Loading map...
KIJ → CTS
Which side of the plane to sit from Niigata Airport (Niigata) to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)?
Left Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning mountain and coastal views, the left side is generally superior for its iconic views of Sado Island early in the flight and the dramatic entrance into Hokkaido featuring Lake Toya and Mount Yotei.
Search flights from KIJ to CTS
Sado Island
Visible shortly after takeoff from Niigata, look for the unique 'Z' shape of Japan's sixth largest island in the Sea of Japan.
Oga Peninsula
A prominent landform in Akita Prefecture known for its rugged coastline and the 'Namahage' tradition.
Tsugaru Strait
The body of water separating Honshu and Hokkaido; on clear days, you can see the Seikan Tunnel entry points.
Lake Toya
A stunningly blue circular caldera lake with a large forested island in the center, visible as you enter Hokkaido.
Mount Yotei
Often called 'Ezo Fuji' due to its near-perfect volcanic cone, providing a majestic sight during the descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get the best lighting on the Hokkaido coastline. The view of Mount Yotei is the highlight of the trip, usually appearing about 15-20 minutes before landing. In winter, the contrast between the dark sea and snow-covered Sado Island is breathtaking.
Get eSIMs for Japan
Get eSIMs for Japan
Mount Chokai
Known as the 'Dewa Fuji,' this massive independent peak towers over the coastline of Yamagata and Akita.
Shirakami Sanchi
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the last untouched primeval beech forests in East Asia.
Mount Iwaki
A beautiful stratovolcano that dominates the skyline of the Tsugaru Plain in Aomori Prefecture.
Uchiura Bay
Also known as Volcano Bay, this large circular bay is surrounded by active volcanoes and dramatic cliffs.
Lake Shikotsu
One of Japan's clearest and deepest lakes, located just south of the airport near the end of the flight.
The right side is ideal for mountain enthusiasts. If flying in the late afternoon, you will catch the 'golden hour' glow on the Tohoku mountain ranges. During the winter months, the snow-covered peaks of the Ou Mountains provide a spectacular white landscape. Keep a lookout for Mount Tarumae's unique lava dome near Lake Shikotsu.
Book Hotels in SapporoDistance: 578 km (359 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 58 min
Departure: KIJ (37.955898284899995, 139.121002197)
Arrival: CTS (42.77519989013672, 141.69200134277344)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.