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NRT destination photo
DME destination photo

NRTDME

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point for Japan's mountain ranges, the southern basin of Lake Baikal, and the dramatic transition from the Siberian wilderness to the fertile Volga basin.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Japanese Alps

Dramatic views of the snow-capped Hida and Kiso mountain ranges shortly after departure from Narita.

💧

Lake Baikal

The world's deepest lake appears as a massive, deep blue crescent (or white expanse in winter) approximately mid-flight.

⛰️

Southern Ural Mountains

The ancient geological boundary between Asia and Europe, featuring rugged ridges and dense forests.

🌾

Eurasian Steppe

Vast, undulating grasslands that stretch toward the horizon across southern Russia.

🌉

Volga River

Europe's longest river winding through the landscape as the flight approaches the Moscow region.

Sit on the left for the best sunlight during this westbound journey; the sun will be positioned to the south, illuminating the Siberian landscape without direct glare. Keep a close watch roughly 5-6 hours into the flight for Lake Baikal. In winter, the frozen patterns of the Angara river source are particularly striking from this side.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Sea of Japan

A vast maritime crossing between the Japanese archipelago and the Russian Far East.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

An endless carpet of coniferous forest stretching north toward the Arctic Circle.

🚢

Ob and Yenisei Rivers

Massive northward-flowing river systems that create intricate silver ribbons across the tundra.

❄️

Arctic Horizon

On clear days at high altitudes, the distant pale glow of the Arctic regions is visible to the north.

The right side is the premier choice for night flights during winter months, as it offers the best opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over northern Siberia. While the landscape can be repetitive, the scale of the river deltas and the chance for celestial displays make it a strong alternative for night travelers.

Top Activities in Moscow
Route Information

Distance: 7,513 km (4,668 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 50 min

Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Arrival: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)

Route Type: International

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