Planes absolutely fly west to Japan! There's no rule or restriction preventing planes from traveling in any direction. In fact, many flights from North America and Europe travel west to reach Japan, taking advantage of prevailing winds and efficient flight paths.
Here's why you might think planes don't fly west to Japan:
- The Earth's Rotation: The Earth rotates from west to east. This means that flights traveling east (like from the US to Japan) appear to be faster than flights traveling west (from Japan to the US) because they are aided by the Earth's rotation.
- Flight Paths and Time Zones: Flight paths are often designed to optimize travel time and fuel efficiency. Flights traveling west may take longer and require more fuel due to the Earth's rotation, so airlines may choose more direct routes that are not necessarily westward.
- Misconceptions: Sometimes, people may mistakenly believe that flights always travel east to west due to the perception of the Earth's rotation.
Here's a practical example:
A flight from New York to Tokyo could travel westward across the Pacific Ocean, making stops in Alaska or Hawaii. This route would be significantly longer than a flight traveling eastward, but it could be advantageous for certain airlines or passengers depending on their needs.
In conclusion, planes do fly west to Japan, and the direction of flight is determined by factors such as flight paths, time zones, and fuel efficiency.
