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AOJ destination photo
ITM destination photo

AOJITM

Which side of the plane to sit from Aomori Airport (Aomori) to Osaka International Airport (Osaka)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior sequence of Japan's volcanic peaks through the Tohoku region and a spectacular aerial view of the historic Kyoto and Nara regions during the descent into Osaka.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Hakkoda Mountains

Visible immediately after takeoff, these volcanic peaks are famous for their heavy snow and rime ice 'snow monsters' in winter.

💧

Lake Towada

A stunning double-caldera lake on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, known for its deep blue waters.

🗻

Mt. Iwate

Known as 'Nambu Fuji' for its symmetrical cone, this is a dominant landmark as the flight crosses Iwate Prefecture.

🏞️

Lake Inawashiro

One of Japan's largest lakes, located in Fukushima, reflecting the surrounding Bandai-Asahi National Park.

🏛️

Kyoto City

On the approach to ITM, the distinctive grid layout of the ancient capital and its surrounding temples is clearly visible.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the Sea of Japan. This side provides the best vantage point for the 'Volcanic Front' of Honshu. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing for the historic landmarks of the Kansai region.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🌋

Mt. Iwaki

A solitary stratovolcano known as 'Tsugaru Fuji,' visible to the west shortly after departing Aomori.

🌊

Sea of Japan Coastline

Dramatic views of the rugged western coast, including the Oga Peninsula and its unique circular shape.

🏔️

Mt. Chokai

An impressive peak that appears to rise directly out of the Sea of Japan on the Akita-Yamagata border.

🛶

Lake Biwa

Japan's largest freshwater lake comes into view as the aircraft begins its descent into the Keihanshin metropolitan area.

🏙️

Osaka City Skyline

A dense urban panoramic view featuring skyscrapers like Abeno Harukas as the plane banks toward the runway.

The right side is ideal for morning flights when the sun illuminates the coastline. It offers a more maritime perspective and is excellent for spotting the Noto Peninsula in the distance on clear days. Watch for the change from rural Tohoku to the massive urban sprawl of Osaka.

Top Activities in Osaka
Route Information

Distance: 806 km (501 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min

Departure: AOJ (40.73469924926758, 140.69099426269528)

Arrival: ITM (34.785499572753906, 135.43800354003906)

Route Type: Domestic

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