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PEK → CTS
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route, offering a clear view of the Liaodong Peninsula shortly after takeoff and the stunning volcanic topography of Hokkaido, including Mount Yotei and Lake Shikotsu, during the final descent.
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Dalian & Lushun
Strategic port cities at the tip of the Liaodong Peninsula visible during the early cruise phase.
Mount Yotei
Hokkaido's 'Mt. Fuji,' a perfectly symmetrical stratovolcano located near Niseko.
Lake Shikotsu
A stunning, deep-blue caldera lake located just south of Sapporo, known for its incredible water clarity.
Uchiura Bay
The large circular bay of southwestern Hokkaido, often dotted with fishing vessels.
Tomakomai Port
The major industrial port area of Hokkaido visible just before touching down at New Chitose.
Sit on the right side for the most iconic Japanese landmarks. Mount Yotei is the star attraction; it appears about 15-20 minutes before landing. In winter, the contrast between the frozen blue lakes and white snow is breathtaking. Note that for morning flights, this side will be sun-facing, so keep your window shade down during the high-altitude cruise to keep the cabin cool.
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Beijing Skyline
Aerial view of the sprawling capital and the Olympic Park area shortly after departure from PEK.
Bohai Gulf Coast
The northern coastline of the Bohai Sea, featuring major industrial ports and coastal wetlands.
Daisetsuzan Mountains
Distant views of the 'Roof of Hokkaido' if the flight path tracks slightly further north.
Ishikari Plain
The vast agricultural and snowy expanse of central Hokkaido as the plane turns for its final approach.
The left side is ideal for spotting the industrial heartbeat of Northern China. During the winter months, look for sea ice in the Bohai Gulf. As you approach Japan, the left side offers a broader look at the rugged, forested interior of Hokkaido. For the best photography of the snowy landscape, a morning flight is recommended to avoid harsh backlighting.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for JapanDistance: 2,107 km (1,309 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: CTS (42.77519989013672, 141.69200134277344)
Route Type: International
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