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OKA destination photo
CTS destination photo

OKACTS

Which side of the plane to sit from Naha Airport (Okinawa) to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a spectacular gallery of Japan's most iconic landmarks, including Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and a sequence of volcanic caldera lakes as you transition from the subtropics to the subarctic.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏝️

Amami Oshima

Stunning views of turquoise coral reefs and dense subtropical forests shortly after departure from Naha.

🌋

Mount Fuji

The iconic snow-capped cone is frequently visible as the aircraft passes the Shizuoka coastline.

🏔️

Japanese Alps

The dramatic, jagged peaks of the Hida and Kiso mountain ranges forming the spine of central Honshu.

🌊

Lake Towada

A magnificent blue caldera lake located on the border of Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Honshu.

🏙️

Hakodate Bay

The unique 'fan' shape of Hakodate city and the Goryokaku star fort during the descent into Hokkaido.

For the best photographic lighting, choose a morning flight so the sun is behind the aircraft. During winter, the landscape transition from the green Ryukyu islands to the deep snow of Tohoku and Hokkaido is visually stunning. Keep your camera ready about 60-80 minutes into the flight for the best chance to see Mount Fuji.

Right Side Highlights
6.4
🌊

Pacific Horizon

Expansive and serene views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the Kuroshio Current.

🏝️

Izu Islands

A chain of volcanic islands extending south from Tokyo Bay visible in the distance.

🧗

Sanriku Coast

The rugged and intricate rias coastline of the Tohoku region, known for its deep inlets and cliffs.

🦄

Cape Erimo

The sharp, windy southern tip of Hokkaido where the mountains meet the sea in a dramatic point.

🚢

Tomakomai Port

Massive industrial infrastructure and cargo ships visible as the plane aligns for its final approach.

The right side is ideal for passengers seeking a peaceful view of the horizon without the glare of the midday sun. It offers better views of the rugged Pacific coastline of Tohoku if the flight path is pushed slightly eastward due to air traffic or weather. Look for the distinct white surf crashing against the Sanriku cliffs.

Top Activities in Sapporo
Route Information

Distance: 2,242 km (1,393 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 59 min

Departure: OKA (26.1958007812, 127.646003723)

Arrival: CTS (42.77519989013672, 141.69200134277344)

Route Type: Domestic

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