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CGK → NRT
Which side of the plane to sit from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) to Narita International Airport (Tokyo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the iconic views of Mount Fuji during the descent into Japan and better lighting for the Indonesian archipelago during daytime departures.
Jakarta Skyline
A panoramic view of the sprawling Indonesian capital and the bustling Tanjung Priok port immediately after departure from CGK.
Bangka-Belitung Islands
Stunning turquoise waters and white sand coastlines visible as the flight crosses the Java Sea toward the north.
Mount Fuji
The most famous landmark in Japan, often visible on the left side during the STAR arrival procedure into Narita, typically 20-40 minutes before landing.
Japanese Alps
Distant views of the snow-capped peaks of central Honshu during the final stages of the flight over Japanese territory.
South China Sea Sunset
For evening flights, the left side offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the horizon of Southeast Asia.
On the left side, the sun will typically be behind or above you during afternoon flights, which reduces glare and makes it much easier to photograph the terrain. Pay close attention to the pilot's announcements about 30 minutes before landing; if the sky is clear, Mount Fuji is the ultimate highlight of this route. Ensure your window is clean for the approach into Narita as the descent over Chiba offers detailed views of the Japanese countryside.
Luzon Volcanoes
Aerial views of the rugged, volcanic terrain of the northern Philippines, including the ridges of the Cordillera Central.
Metro Manila
The glittering lights of the Philippine capital are often visible during night flights or clear day passages over the archipelago.
Pacific Sunrise
On overnight red-eye flights, the right side provides a spectacular view of the sun rising over the open Pacific Ocean.
Izu Islands
A chain of volcanic islands, including Oshima and Hachijojima, scattered across the Pacific south of Tokyo during the final approach.
Tokyo Bay Traffic
Dense clusters of cargo ships and tankers queuing to enter one of the world's busiest maritime hubs.
The right side is the best choice for passengers on overnight flights arriving in Tokyo in the early morning, as you will experience a magnificent sunrise over the Pacific. During the day, keep an eye out for the distinct volcanic shapes of the Izu Islands as the plane maneuvers toward the Boso Peninsula. Note that seasonal typhoons often occur between June and October, which can lead to cloud cover that might obscure the Philippine archipelago.
Distance: 5,839 km (3,628 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 52 min
Departure: CGK (-6.1255698204, 106.65599823)
Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Route Type: International
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