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OKA destination photo
KIX destination photo

OKAKIX

Which side of the plane to sit from Naha Airport (Okinawa) to Kansai International Airport (Osaka)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning sequence of the Ryukyu archipelago, including the UNESCO-listed Yakushima, and detailed views of the rugged Shikoku coastline and mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

Amami Oshima

Breathtaking views of coral reefs and turquoise bays as you fly along the western edge of the island.

⛰️

Yakushima Island

The dramatic, cloud-capped peaks of this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient cedar forests.

🌋

Sakurajima

On clear days, the active volcano in Kagoshima Bay is often visible in the distance across the water.

🏖️

Nichinan Coastline

The scenic, rugged shores of Miyazaki Prefecture featuring unique rock formations and sandy beaches.

🏔️

Shikoku Mountains

The majestic Ishizuchi range, the highest mountains in Western Japan, visible as the plane crosses over Shikoku.

🌉

Awaji Island & Akashi Strait

Detailed views of the island and the massive suspension bridge during the final approach into Osaka Bay.

Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun is in the east, providing perfect front-lighting for the islands and mountains. Watch specifically for Yakushima about 40-50 minutes after takeoff; it is one of the rainiest places in Japan, so clear sightings of its 1,936m peak are a rare treat.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Pacific Horizon

Endless views of the deep blue Philippine Sea and the powerful Kuroshio Current.

🚀

Tanegashima Space Center

The Japanese spaceport's launch pads are often visible on the southeastern tip of Tanegashima island.

📍

Cape Muroto

The sharp, prominent geological tip of southeastern Shikoku jutting into the Pacific.

🌲

Kii Peninsula

The dense, mystical forests and sacred mountain ranges of the Kumano Kodo region.

✈️

Kansai Airport Island

A spectacular overhead view of the massive man-made island and its long terminal during the final descent.

The right side is perfect for space enthusiasts hoping to spot the Tanegashima launch pads. If landing from the south (the most common pattern), this side provides a panoramic view of the Kii Peninsula's coastline. Note that afternoon flights may experience significant glare from the sun reflecting off the Pacific.

Top Activities in Osaka
Route Information

Distance: 1,169 km (726 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min

Departure: OKA (26.1958007812, 127.646003723)

Arrival: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)

Route Type: Domestic

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