About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Tokyo. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the Fraser delta and North Shore mountains on departure, and Tokyo Bay and the Kanto Plain on approach. During the transpacific cruise, both sides see open ocean, so the departure and arrival phases determine the winner.
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's primary departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward over the Strait of Georgia before turning northwest. Left-side seats face south toward the Fraser River delta, the city of Richmond's grid, and the North Shore mountains including the Garibaldi massif. Right side gets open water and flat farmland. Notable sights include: Fraser River delta, Mount Garibaldi (2,678m), Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline.
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 runway 34L brings aircraft in from the south-southwest on a northward heading. Left-side seats face west over the Kanto Plain toward Tokyo Bay and the dense urban fabric of greater Tokyo, including the visible grid of Chiba and the bay's industrial waterfront. Right side faces east over rural Chiba farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Tokyo Bay, Chiba urban grid, Tokyo metropolitan area on the horizon, Tone River agricultural plain.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Tokyo?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Vancouver to Tokyo flight path pass over?
The great circle route from YVR to NRT tracks northwest over the Gulf of Alaska, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain, then curves southwest over the North Pacific. Passengers may glimpse the volcanic peaks of the Aleutians on clear days, including Unimak Island's Shishaldin Volcano. The route then crosses the Kuril Islands chain north of Hokkaido before descending toward Honshu. The vast majority of the flight is over open featureless ocean with occasional cloud systems visible below.