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NRT → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is highly recommended for its spectacular views of the Greenland ice sheet and the dramatic transition from the Arctic Ocean to the rugged fjords of Northern Norway.
Mount Fuji
Visible shortly after departure from Narita if the aircraft climbs south before turning north towards the pole.
Greenland Glaciers
On the common polar detour, the Left Side offers front-row seats to the massive, jagged ice floes and glaciers of East Greenland.
Norwegian Fjords
Witness the breathtaking, steep-walled inlets and snow-capped peaks as the flight enters Scandinavian airspace.
Finnish Taiga
As you descend towards Helsinki, the dense, dark green canopy of the endless boreal forest becomes clearly visible.
For the best views of Greenland, stay awake roughly 7-9 hours into the flight. If traveling during the northern summer, you will experience 'Midnight Sun' conditions, making the ice pack exceptionally bright, so keep your sunglasses handy inside the cabin.
Kamchatka Peninsula
Look for the dramatic silhouettes of active volcanoes if the flight track follows the Pacific rim northward.
Bering Strait
The geographic meeting point of two continents and two oceans, often visible as a narrow gap between landmasses.
Aurora Borealis
The right side is perfectly positioned for viewing the Northern Lights during the dark winter months over the Arctic Circle.
Inari Lake District
On the descent through Northern Finland, enjoy the view of thousands of interconnected lakes and islands.
If flying between October and March, the right side is the 'aurora side.' To see them, ensure your window area is completely dark by covering your head and the screen with a blanket to block internal cabin reflections. Check solar activity levels before boarding.
Distance: 7,829 km (4,865 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 13 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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