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HND destination photo
SFO destination photo

HNDSFO

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the approach into San Francisco, offering iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline, along with better chances to see the Aleutian chain during the crossing.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Tokyo Bay & Chiba

Aerial views of the massive industrial ports and urban sprawl of the Chiba coastline immediately following takeoff from Haneda.

🌋

Kamchatka & Kurils

On more northerly flight paths, you may spot the rugged, snow-capped volcanic peaks of Russia's Far East.

🏔️

Aleutian Islands

The string of volcanic islands stretching across the North Pacific is often visible during the high-latitude cruise phase.

🌉

Golden Gate Bridge

The absolute highlight; as the plane descends from the north, the left side typically gets a direct view of the bridge and Marin Headlands.

🏢

SF Downtown Skyline

Panoramic views of the Salesforce Tower and the city's dense urban core during the final turn into the SFO approach path.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare and obstruction. This side is most dramatic during the final 20 minutes of the flight. Since most HND-SFO flights arrive in the morning, the left side will face north/northeast during the approach, meaning the sun will be behind you or to the side, providing excellent lighting for photos of the bridge.

Right Side Highlights
6.2
🗻

Mount Fuji

If the aircraft takes a southern departure route, Fuji's iconic cone can be seen in the distance to the west shortly after takeoff.

🌊

The North Pacific

Expansive views of the deep blue Pacific and the horizon, perfect for observing the atmospheric transition into sunrise.

🏝️

Farallon Islands

A cluster of rugged, uninhabited islands and wildlife refuges located about 30 miles off the San Francisco coast.

🏖️

Point Reyes National Seashore

Dramatic views of the California coastline and the white cliffs of Drakes Bay as the plane begins its final descent.

🌉

San Mateo Bridge

During the final seconds before touchdown on Runway 28, you will see the long span crossing the southern part of the bay.

The right side is best if you want a chance to see Mount Fuji immediately after takeoff, though this depends heavily on the day's wind-dictated departure path. During the SFO landing, you will see the East Bay and Silicon Valley. Be aware that during the morning arrival, this side will face the sun, which can cause significant glare during the descent.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 8,286 km (5,149 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 45 min

Departure: HND (35.552299, 139.779999)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: International

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