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NGS destination photo
KIX destination photo

NGSKIX

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is superior for capturing the iconic island-dotted landscape of the Seto Inland Sea and the impressive urban coastlines of Hiroshima, Okayama, and Kobe before landing at Kansai.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Omura Bay

Aerial view of the 'Mediterranean of Japan' immediately after takeoff from Nagasaki.

⛰️

Kuju Mountain Range

The highest peaks in Kyushu, often dusted with snow in winter, visible as you cross the island.

🏝️

Seto Inland Sea Archipelago

A breathtaking mosaic of hundreds of small islands between the mainland and Shikoku.

🏙️

Hiroshima Cityscape

Views of the Ota River delta and the urban sprawl of Hiroshima on the Honshu coast.

🌉

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The world's longest suspension bridge connecting Awaji Island to Kobe is visible during the descent.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. This side offers the clearest views of the industrial and urban landscape of the Sanyo region. Look out for the 'Shimanami Kaido' bridges connecting the islands mid-flight.

Right Side Highlights
8.0
🌋

Mt. Unzen

An active volcanic group near Shimabara, offering dramatic sulfur-streaked peaks shortly after departure.

🥣

Mt. Aso Caldera

One of the world's largest volcanic calderas; you can often see smoke rising from the active Nakadake crater.

🏔️

Mt. Ishizuchi Range

The rugged 'Stone Hammer' mountain, the highest peak in Western Japan, situated in Shikoku.

🌊

Bungo Channel

The deep blue waters separating Kyushu and Shikoku, a major maritime thoroughfare.

🏗️

Kansai Airport Island

As the plane turns for its final approach, you get a unique perspective of the man-made island architecture.

The right side is ideal for volcano enthusiasts; the view of Mt. Aso is unparalleled when flight paths stay north of the peak. During evening flights, the sunset over the East China Sea behind the plane can create beautiful pink hues on the Shikoku mountains.

Top Activities in Osaka
Route Information

Distance: 521 km (324 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 52 min

Departure: NGS (32.916900634799994, 129.914001465)

Arrival: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)

Route Type: Domestic

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