly laid out below with the river wrapping around it.
Landing at HND
RIGHTHND sits on Tokyo Bay, and most approaches to runways 34L/34R or 05 bring aircraft in from the south or east over the bay. A right-side seat on approach from the northwest on the polar route gives views of Tokyo Bay, the city of Tokyo spreading inland, and Mount Fuji visible to the southwest on clear days.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Tokyo. While the left side wins at takeoff for Montreal views, the right side delivers the more dramatic and sustained scenery: on the polar routing you get southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords on the right side over the North Atlantic, and the Tokyo Bay approach with potential Fuji views on arrival makes right the stronger overall pick.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest then curving north, and a left-side seat captures the Montreal city skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and Mount Royal as the aircraft climbs out. The island of Montreal is clearly laid out below with the river wrapping around it. Notable sights include: Mount Royal and its park, Montreal downtown skyline, St. Lawrence River, Île de Montréal shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Right side for the best views. HND sits on Tokyo Bay, and most approaches to runways 34L/34R or 05 bring aircraft in from the south or east over the bay. A right-side seat on approach from the northwest on the polar route gives views of Tokyo Bay, the city of Tokyo spreading inland, and Mount Fuji visible to the southwest on clear days. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo urban grid, Mount Fuji (on clear days, to the southwest), Yokohama waterfront.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Tokyo?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,461 miles (10,398 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle polar route tracks northeast over Quebec and Labrador, then crosses southern Greenland with its ice cap and fjord coastline visible, crosses the Norwegian or Icelandic airspace region, arcs over Siberia and the Russian Far East including the Kamchatka Peninsula with its volcanic peaks, then descends over the North Pacific toward the Japanese archipelago and Tokyo Bay