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DME destination photo
NRT destination photo

DMENRT

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the world's deepest lake, Baikal, and the potential for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji during the approach into Tokyo.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Volga River

Shortly after takeoff from DME, view the majesty of Russia's longest river as it snakes through the western plains.

💎

Lake Baikal

The crown jewel of the flight. This massive, crescent-shaped lake is clearly visible from the right side, appearing like a blue eye in the landscape.

⛰️

Stanovoy Range

Dramatic mountain ridges in southeastern Russia that mark the drainage divide between the Arctic and Pacific oceans.

🛳️

Sea of Japan

A vast blue expanse as the plane leaves the Russian coast near Khabarovsk and heads toward the Japanese archipelago.

🗻

Mount Fuji

On clear days, if the approach to Narita brings the plane from the west or south, the iconic peak is often visible in the distance.

🏙️

Greater Tokyo Area

A breathtaking view of the world's most populous metropolitan area as you descend over the Kanto Plain.

Lake Baikal is usually reached 4 to 5 hours into the flight; set an alarm to avoid missing this landmark. For the approach into Narita, the right side is statistically more likely to offer views of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo skyline, especially if the wind direction requires a southerly arrival route. Seasonal note: In autumn, the Siberian forests turn a vibrant gold and orange.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏔️

Northern Ural Mountains

Cross the ancient boundary between Europe and Asia, viewing the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the northern range.

🌊

Ob River Delta

A massive, winding river system flowing into the Arctic Ocean, showcasing intricate patterns in the Siberian permafrost.

🌲

Central Siberian Plateau

Endless expanses of pristine Taiga forest and deep river valleys that remain largely untouched by human development.

🏙️

Yakutsk Region

The flight path often passes north of the coldest inhabited city on Earth, showing the harsh, icy landscapes of the Sakha Republic.

🏝️

Sakhalin Island

Views of the elongated island and the Tartary Strait as the aircraft transitions from the Russian mainland toward Japan.

Choose the left side for the best chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) if you are flying during the winter months on a night flight. The northern horizon over the Arctic circle is often illuminated with green and violet displays. During the day, keep an eye out for the unique polygon-patterned ground caused by permafrost freezing and thawing.

Top Activities in Tokyo
Route Information

Distance: 7,513 km (4,668 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 50 min

Departure: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)

Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Route Type: International

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