Left side wins both the departure from Vancouver and the arrival into Tokyo. During the flight itself, the left side also faces south toward the Aleutian Islands chain as the great circle route arcs across the North Pacific, offering occasional glimpses of volcanic peaks on clear days.
Flown YVR to HND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Tokyo is 4,697 miles (7,558 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from YVR to HND tracks northwest over the Gulf of Alaska, then arcs along the Aleutian Islands chain — a string of volcanic islands including Unimak and the Fox Islands group — before descending south over the Kuril Islands and the northern Japanese coast of Hokkaido and Honshu. The North Pacific crossing is largely featureless open ocean, but on clear days the Aleutian volcanic peaks and the rugged Kuril Island chain are visible. The route passes near Kamchatka Peninsula, whose snow-covered volcanic cones can occasionally be seen on the southern horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs westward on runway 26L/26R, then turns north over the Strait of Georgia. Left side seats face east toward downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, and the Fraser River delta spread below. You get a clear look at the city grid and Burrard Inlet before the aircraft banks north.
Landing at HND
LEFTHND approaches from the east or north over Tokyo Bay on runway 34L/34R or 05, placing the left side facing west over central Tokyo. You get a prolonged view of the Tokyo metropolitan grid, Tokyo Bay, and the city's dense urban fabric as the aircraft descends. The right side faces out over open water for much of the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Tokyo International (HND)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Tokyo. Left side wins both the departure from Vancouver and the arrival into Tokyo. During the flight itself, the left side also faces south toward the Aleutian Islands chain as the great circle route arcs across the North Pacific, offering occasional glimpses of volcanic peaks on clear days.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs westward on runway 26L/26R, then turns north over the Strait of Georgia. Left side seats face east toward downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, and the Fraser River delta spread below. You get a clear look at the city grid and Burrard Inlet before the aircraft banks north. Notable sights include: Downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains (Grouse and Seymour), Fraser River delta.
What can I see when landing at Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at Tokyo International (HND), sit on the Left side for the best views. HND approaches from the east or north over Tokyo Bay on runway 34L/34R or 05, placing the left side facing west over central Tokyo. You get a prolonged view of the Tokyo metropolitan grid, Tokyo Bay, and the city's dense urban fabric as the aircraft descends. The right side faces out over open water for much of the approach. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Tokyo metropolitan grid, Yokohama waterfront, Mount Fuji (visible to the southwest on clear days).
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Tokyo?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Tokyo International (HND) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,697 miles (7,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from YVR to HND tracks northwest over the Gulf of Alaska, then arcs along the Aleutian Islands chain — a string of volcanic islands including Unimak and the Fox Islands group — before descending south over the Kuril Islands and the northern Japanese coast of Hokkaido and Honshu. The North Pacific crossing is largely featureless open ocean, but on clear days the Aleutian volcanic peaks and the rugged Kuril Island chain are visible. The route passes near Kamchatka Peninsula, whose snow-covered volcanic cones can occasionally be seen on the southern horizon.