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JFK → NRT
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Narita International Airport (Tokyo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Russian Far East volcanoes and high-latitude Arctic ice formations that are rarely seen on other routes.
Arctic Archipelago
Stunning views of the frozen islands and jagged coastlines of the Canadian High Arctic.
Brooks Range
The northernmost mountain range in Alaska, showcasing pristine wilderness and snow-capped peaks.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
The undisputed highlight, featuring a chain of massive, snow-covered active volcanoes along the Russian coast.
Sea of Okhotsk
Deep blue waters that often feature drifting sea ice during the winter and spring months.
Arctic Twilight
The unique atmospheric lighting effects found only when flying near the magnetic North Pole.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is the star attraction on this route, typically appearing about 10 to 11 hours into the flight. If traveling during the winter, keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during the dark hours over the Arctic. Sitting on the right side avoids the direct glare of the sun for much of the journey westward.
Manhattan Skyline
Upon departure from JFK, passengers can often see the sprawling density of New York City and its iconic skyscrapers.
Hudson Bay
A massive expanse of water and ice that dominates the view during the transit over northern Canada.
Bering Sea
The crossing from the Americas to Asia provides a look at the remote and often turbulent waters of the North Pacific.
Tohoku Coastline
The approach into Japan offers a view of the rugged eastern coast of the main island, Honshu.
Choose the left side if you enjoy watching the progression of the sun; since you fly west against the rotation of the earth, sunsets and sunrises are uniquely prolonged. On approach to Narita, this side may occasionally offer a distant glimpse of Mount Fuji depending on the arrival path.
Distance: 10,830 km (6,729 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 44 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Route Type: International
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