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PDX → NRT
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Narita International Airport (Tokyo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side dominates this route with immediate views of the Pacific Northwest's iconic volcanoes and the northern Japanese coast upon arrival.
Cascade Range
Breathtaking views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier shortly after departure.
Olympic Mountains
Snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Peninsula as the flight turns west toward the ocean.
Vancouver Island
The rugged, forested coastline of British Columbia as you head toward the Great Circle route.
Aleutian Chain
Remote volcanic islands stretching across the North Pacific visible during the mid-portion of the flight.
Tohoku Region
The northern coastline of Japan's main island, Honshu, as the aircraft begins its descent.
Sit on the right for the 'Ring of Fire' tour. Immediately after takeoff from PDX, look for Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier to the north. Use a flight tracker to monitor if your path passes close to the Aleutian Islands, as these volcanic peaks are a rare sight. On arrival, the northern Japanese coastline is often visible for a significant portion of the descent. Morning departures provide the most dramatic shadows and lighting for the mountains.
Pacific Shoreline
The meeting of the lush Oregon forests and the vast Pacific Ocean right after takeoff.
Marine Layer
Intricate cloud patterns and atmospheric textures over the deep blue waters of the North Pacific.
Kujukuri Beach
A massive, sweeping sandy coastline visible during the final approach into Narita.
Chiba Peninsula
Industrial ports and urban sprawl surrounding the Tokyo Bay area before touchdown.
This side is best for seeing the vastness of the Pacific and the southern approach into the Chiba region. Note that glare from the southern sun can be intense on this side during the middle of the flight; keep your window shade partially closed to manage heat. On clear days, the final descent offers great views of the coastal industrial landscape of Japan.
Distance: 7,742 km (4,811 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 6 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Route Type: International
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