Best Flights to Japan

Compare airlines, find the best routes, and book the perfect flight for your Japan adventure. From budget carriers to premium Japanese service.

Updated December 2025 • Prices and routes subject to change

LA to Tokyo

11-12 hours direct. Most flight options from the West Coast.

SF to Tokyo

10-11 hours direct. ANA, JAL, United, and budget carriers.

Finding Cheap Flights

Strategies, tools, and timing tips to find the best deals.

Airlines Flying to Japan

Choose based on your priorities: comfort, price, or convenience. Japanese carriers offer the best experience; US carriers offer more routes.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Excellent

$800-2,000+ roundtrip

Direct from LAX, SFO, NYC, Chicago, Seattle, Houston

Pros: 5-star service, Great food, Modern fleet, Star Alliance

Cons: Premium pricing, Limited US routes

JAL (Japan Airlines)

Excellent

$800-2,000+ roundtrip

Direct from LAX, SFO, NYC, Chicago, Dallas, Boston

Pros: 5-star service, Oneworld alliance, Comfortable seats, Premium economy value

Cons: Slightly older fleet, Fewer US gateways

United Airlines

Good

$700-1,800+ roundtrip

Direct from SFO, LAX, Newark, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Guam

Pros: Most US routes, Frequent sales, Star Alliance (ANA partner), Polaris business class

Cons: Economy can be tight, Variable service

American Airlines

Good

$700-1,800+ roundtrip

Direct from LAX, DFW, NYC

Pros: Oneworld (JAL partner), DFW hub convenient, Frequent flyer options

Cons: Economy seats tight, LAX connection often required

Delta Air Lines

Good

$700-1,800+ roundtrip

Direct from LAX, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Honolulu

Pros: Reliable service, Good food for US carrier, Strong Pacific network

Cons: No Japanese partner airline, Limited direct routes

Budget Options (Zipair, etc.)

Basic

$400-800+ roundtrip

Zipair: LAX, SFO to Tokyo

Pros: Cheapest fares, A la carte pricing, Modern aircraft

Cons: No meals included, Extra fees add up, Limited routes

Which Airport to Fly Into?

Tokyo has two airports, plus Osaka's Kansai for western Japan. Your choice affects convenience and sometimes price.

NRT

Narita International

Tokyo

Pros: Main international hub, More flight options, Lower landing fees = cheaper flights

Cons: 60-90 min to central Tokyo, Last train ~9pm

Best for: Most international flights, budget travelers

HND

Haneda International

Tokyo

Pros: 15-30 min to central Tokyo, 24-hour trains, Newer terminals

Cons: Fewer flights, Premium pricing, Can be crowded

Best for: Convenience, late arrivals, business travelers

KIX

Kansai International

Osaka

Pros: Direct Kyoto/Osaka access, Skip Tokyo entirely, Less crowded

Cons: Fewer direct routes from US, May need connection

Best for: Kansai-focused trips, avoiding Tokyo crowds

Booking Tips

Book 2-4 months ahead for best prices

Sweet spot is typically 8-12 weeks before departure. Last-minute deals are rare for Japan.

Use Google Flights for price tracking

Set up price alerts for your dates. Prices can drop $200-400 overnight.

Consider positioning flights

Flying from LAX or SFO is often cheaper than smaller airports. Factor in domestic flight costs.

Avoid peak seasons for savings

Cherry blossom (late March-April) and autumn (November) are most expensive. Shoulder seasons save 30-40%.

Check both airports (NRT and HND)

Haneda is more convenient but often $100-200 more. Worth it for late arrivals.

Consider open-jaw tickets

Fly into Tokyo, out of Osaka (or vice versa). Saves backtracking and often similar price.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Once you've booked flights, let us help with the rest. Itineraries, accommodations, and everything you need.

Try Travelmaxing Free See all planning resources