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NRT destination photo
TAO destination photo

NRTTAO

Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Liuting Airport (Qingdao)?

Our Recommendation
9.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an unparalleled view of Mount Fuji shortly after takeoff, followed by a panoramic sweep of Japan's southern coastline and the iconic Qingdao skyline upon arrival.

Left Side Highlights
9.5
🗻

Mount Fuji

Visible approximately 15-20 minutes after takeoff from NRT if the flight path heads west over Shizuoka.

🏙️

Tokyo Bay & Skyline

Aerial perspectives of the Boso Peninsula, Haneda Airport, and the dense urban sprawl of the Greater Tokyo Area.

🌊

Seto Inland Sea

Cruising over the tranquil waters dotted with hundreds of small islands between Honshu and Shikoku.

🏟️

Osaka & Kansai Region

Views of the massive urban grid of Osaka and the unique man-made island of Kansai International Airport.

🏙️

Qingdao Old Town

Classic views of red-tiled roofs, colonial architecture, and the modern skyscrapers of the Shinan District during descent.

Sit on the left for the best chance to see Mt. Fuji; morning flights offer the clearest views before clouds build up. During winter, the mountain is perfectly snow-capped. For the arrival in Qingdao, the left side typically provides a better view of the famous 'May Fourth Square' and the coastline.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Japanese Alps

Dramatic views of the Hida and Kiso mountain ranges, often covered in snow through late spring.

🌊

Noto Peninsula

The distinct shape of the peninsula jutting out into the Sea of Japan as you leave the Japanese coast.

⛰️

Mount Lao (Laoshan)

As you approach Qingdao, this sacred Taoist mountain provides a rugged, granite-peaked backdrop near the coast.

🌉

Jiaozhou Bay Bridge

On final approach to TAO, you can often see the massive T-shaped cross-sea bridge spanning the bay.

🏗️

Port of Qingdao

Watch one of the world's busiest container ports in action as the plane turns for its final landing sequence.

The right side is ideal for mountain lovers, offering views of the 'Roof of Japan' shortly after departure. When approaching Qingdao from the north or east, the right side provides an excellent look at the rugged Laoshan coastline. Afternoon flights on this side avoid the direct glare of the southern sun.

Top Activities in Qingdao
Route Information

Distance: 1,798 km (1,117 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min

Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Arrival: TAO (36.2661018372, 120.374000549)

Route Type: International

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