Finding cheap flights to Japan is no easy task, burdening travelers with hefty plane ticket costs. But don’t let those high prices stand in the way of your dream trip to The Land of the Rising Sun. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to book your cheap Japan flights and make your dream trip a reality.
Top Airlines Offering the Cheapest Flights to Japan
Direct flights to Japan provide convenience with shorter travel times, reduce the risk of delays, and often offer enhanced in-flight services. When planning your trip, consider major airlines providing nonstop or direct flights to Japan such as:
American Airlines
American Airlines operates nonstop flights to Japan from several major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW), and Chicago (ORD). Flights are typically daily, but frequency may vary based on the season.
United Airlines
United Airlines connects Japan with diverse cities in the U.S., offering direct flights from Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD), San Francisco (SFO), and more. Most of these flights are daily, but schedules may change depending on demand.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offers nonstop flights to Japan from its hubs in Seattle (SEA), Detroit (DTW), and Atlanta (ATL), among others. Delta typically offers daily service on these routes.
Japan Airlines & All Nippon Airways
As Japan’s flag carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer extensive route networks from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia to Japan. They provide daily nonstop flights from several international cities. Pro Tip: Booking well in advance can help you save on Japan plane tickets and find more budget-friendly options. Get instant cheap flight deals alerts by signing up with OneAir AI today.
Find Major Airports in Japan
Japan boasts several international airports, each offering distinctive features, amenities, and services tailored to travelers’ needs. Budget-conscious travelers can make the most of their trip by exploring these airports’ efficient public transportation options. To ensure a seamless and cost-effective journey from the airport to your desired destination, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with these major gateways:
Narita Airport
Narita Airport in Chiba serves as the primary international gateway to Tokyo, offering excellent transportation connections, including the Narita Express and express buses, for easy access to the city. Travelers can choose from these convenient options to reach central Tokyo within approximately an hour.
Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport, located closer to Tokyo, is renowned for its efficiency and convenience, making it a popular choice for travelers. It offers a wide array of shopping, dining, and transportation options, including the speedy Skyliner and Monorail services, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport, situated on an artificial island, serves as a vital hub connecting Asia and Australia, facilitating international travel in the region. Travelers can enjoy duty-free shopping and convenient access to central Osaka through direct train links.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, is a first-class international gateway serving the Chubu region of Japan. Travelers can easily access central Nagoya via efficient rail connections, enjoy diverse shopping and dining options, and experience the modern facilities of the airport.
Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport, situated in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, serves as the primary airport for Kyushu Island. It offers convenient access to central Fukuoka via the Fukuoka-kuko subway station, with a quick 5 to 15-minute journey to key areas like Hakata and Tenjin. Renowned for its efficiency and accessibility from downtown Fukuoka, the airport ranks as the fourth busiest passenger airport in Japan and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
Compare Prices for Nonstop and One-Stop Flights
Here’s a breakdown of the prices of plane tickets to Japan when flying from Los Angeles:
Comparison for Economy
Round trip | Nonstop | One-stop |
China Airlines | – | $1,503 (LAX) |
All Nippon Airways | $10,453 (LAX) | $10,458 (LAX) |
One-way | Nonstop | One-stop |
Alaska Airlines | – | $875 (LAX) |
Singapore Airlines | $902 (LAX) | $7,154 (LAX) |
Comparison for Premium Economy
Round trip | Nonstop | One-stop |
Cathay Pacific | – | $2,113 (LAX) |
Singapore Airlines | $6,941(LAX) | – |
One-way | Nonstop | One-stop |
Singapore Airlines | $1,779 (LAX) | $8,138 (LAX) |
Comparison for Business Class
Round trip | Nonstop | One-stop |
Air Canada | – | $10,713 (LAX) |
American | $15,691(LAX) | $18,819 (LAX) |
One-way | Non-stop | One-stop |
Philippine Airlines | – | $2,590 (LAX) |
American | $5,635(LAX) | $4,348 (LAX) |
Comparison for First Class
Round trip | One-stop |
United | $4,291(LAX) |
One-way | One-stop |
United | $3,122 (LAX) |
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Find the Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan
Timing your trip to Japan strategically can save you money and enhance your experience. The cheapest time to fly to Japan is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). These periods offer budget-friendly flights and milder weather with fewer tourists. Avoid peak seasons like cherry blossom season, Obon, and New Year for more affordable travel. In addition, Japan hosts a multitude of festivals, or ‘matsuri,’ throughout the year, which can affect travel plans and lead to higher costs. These are some notable events that can impact flight availability and prices:
- Sapporo Snow Festival: The Sapporo Snow Festival is a famous annual event held in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, drawing nearly two million visitors from around the globe during February. Witnessing the city transformed by incredible snow and ice sculptures that light up the night is certainly a worthwhile experience.
- Omizutori: Omizutori is a traditional event held in March at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, a city rich in ancient history. The event, also known as the Water-Drawing Festival, heralds the arrival of spring and features captivating fire ceremonies that create a truly breathtaking spectacle.
- Gion Matsuri: Gion Matsuri, held in Kyoto in July, is one of Japan’s most renowned festivals. It offers an astounding display of traditional Japanese culture, including stunning processions of historical floats, vibrant costumes, and captivating street performances.
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa: Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a centuries-old festival located in Fukuoka city, celebrated in the first half of July. Known for its unique tradition where teams of men race through the city carrying elaborate and heavy floats, this festival provides an unforgettable cultural experience.
- Chichibu Night Festival: The Chichibu Night Festival, held in early December in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals featuring floats. It features a grand procession of ornate floats and a stunning fireworks display.
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