Finding Cheap Flights to Japan
Strategies that actually work. How to find $500 roundtrip flights when everyone else is paying $1,200.
Real tactics from years of booking Japan flights.
8 Strategies That Work
In order of impact. Stack these together for maximum savings.
Fly in January or February
Save $400-800The cheapest time to fly to Japan. After New Year rush, before spring break. Expect prices 40-50% lower than peak seasons.
Book 8-12 Weeks Ahead
Save $100-300The sweet spot for Japan flights. Too early and prices are high. Too late and you're paying premium. Set calendar reminders.
Use Google Flights Alerts
Save $100-400Set up price tracking for your dates. You'll get notified when prices drop. Prices can swing $200+ overnight.
Consider Budget Carriers
Save $300-600Zipair (LAX/SFO), and occasionally Jetstar/Peach for intra-Asia connections. No frills but modern planes.
Fly Midweek
Save $50-150Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday departures are typically cheapest. Avoid Friday/Sunday when business travelers book.
Check Positioning Flights
Save $100-400Sometimes flying to LAX or SFO first, then to Japan, is cheaper than direct from smaller airports. Do the math.
Be Flexible on Airport
Save $50-200Narita is usually cheaper than Haneda. Consider flying into one, out of another (open-jaw) for similar or lower prices.
Use Points Strategically
Save $3,000-8,000ANA and JAL business class redemptions are excellent value. Transfer from Amex, Chase, or Capital One.
Month-by-Month Pricing
Typical roundtrip prices from US West Coast. Prices vary by departure city.
| Month | Typical Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| January | $550-800 | Best |
| February | $550-850 | Best |
| March | $800-1,400 | Avoid (Sakura) |
| April | $1,000-1,800 | Avoid (Sakura) |
| May | $700-1,100 | Good |
| June | $750-1,200 | OK |
| July | $850-1,400 | OK |
| August | $900-1,500 | OK |
| September | $700-1,100 | Good |
| October | $850-1,500 | OK (Autumn) |
| November | $900-1,600 | OK (Autumn) |
| December | $800-1,400 | OK (avoid holidays) |
Budget Airlines to Japan
Not many options, but Zipair is a game-changer for budget travelers.
Zipair
LAX, SFO → Tokyo Narita
JAL's budget carrier. Boeing 787 with good legroom for budget. Bring your own food or buy onboard.
zipair.net
Jetstar Japan
Connect in Asia (Manila, Singapore)
More useful for intra-Japan flights once you arrive. Watch for sales.
jetstar.com
Peach Aviation
Domestic Japan only
Great for getting around Japan cheaply. Based in Osaka.
flypeach.com
Best Booking Tools
The tools we actually use to find Japan flight deals.
Google Flights
Use the calendar view to see cheapest days. Set alerts for specific routes.
Skyscanner
Good for multi-city and 'everywhere' searches when flexible.
ITA Matrix
No booking, but best for understanding pricing and routing.
Secret Flying
Check daily. Error fares to Japan pop up a few times per year.
The Points Guy
Best guides for using credit card points for Japan flights.
Found a Good Deal?
Don't let your savings go to waste on a mediocre trip. Get a personalized itinerary that maximizes every day in Japan.