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NRT → CNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Cairns International Airport (Cairns)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a spectacular aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef's turquoise lagoons and the sunrise over the Coral Sea during the morning arrival into Cairns.
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Tokyo Bay Nightscape
Luminous views of Chiba and Tokyo's industrial coastline shortly after takeoff from Narita.
Coral Sea Sunrise
A breathtaking view of the sun rising over the Pacific horizon as the flight approaches Australia.
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest reef system visible in stunning detail during the final descent into Cairns.
Trinity Inlet
The winding waterways and mangrove forests that surround the city of Cairns.
Since NRT-CNS is typically an overnight flight, the left side is essential for witnessing the sunrise. Open your window shade about 45 minutes before arrival to see the first light hitting the Great Barrier Reef. The approach path usually follows the coastline, making the coral formations and turquoise waters highly visible from this side.
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Mount Fuji
A distant silhouette of Japan's most iconic peak visible to the west shortly after departure.
Izu Islands
The chain of volcanic islands stretching south from Honshu into the Philippine Sea.
Daintree Rainforest
The dense, ancient canopy of the world's oldest tropical rainforest meeting the sea.
Great Dividing Range
The rugged, mountainous backdrop of North Queensland as the plane descends into the coastal plain.
The right side is ideal for departure views of the Japanese coastline and potential glimpses of Mount Fuji at dusk. Upon arrival, this side offers views of the Australian mainland, including the lush Daintree Rainforest and the Kuranda Range. This side is preferred if you want to see the proximity of the mountains to the coast.
Book Hotels in CairnsDistance: 5,882 km (3,655 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 55 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Route Type: International
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