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CTS → UUS
Which side of the plane to sit from New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport (Yuzhno-sakhalinsk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the magnificent Rishiri-fuji volcano, an iconic island peak rising directly from the Sea of Japan, along with the rugged western coastline of Hokkaido.
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Mount Yotei
Known as 'Ezo Fuji', this perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano is visible to the southwest shortly after takeoff from Sapporo.
Ishikari Bay
Expansive views of the Sea of Japan coastline as the flight heads north along the western edge of Hokkaido.
Rishiri Island
The flight's crown jewel: a massive dormant volcano sitting in the ocean, creating a stunning silhouette against the horizon.
Rebun Island
Adjacent to Rishiri, this island is famous for its alpine flowers and steep seaside cliffs.
Aniva Peninsula
The rugged western coastline of Sakhalin's southern tip as the plane enters Russian airspace.
The highlight is Rishiri Island, which appears roughly 25 minutes after departure. For the best photography, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the volcanic slopes. In winter, the contrast between the white snow and the dark blue Sea of Japan is extraordinary.
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Sapporo Suburbs
Views of the geometric urban planning of Sapporo and the nearby Moerenuma Park during the initial climb.
Daisetsuzan Range
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido's largest national park are visible to the east.
Cape Soya
The northernmost point of Japan, where the Sea of Japan meets the Sea of Okhotsk.
La Pérouse Strait
The narrow international waterway separating Japan's Hokkaido from Russia's Sakhalin Island.
Korsakov Port
Major industrial views of the LNG plants and shipping infrastructure on the southern coast of Sakhalin during descent.
Watch for Cape Soya to identify the exact moment you leave Japan. Between January and March, keep a close eye on the Sea of Okhotsk to your right to spot 'Ryuhyo' (drift ice) floating down from the north. The descent into UUS on the right side offers better views of the rolling Susunai Mountains.
Book Hotels in Yuzhno-sakhalinskDistance: 464 km (288 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 46 min
Departure: CTS (42.77519989013672, 141.69200134277344)
Arrival: UUS (46.88869857788086, 142.71800231933594)
Route Type: International
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