How to Book Flights to Japan: Best Airlines, Airports, and Money-Saving Tips

1. Key Airports in Japan: Entry Points & Alternatives

For most travelers, the first step in planning a trip to Japan is deciding where to land. Japan is a long, narrow country stretching over 3,000 kilometers, and the airport you choose can have a major impact on both your itinerary and your budget. Tokyo is the most common entry point, but it’s not always the best choice depending on your plans. Osaka is a better gateway if your trip focuses on Kyoto, Nara, or western Japan. Fukuoka makes more sense if you’re exploring Kyushu, while Sapporo is perfect for ski trips.

Major international flights concentrate at Tokyo’s two airports, Narita and Haneda. Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo and better for domestic transfers, while Narita often handles long-haul flights. Kansai (Osaka) is a favorite among travelers heading to Kyoto, and Okinawa’s Naha Airport is growing as a hub for travelers exploring Japan’s subtropical islands.

• Narita International Airport (NRT): Tokyo’s main international hub, about 60–90 minutes from the city center.

• Haneda Airport (HND): Closer to downtown Tokyo (20–30 minutes) with many new international routes.

• Kansai International Airport (KIX): Best for Osaka, Kyoto, and western Japan.

• Chubu Centrair (NGO, Nagoya): Convenient for the Japanese Alps and central Japan.

• Fukuoka Airport (FUK): Very close to downtown Fukuoka, perfect for Kyushu trips.

• New Chitose (CTS, Sapporo): Gateway to Hokkaido.

• Naha (OKA, Okinawa): For Okinawa and surrounding islands.

Insider Tip: Consider “open-jaw” tickets — for example, fly into Tokyo Haneda and out of Osaka Kansai. This avoids backtracking and can save both money and travel time.

2. Best Airlines Flying to Japan

Airlines matter more than most travelers realize. The difference between a full-service Japanese carrier and a no-frills budget airline can mean checked bags, meals, and even seat assignments are either included or charged as extras. For long-haul flights, the comfort level and service quality can define the start of your trip.

Japan is served by a wide mix of airlines: two top-rated national carriers (ANA and JAL), budget-friendly upstarts like Zipair, and dozens of international partners. Travelers from North America and Europe often prefer ANA or JAL for direct routes and excellent service, while budget-conscious flyers may find deals with Zipair, AirAsia, or Jetstar. From Asia-Pacific, carriers like Korean Air, EVA Air, and Singapore Airlines provide excellent connections.

• Japan Airlines (JAL): Oneworld member, highly rated for service, food, and seat comfort.

• All Nippon Airways (ANA): Star Alliance member, consistent reliability and safety.

• Zipair Tokyo: Low-cost international airline owned by JAL, with routes to the U.S. and Asia.

• Peach, Jetstar Japan: Budget carriers great for regional and domestic travel.

• International partners: United, Delta, American, Lufthansa, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air.

Traveler Note: Full-service carriers may appear pricier, but with luggage and meals included, they often end up being better value than stripped-down budget fares.

3. When to Book & Best Times to Fly

Flights to Japan fluctuate in price dramatically throughout the year. Understanding the travel seasons is the key to avoiding overpaying.

Japan’s tourism peaks line up with its most famous cultural seasons: cherry blossoms in March–April, Golden Week in May, Obon in August, and the New Year holidays in late December. These times bring higher fares and packed airports. On the flip side, Japan also has clear “low seasons” — January and February, after the holidays, can be some of the cheapest months to fly, especially from North America and Europe. Late spring and early autumn (excluding major festivals) are often the sweet spots for both fares and weather.

• Peak Travel (highest fares): Cherry blossom season (March–April), Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year.

• Best Value (cheapest fares): January–February, late May–June, and September–early December.

• Booking Window: 2–4 months in advance is best for long-haul; 1–2 months for Asia-Pacific.

• Best Days to Fly: Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) often sees lower fares than weekends.

Trick: Set up fare alerts and track prices for a few weeks. Airfares to Japan can swing by hundreds of dollars depending on timing.

4. Hidden Costs & What to Watch Out For

It’s easy to be tempted by the cheapest fare you find online — but not all tickets are equal. Many budget fares hide additional costs in baggage fees, fuel surcharges, or ground transport. What looks like a $700 flight can quickly turn into $1,000 once all add-ons are considered.

For example, flying into Narita instead of Haneda might save $50 upfront, but the extra train ride to Tokyo can erase the savings. Budget carriers like Zipair or AirAsia may not include checked luggage or meals, while full-service airlines like ANA or JAL do. Some carriers also add “fuel surcharges” that don’t appear until checkout.

• Baggage fees: Some budget fares exclude checked luggage entirely.

• Airport transfers: Narita adds extra time and cost compared to Haneda.

• Meals & Seats: Budget carriers often charge extra; check inclusions before booking.

• Refunds & changes: Discount fares are often non-refundable and inflexible.

• Fuel surcharges & taxes: Always check the final total, not just the base fare.

5. Luggage Delivery Services (Takuhaibin)

One of Japan’s best-kept travel secrets is its luggage delivery system, known as takuhaibin (宅配便). This service allows you to send your suitcase directly from the airport to your hotel — or from one hotel to the next — so you don’t have to drag heavy bags through crowded trains and subway stations.

• How it works: After arriving at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, look for luggage delivery counters (Yamato Transport “Kuroneko,” JAL ABC, or Sagawa Express). Hand over your bag, fill out a short form, and your luggage will be delivered within 24–48 hours to your hotel or even a private address.

• Cost: Typically around ¥2,000–¥3,000 per suitcase, depending on size and distance.

• Where to use it: Airport counters, convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart), and hotel front desks can all arrange service.

• Why it’s worth it: Japan’s train stations often have lots of stairs, busy platforms, and compact escalators. Traveling light makes your trip far more comfortable.

• Tips: Pack an overnight bag with essentials if your luggage won’t arrive until the next day. Many travelers send their big suitcase ahead and travel with just a backpack or small roller bag.

  
  

Insider Tip: Domestic flights within Japan also allow generous checked luggage allowances, but combining those with takuhaibin means you can travel stress-free between regions.

6. Money-Saving Tricks & Hacks

Finding cheap flights to Japan is part art, part science. Travelers who are flexible with dates, routes, and airlines often save the most.

Consider flying into Osaka Kansai if Tokyo prices are high, or using a budget carrier for one leg of the journey. Mixing airlines — such as flying ANA one way and Zipair the other — sometimes beats traditional round-trip tickets. Stopovers in Seoul, Taipei, or Bangkok can slash fares and give you a bonus destination. And if you collect airline miles, Japan is one of the best redemptions: ANA and JAL both offer excellent award availability.

• Flexibility saves: Avoid peak weeks, fly midweek.

• Compare airports: Haneda vs Narita, Tokyo vs Osaka.

• Use loyalty programs: Miles with ANA/JAL are excellent value.

• Sign up for alerts: Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper can track fare drops.

• Watch for sales: ANA and JAL run periodic fare sales; Zipair and Peach offer flash discounts.

• Open-jaw tickets: Fly into Tokyo, out of Osaka (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking.

7. Booking a Flight: Step-by-Step

Booking flights can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down helps.

Start by deciding your destination priorities. If you’re planning a Kyoto-focused trip, Kansai Airport will save you hours compared to Tokyo. Next, check multiple search engines to get a sense of fares — Google Flights for a big-picture view, Skyscanner and Momondo for budget options, and the airline websites themselves for direct-booking discounts.

Once you have a baseline, set up fare alerts and wait for a dip in price. When you find a reasonable fare, book quickly — Japan flights often sell out during peak seasons. Always book directly with the airline if possible, since this makes changes or refunds easier.

1. Pick your destination airport.

2. Compare across multiple search tools.

3. Check baggage and refund policies.

4. Set fare alerts for your chosen route.

5. Watch for airline sales.

6. Book directly with the airline when you see a good deal.

8. Example Routes & Good Deals

Different regions have different pricing dynamics.

• North America → Japan: Nonstops from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, and New York are common. ANA and JAL often price competitively with Delta and United. Sometimes routes via Seoul or Taipei save hundreds.

• Europe → Japan: Direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Helsinki are frequent. Finnair often offers budget-friendly fares via Helsinki.

• Australia & New Zealand → Japan: ANA, JAL, Qantas, and Jetstar operate direct routes. Off-peak sales are frequent, especially in shoulder seasons.

• Asia → Japan: Low-cost carriers (AirAsia, Scoot, Peach, Vanilla Air) dominate regional routes, but Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and EVA Air are strong for comfort.

9. Airports & Airline Alliances

Airline alliances can make a big difference if you’re earning or redeeming miles.

• ANA (Star Alliance): Connects with Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines.

• JAL (Oneworld): Partners with American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific.

• Delta, Korean Air, Air France (SkyTeam): Often cheapest via Seoul or Paris.

• Low-cost carriers: Not tied to alliances, but great for one-way or domestic add-ons.

Mileage Tip: If you belong to a loyalty program, credit flights to a partner airline that offers the best redemption rates for Japan routes.

Final Thoughts

Booking flights to Japan is one of the biggest planning steps for any trip. With multiple airports, dozens of airlines, and big seasonal swings in fares, the options can feel overwhelming. But by understanding Japan’s main airports, choosing the airline that fits your needs, booking in the right window, and avoiding hidden costs, you can make sure your journey starts on the right foot.

And don’t forget Japan’s unique advantage: luggage delivery services. They allow you to travel light and stress-free, moving seamlessly from airport to train to hotel without worrying about heavy bags.

Bottom line: Be flexible, do your research, and think beyond just “the cheapest fare.” With these strategies, you’ll arrive in Japan with more money left in your pocket — and less stress from the flight booking process.