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CTS → KIX
Which side of the plane to sit from New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) to Kansai International Airport (Osaka)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of Japan's mountainous backbone, including the Tohoku ranges and the Japanese Alps, followed by a spectacular aerial perspective of the Kyoto and Osaka urban areas during the descent.
Search flights from CTS to KIX
Lake Shikotsu
Visible shortly after takeoff from CTS, this caldera lake is surrounded by active volcanoes like Mt. Tarumae.
Lake Towada
A stunning double-caldera lake on the border of Akita and Aomori prefectures, known for its deep blue waters.
Mount Iwate
A majestic stratovolcano often referred to as the 'Nambu Fuji' due to its symmetrical cone shape.
Central Japanese Alps
As the flight heads south, the snow-capped peaks of the Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi ranges dominate the horizon.
Ise Bay and Nagoya
Aerial views of the massive Nagoya port area and the sprawling Nobi Plain before entering the Kansai region.
Kyoto and Osaka Cities
On the final approach, the dense urban layout of Kyoto and the skyscrapers of central Osaka are clearly visible.
Book an early morning flight for the best visibility of the mountains, as haze often builds up in the afternoon. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, keep your window shade up to see the transition from the mountains of Shiga to the urban sprawl of the Keihanshin region.
Get eSIMs for Japan
Get eSIMs for JapanTsugaru Strait
The body of water separating Hokkaido and Honshu, offering views of the northernmost tip of the main island.
Oga Peninsula
A distinctive axe-shaped landmass protruding into the Sea of Japan in Akita Prefecture.
Sado Island
Japan's sixth-largest island, visible off the coast of Niigata with its unique 'Z' shape and mountain ranges.
Noto Peninsula
A large peninsula extending north into the Sea of Japan, featuring rugged coastal cliffs and rural landscapes.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Depending on the approach pattern into KIX, you may see the world's longest suspension bridge connecting Kobe to Awaji Island.
This side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights, as you will witness the sun setting over the Sea of Japan. It is also the better side for viewing the unique geography of Japan's western coastline and the artificial islands in Osaka Bay upon landing.
Book Hotels in OsakaDistance: 1,083 km (673 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: CTS (42.77519989013672, 141.69200134277344)
Arrival: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)
Route Type: Domestic
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