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NRT destination photo
FRA destination photo

NRTFRA

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most iconic start with a potential view of Mt. Fuji and superior lighting for the dramatic mountain ranges and deserts of Central Asia.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🗻

Mount Fuji

Visible shortly after departure if the aircraft takes a southwesterly route over mainland Japan.

🏜️

Gobi Desert

Expansive views of the shifting sand dunes and desolate landscapes of southern Mongolia and northern China.

🏔️

Tian Shan Mountains

Spectacular snow-capped peaks that provide a rugged contrast to the surrounding desert basins.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

A long stretch of the southern coastline, highlighting the junction between the sea and the Turkish mountains.

🏔️

Bavarian Alps

Jagged, high-altitude peaks visible during the descent into Central Europe, especially striking in winter months.

To see Mt. Fuji, ensure you are on the left side and look out within the first 20 minutes of takeoff from Narita. Since the flight travels west, the sun will be to the south (left side) during the day; while this can cause glare, it provides the best illumination for the mountain ranges. Bring a polarized filter for photos to cut through the atmospheric haze over the Gobi Desert.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌊

Sea of Japan

Beautiful coastal views as the plane leaves the Japanese archipelago and crosses toward the Asian continent.

🌾

Central Asian Steppes

The vast, seemingly endless grasslands of Kazakhstan, featuring unique patterns of nomadic settlement and irrigation.

💧

Northern Caspian Sea

A view of the world's largest inland body of water, including the shallow turquoise lagoons near the coast.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

A fantastic view of the financial district skyscrapers during the final approach into FRA when landing from the east.

🍷

Rhine River Valley

The winding river and lush green vineyard regions of Germany visible just before touchdown.

The right side is ideal for travelers who prefer indirect lighting, as the sun will be on the opposite side of the plane for most of the journey. This side often offers a better perspective of the 'Mainhattan' skyline during landing at Frankfurt. Watch for the Caspian Sea around mid-flight; its color changes dramatically depending on the season and silt levels.

Top Activities in Frankfurt
Route Information

Distance: 9,367 km (5,820 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 1 min

Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)

Route Type: International

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