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NRT → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for its sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area, the rugged Mendocino coastline, and the dense urban landscape of the East Bay during the final descent.
Search flights from NRT to SJC
Boso Peninsula
Aerial views of the Chiba coastline and industrial ports shortly after take-off from Narita.
Mendocino Coast
The first point of contact with the US mainland, featuring dramatic cliffs and coastal forests.
Point Reyes
A massive triangular peninsula and National Seashore visible as the plane turns south toward the bay.
San Francisco Bay
A grand perspective of the entire bay, often including distant glimpses of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge.
San Jose Downtown
A close-up view of the Silicon Valley capital's skyline just seconds before touching down.
Arrivals at SJC typically occur in the morning. Sit on the left to witness the sunrise over the Pacific and get the best view of the Bay Area's geography. Be aware that San Francisco is often covered in morning fog, but the East Bay hills usually remain clear.
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Kujukuri Beach
A stunning 60km long sandy beach in Chiba visible during the initial climb out of Japan.
Pacific Sunrise
Spectacular colors as the sun rises over the horizon during the final hours of the transpacific crossing.
Apple Park
The iconic 'Spaceship' headquarters in Cupertino is clearly visible on the right during the SJC arrival.
Stanford University
Spot the distinctive red-tiled roofs and the landmark Hoover Tower in the heart of the Peninsula.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The lush, forested ridge line that separates Silicon Valley from the Pacific Ocean.
The right side is perfect for tech enthusiasts. As the plane descends over the Peninsula, you can spot the headquarters of major tech companies. Try to look for the 'Spaceship' ring of Apple Park located in Cupertino, which is most prominent from this side.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 8,276 km (5,142 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 44 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: International
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