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NRT → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior chance of seeing Mount Fuji shortly after departure from Tokyo and provides better lighting and landmark visibility across the American heartland toward the destination.
Tokyo Bay
Excellent views of the Chiba coastline and the dense urban sprawl of the Greater Tokyo Area.
Aleutian Islands
A chain of remote volcanic islands stretching across the North Pacific toward Alaska.
U.S. Great Plains
The intricate 'patchwork quilt' pattern of agricultural fields across the American Midwest.
Great Lakes Corridors
Distant views of the Chicago or Detroit skylines depending on the specific air traffic control routing.
Shenandoah Valley
A beautiful perspective of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Potomac River on the final approach to Dulles.
The right side is generally preferred for the departure from Narita to see Mount Fuji. However, because this is an eastbound flight, the sun will be on the right side for the duration of the daylight hours; keep your window shade down during the cruise to prevent cabin overheating and use a polarizing filter for photos.
Mount Fuji
On clear days, catch a glimpse of the iconic volcanic peak to the west shortly after takeoff.
Kamchatka Coastline
The flight path often skirts the rugged, volcanic eastern coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Canadian Shield
Observe the vast, lake-pocked wilderness of northern Canada and the Northwest Territories.
Lake Superior
Stunning views of the largest of the Great Lakes as the plane crosses into U.S. airspace.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinct parallel ridges and valleys of the Pennsylvania and Maryland highlands during descent.
The left side is the prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights if you are flying during the winter months over the high latitudes of the Arctic. It also benefits from less direct sunlight during the eastbound journey, which reduces glare for photography.
Distance: 10,845 km (6,739 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 46 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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