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SAN destination photo
NRT destination photo

SANNRT

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the most diverse scenery, starting with the iconic California coastline and potentially the Aleutian Islands, while avoiding the harsh southern sun glare during this westbound journey.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

San Diego Skyline

Immediate views of Downtown San Diego, the Big Bay, and the North Island Naval Base after takeoff.

🏝️

Channel Islands

Aerial perspective of the rugged, uninhabited islands off the coast of Southern California.

🌉

California Coastline

Sweeping views of the Central Coast and occasionally the San Francisco Bay Area depending on the departure corridor.

🏔️

Cascade Range

Distant views of major peaks like Mt. Shasta or Mt. Rainier as the flight arcs toward the North Pacific.

🌋

Aleutian Chain

If the flight path takes a northerly Great Circle route, look for the volcanic island arcs of Alaska through the clouds.

🏭

Kashima Port

A massive industrial complex and harbor area that serves as a landmark for the entry into Japanese airspace.

Choose the right side for the best lighting conditions; the sun will be on the opposite side, making it much easier to take photos of the US coast and Japanese landscape. This side is also better for spotting the Aleutian Islands if the weather is clear. If taking off from SAN toward the west (the standard direction), the right side provides the classic view of Point Loma and the San Diego coastline as the plane turns north.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🌊

Pacific Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the deep indigo North Pacific waters during the long mid-flight crossing.

🌅

The Extended Sunset

Due to the westbound speed, the sunset duration is stretched, offering hours of golden hour lighting.

🗾

Boso Peninsula

The first sight of Japan, featuring the rugged green cliffs and forested hills of the Chiba prefecture.

🏖️

Kujukuri Beach

One of Japan's longest sandy beaches, visible as a continuous arc of white sand on final approach.

🗻

Mount Fuji

On exceptionally clear days during the descent into Narita, the iconic snow-capped peak may be visible in the far distance.

The left side is the 'sunny' side of the aircraft for most of this flight. While great for sunset enthusiasts, keep your window shade down during the mid-day portion to avoid excessive cabin heat and eye strain from the reflection off the clouds or ocean. For the best chance to see Mount Fuji on arrival, hope for a clear day and a 'Runway 34' arrival pattern.

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Route Information

Distance: 8,924 km (5,545 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 30 min

Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Route Type: International

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