The popular travel route is between Tokyo and Osaka. Whether you are flying or riding a train, there are seats that offer a better view, more storage space, or are quieter than other seats.

Flight from Haneda or Narita (Tokyo) to Itami or Kansai (Osaka)

Most planes taking off from Haneda or Narita to Osaka head southwest, flying over the mouth of Tokyo Bay. At night, especially from Narita, you can catch a view of the Tokyo and Yokohama city lights from the right side of the plane. From Haneda, you will see Yokohama on the right. During the daytime on a sunny day, you can catch a view of Mt. Fuji from the right side of the plane.

For landing into Osaka Itami airport, the left side offers a great view of the Osaka skyline. The plane will fly just a few hundred meters west of Osaka Castle.

During a southward wind day when landing at Kansai airport, it’s recommended to sit on the left side of the plane. This is because the plane will circle around Osaka Bay, providing you with stunning views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, as well as Kobe and the Osaka port.

To see Yokohama, Tokyo (from Narita), and Mt. Fuji, the right side is the way to go. For an Osaka view, the recommendation is the left side of the plane. Personally, I prefer to sit on the left side since the low altitude landing view of Osaka.

Flight landing into Haneda

Flights that land on Haneda between 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, particularly between May and October when the wind is blowing from the south, often fly over Tokyo. When this occurs, the left side of the plane offers close-up views of Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. Outside of those hours during summer, the right side of the plane is recommended for views of Tokyo. However, during winter when the wind is blowing from the north, the plane won’t fly over land.

Things to watch out

If you are flying with ANA, it’s worth noting that the cabin lights won’t be turned off throughout the flight, which means you won’t be able to see the outside view at night. In contrast, JAL is recommended for those who want to enjoy the night time view, as they turn off the lights during takeoff and landing.

Train (Shinkansen)

The recommendation is to always sit on a 2-seater seat on the right side of the train when heading towards Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is visible around Shin-Fuji Station. The same seat will also provide nice views of Lake Hamana near Hamamatsu and Mt. Ibuki near Maibara.

Conclusion

The popular travel route between Tokyo and Osaka offers passengers the opportunity to experience some of Japan’s most breathtaking views. Whether traveling by plane or train, it is recommended to choose a seat that offers a better view. From the plane, one can catch stunning views of Tokyo, Yokohama, and even Mt. Fuji on a sunny day. Meanwhile, on the train, a two-seater seat on the right side (left side from towards Tokyo) provides excellent views of Mt. Fuji. With careful planning and a little bit of luck, you can make the most out of their journey between Tokyo and Osaka.