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NRT → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a breathtaking approach into San Diego, featuring the California coastline and the famous low-altitude flyover of Downtown San Diego's skyscrapers.
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Boso Peninsula
Dramatic views of the Chiba coastline and the Pacific rollers immediately after departing Narita.
Channel Islands
Aerial perspective of Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands as the flight makes landfall over California.
Los Angeles Basin
Distance views of the sprawling LA metro area and the Santa Monica Mountains during the southward descent.
Balboa Park
Gliding directly over the lush gardens and historic museums of Balboa Park seconds before touchdown.
Downtown San Diego
An iconic, close-up view of the city's skyscrapers that seem within arm's reach during the final approach to Runway 27.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic landing in North America. Since this is an eastbound transpacific flight, you will experience a very short night; expect sunrise to happen quickly. For the San Diego approach, the left side provides the 'urban canyon' feel as you fly past the tallest buildings. Use a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine glare during the early morning sunrise over the Pacific.
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Kujukuri Beach
One of Japan's longest sandy beaches visible on the climb out from NRT.
Port of Long Beach
Views of one of the world's busiest container ports and the Queen Mary as you track south along the coast.
Coronado Bridge
The sweeping blue curve of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge visible just across the bay during landing.
North Island Naval Base
Aerial views of aircraft carriers and naval hangars situated on the peninsula across from the airport.
Point Loma
The rugged peninsula that forms the western boundary of San Diego Bay, seen during the final turn.
The right side is excellent for seeing the San Diego Bay and the military infrastructure of Coronado. If the flight path takes a more inland route due to weather, you might see the San Bernardino Mountains. Note that during a morning arrival, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft for the final leg of the flight, so keep your shades down until the descent begins to avoid glare.
Book Hotels in San DiegoDistance: 8,924 km (5,545 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 30 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: International
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