Global route / Trans-Pacific

Tokyo to Los Angeles Flight Path Map

Preview the NRT-LAX route in 3D, then choose the window side with the stronger view.

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Distance

~8800 km

great-circle estimate

Flight Time

9h 30m

typical schedule

Direction

Northeast (50°)

route bearing

Best View

Mid-cruise

RIGHT window

Route Read

Sit on the RIGHT side for mount fuji — japan's perfect volcanic cone.

Taking off from Narita, Mount Fuji appears almost immediately on the right — Japan's perfect symmetrical volcano.

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Decision

RIGHT side

HIGH confidence based on route bearing, terrain position, and likely viewing side.

Why It Works

Right side (south) has Mount Fuji visible after takeoff — one of the world's most iconic aerial views

The North Pacific great circle route passes over the Aleutian Islands visible on the right

Alaska's Brooks Range and Denali (McKinley) visible on the left in clear conditions — both peaks are north of the flight path

Route Intelligence

What this flight path is known for

Taking off from Narita, Mount Fuji appears almost immediately on the right — Japan's perfect symmetrical volcano.

Mount Fuji — Japan's perfect volcanic cone
Kuril Island chain
Kamchatka volcanoes
Aleutian Islands arc

Side Comparison

LEFT side

  • Japanese Alps and Pacific Ocean
  • Kuril Islands chain
  • Kamchatka Peninsula volcanoes
  • Aleutian Islands (some)

RIGHT side

Pick this
  • Mount Fuji (departure)
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Southern Kuril Islands
  • Aleutian volcanic arc

View Timeline

What to watch for

Takeoff from Tokyo

Mount Fuji

RIGHT

Japan's perfect cone volcano — one of the world's most recognizable mountains from the air

Mid-flight

Kamchatka Peninsula

LEFT

Russia's remote volcanic peninsula with multiple smoking peaks

Aleutian Islands

Both

The chain of volcanic islands arcing across the North Pacific

Denali (Mount McKinley)

LEFT

North America's highest peak at 63°N — north of the flight path, visible from the left window on clear days as the route crosses Alaska

Full route notes

Taking off from Narita, Mount Fuji appears almost immediately on the right — Japan's perfect symmetrical volcano. The route arcs northeast across the North Pacific, following the great circle over the Kuril Islands, the smoking Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Aleutian chain. Crossing into Alaska, Denali's massive bulk may be visible on clear days before descending through the Pacific Northwest and California.

Tokyo to Los Angeles is a great circle route over the North Pacific, one of the longest over-ocean routes in commercial aviation.

Actual paths can shift by 10-30 km due to airline routing, wind, weather, or air traffic control.

Timing, weather, and airline variation

Morning

Daytime over the Pacific — the great circle route over the Aleutians is best in summer when visibility is excellent.

Evening

Evening departures from Tokyo may catch Fuji in golden light. The Pacific crossing is mostly at night.

Weather

North Pacific is often overcast. Clear windows are rare but dramatic when they occur.

Airline routes

Different carriers may file slightly different paths, especially on long-haul routes, but the right side is the statistically stronger pick for the standard route.

Flight path FAQs

What is the best side for Tokyo to Los Angeles?

The RIGHT side is recommended with high confidence.

What is the flight path?

The NRT-LAX route follows a northeast (50°) great-circle path at around 40,000 ft.

What can I see?

Key landmarks include Mount Fuji, Kamchatka Peninsula, Aleutian Islands.

Does sunlight matter?

Yes. Sun angle is part of the recommendation, along with the route bearing and scenic features.

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