Seeing Kyoto from a planeup to 10 ★
Japan's imperial capital from 794 to 1869, with well over a thousand temples. Look for the strict grid laid out on a Chinese model, ringed by forested hills, with the Kamo River running north to south.
4 of our routes pass it. Japan · rated 5 of 10
The easy pick
Osaka to Tokyo: sit on the left, on the climb, 6 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima to Tokyo | Right | 23 min after takeoff |
| Osaka to Tokyo | Left | on the climb, 6 min after takeoff |
| Tokyo to Kumamoto | Right | 33 min after takeoff |
| Tokyo to Matsuyama | Right | 34 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Kyoto from?
It depends on the direction: the right on most of our routes (3 of 4). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Kyoto from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Can you see Kyoto at night?
Yes, by its lights. The app scores lit places at night by how bright they are.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Lake Biwa Osaka Castle Osaka Kobe Mount Hakkyō Tokyo (HND) All routes