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KIX destination photo
HRB destination photo

KIXHRB

Which side of the plane to sit from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to Taiping Airport (Harbin)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Kansai region's geography during departure and a stunning perspective of the rugged border mountains between Russia and China during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Osaka Bay & Awaji Island

Aerial view of the artificial island airport and the massive suspension bridge connecting to Awaji.

⛰️

Chugoku Mountains

The backbone of western Japan, featuring dense forests and deep valleys as you head toward the Sea of Japan.

🏖️

Tottori Sand Dunes

Visible as a golden strip along the coast before the flight moves over the open sea.

🏔️

Changbai Mountain Range

High-altitude peaks on the horizon as the plane enters Northeast China, often snow-capped.

🏙️

Mudanjiang Valley

Views of the industrial and urban clusters in the valley as the flight approaches Harbin.

Morning flights are ideal for capturing the reflection of the sun on the Seto Inland Sea. During winter months, this side provides spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks in Heilongjiang province. Sit toward the front to avoid the wing blocking the Japanese coastline.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Osaka-Kobe Skyline

A dense urban tapestry framed by the Rokko Mountain range immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Wakasa Bay

The jagged and beautiful 'Rias' coastline of Fukui Prefecture as the flight leaves Honshu.

🌅

Lake Khanka

The massive freshwater lake shared by Russia and China, appearing as a vast inland sea.

🐍

Songhua River Meanders

Intricate silver loops of the river cutting through the Manchurian plains near the destination.

🌾

Heilongjiang Farmland

A patchwork of massive agricultural plots that change color dramatically with the seasons.

Opt for this side on afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep a sharp eye out for Lake Khanka shortly after crossing the Russian coastline; it is one of the most prominent landmarks on this route. Winter flights offer views of the frozen Songhua River.

Top Activities in Harbin
Route Information

Distance: 1,459 km (907 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min

Departure: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)

Arrival: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)

Route Type: International

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