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IST → KIX
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Kansai International Airport (Osaka)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more diverse range of geographical landmarks, including the high peaks of the Caucasus, the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, and superior views of the Japanese archipelago upon arrival, including the unique approach into Osaka Bay.
Search flights from IST to KIX
Bosphorus Strait
A stunning aerial view of the bridge connecting Europe and Asia immediately following takeoff from IST.
Caucasus Mountains
The dramatic, jagged peaks of Georgia and Azerbaijan, often visible with deep snow cover year-round.
Caspian Sea South
The southern basin of the world's largest inland body of water, often showing the contrast between sea and desert.
Tianshan Range
The 'Heavenly Mountains' of Kyrgyzstan and Western China, featuring massive glaciers and some of the world's highest peaks.
Japanese Archipelago
Views of the Chugoku region and the Seto Inland Sea as the aircraft begins its descent into the Osaka region.
Kansai Island
The spectacular approach over Osaka Bay, looking down at the massive man-made island that houses KIX airport.
Choose the right side for the best lighting conditions during an eastbound flight. Most IST-KIX flights arrive in the late afternoon or evening; the right side will face south/southeast, avoiding the direct glare of the setting sun while providing beautiful golden-hour lighting over the Japanese landscape. On clear days, if the approach path takes a southern route, you may catch a distant glimpse of Mount Fuji to the east.
Book Hotels in OsakaBlack Sea Coast
The rugged northern coastline of Turkey and the vast blue expanse of the Black Sea shortly after departure.
Kazakh Steppe
Infinite horizons of the Central Asian grasslands, displaying unique geological textures and remote settlements.
Altai Mountains
Glimpses of the snow-dusted peaks where Russia, China, and Mongolia meet, depending on the specific flight corridor.
Northern Gobi
The stark, desolate beauty of the Mongolian plateau and the northern reaches of the Gobi Desert.
Korean Peninsula
A clear view of the Yellow Sea and the western coastline of South Korea during the final hours of the flight.
The left side is ideal for capturing the vastness of the Eurasian landmass. If you are flying during the summer months, you will experience a very short night, often with a prolonged 'blue hour' over the Russian-Kazakh border. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid glare from the northern sun.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for JapanDistance: 8,744 km (5,433 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 17 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)
Route Type: International
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