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NGS destination photo
UKB destination photo

NGSUKB

Which side of the plane to sit from Nagasaki Airport (Nagasaki) to Kobe Airport (Kobe)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the volcanic peaks of Kyushu, the dense island clusters of the Seto Inland Sea, and a spectacular close-up of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge during the final descent into Kobe.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🌋

Mount Aso

View the massive active caldera and rising steam of one of Japan's most iconic volcanoes shortly after takeoff.

🏝️

Setouchi Archipelago

Hundreds of tiny, pine-covered islands scattered across the shimmering Seto Inland Sea throughout the mid-flight.

🛤️

Shimanami Kaido

A bird's-eye view of the beautiful bridge system that hops between six islands connecting Shikoku to Honshu.

🌉

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

A stunning perspective of the world's longest suspension bridge connecting Awaji Island to the mainland just before touchdown.

🛫

Kobe Airport Island

A complete view of the artificial island airport as the aircraft banks and aligns with the runway over Osaka Bay.

The right side is the 'bridge side'. For the most dramatic experience, look out during the final 10 minutes of the flight to see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Afternoon flights offer a beautiful golden hour glow over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Note that the volcano view of Mt. Aso depends on the specific departure corridor used by ATC.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Omura Bay

Aerial view of the enclosed bay surrounding Nagasaki Airport immediately after departure from the island runway.

🏙️

Hiroshima Coastline

Views of the sprawling Hiroshima city and the distant sacred island of Miyajima in the Hiroshima Bay.

🌉

Great Seto Bridge

The massive series of double-deck bridges connecting Okayama Prefecture to Kagawa Prefecture across the sea.

🏯

Himeji Castle

On clear days, the 'White Heron' castle is visible as a bright white structure near the coast before the Kobe approach.

⛰️

Mount Rokko

The steep mountain range that forms the dramatic northern backdrop to the city of Kobe during the landing phase.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. This side is ideal for spotting urban landmarks and the industrial coastline of Honshu. Keep your camera ready as you pass Himeji to catch the gleaming white walls of Japan's most famous original castle.

Top Activities in Kobe
Route Information

Distance: 526 km (327 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 53 min

Departure: NGS (32.916900634799994, 129.914001465)

Arrival: UKB (34.632801055908196, 135.2239990234375)

Route Type: Domestic

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