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NRT → DUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Düsseldorf Airport (Duesseldorf)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the rugged Greenlandic coastline, the Arctic sea ice, and a potentially more dramatic descent over Northern Europe.
Bering Strait
The narrow passage between Russia and Alaska, often filled with drifting sea ice depending on the season.
East Greenland Coast
Dramatic fjords, sharp mountain peaks, and massive glaciers flowing into the North Atlantic.
Arctic Ice Cap
Endless expanses of geometric ice floes and cracks in the polar ice during the crossing of the high latitudes.
Norwegian Fjords
Deep blue inlets and steep cliffs as the flight crosses the Scandinavian Peninsula toward the North Sea.
Northern Germany
Views of the sprawling port of Hamburg and the transition from the coast to the European plains.
For the current polar route bypassing Russian airspace, the left side provides the best lighting for photography of Greenland's coast. Aim for a window seat away from the wing (rows 10-15 or 35+) to ensure unobstructed views of the ice fields. If flying during winter, keep an eye out for the Aurora Borealis during the dark polar segments.
Tohoku Coastline
The rugged eastern edge of Japan's main island, Honshu, visible shortly after takeoff from Narita.
Brooks Range
The northernmost mountain range of North America, stretching across Alaska's wilderness.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The vast, white interior of the world's largest island, looking like an endless desert of snow.
Shetland Islands
The remote and wind-swept Scottish islands appearing as emerald dots in the North Sea.
Lower Rhine Valley
The winding Rhine river and the industrial heartland of Germany on the final approach into DUS.
The right side is excellent for early flight views of the Japanese coastline. During the long transit over the Arctic, the right side often catches the soft glow of the sun without direct glare, which is better for consistent cabin lighting. For the landing in Düsseldorf, the right side often sees the urban sprawl of the Ruhr area and the Rhine river curves.
Distance: 9,331 km (5,798 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 59 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: DUS (51.289501, 6.766780000000001)
Route Type: International
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