How to Find Cheap Flights to Japan: The Ultimate Guide
Japan continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient temples, futuristic cities, cherry blossoms, or culinary delights, planning your trip starts with a major cost factor—your flight.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Fortunately, with the right strategy and tools, finding cheap flights to Japan is not only possible—it’s achievable. In this ultimate guide, we break down everything you need to know to find the best airfare to Japan
Table of Contents
- When Is the Best Time to Fly to Japan?
- How Far in Advance Should You Book Flights to Japan?
- Best Days and Times to Book
- Top Websites and Apps for Cheap Japan Flights
- How to Use Alerts and Fare Trackers
- Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Carriers
- Fly into Alternative Airports
- Consider Nearby Asian Cities for Hopping Flights
- Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
- Hidden City and Open-Jaw Ticketing Tricks
- Use Incognito Mode and Clean Cookies
- Japanese Domestic Flight Tips
- Cheapest U.S. Cities to Fly from
- Cheapest European Cities to Fly from
- Mistake Fares and Flash Sales to Japan
- Package Deals That Include Flights
- FAQs on Booking Cheap Flights to Japan
- Final Tips and Booking Checklist
1. When Is the Best Time to Fly to Japan?
Airfare to Japan varies greatly by season. Here’s a breakdown:
- Cheapest Months: January, February, late May, early December
- Most Expensive Months: April (cherry blossom season), August (Obon), late December (New Year)
- Sweet Spot: Late autumn (October to mid-December) offers lower fares and beautiful foliage
2. How Far in Advance Should You Book Flights to Japan?
- International flights: Book 2–5 months in advance for the best rates
- Peak seasons: Book 6–9 months ahead, especially for spring and summer
- Last-minute deals: Occasionally available, but risky for peak travel months
3. Best Days and Times to Book
- Cheapest Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday
- Cheapest Days to Book: Tuesday and Sunday (based on price trends)
- Time of Day: Book early morning or late-night flights to get the lowest fares
4. Top Websites and Apps for Cheap Japan Flights
Use comparison and meta-search engines like:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Kayak
- Expedia
- Hopper (app with prediction features)
- Japan-based travel sites like HIS and Rakuten Travel for Japan-origin deals
5. How to Use Alerts and Fare Trackers
Set up alerts to track price drops. Tools include:
- Google Flights: Track routes and get email updates
- Hopper: Color-coded alerts on the best time to buy
- Skyscanner: Multi-city and flexible date tracking
6. Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Carriers
Budget carriers can offer deep discounts but often charge for luggage and extras. Examples include:
- ZIPAIR Tokyo
- AirAsia X
- Scoot
- T’way Air
- Jin Air
Compare total costs, including baggage, meals, and seat selection, before booking.
7. Fly into Alternative Airports
Consider alternative airports to save money:
- Tokyo Narita (NRT) vs. Haneda (HND): Narita often has cheaper long-haul flights
- Kansai International (KIX) vs. Osaka Itami (ITM): KIX handles more international flights
- Chubu Centrair (NGO) in Nagoya for central Japan
8. Consider Nearby Asian Cities for Hopping Flights
Look for flights to cheaper Asian hubs, then hop to Japan:
- Seoul (ICN)
- Taipei (TPE)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- Bangkok (BKK)
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Then use low-cost carriers for regional hops to Japan.
9. Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
Reduce your flight cost or fly free by:
- Using frequent flyer miles (ANA, JAL, United, etc.)
- Booking via airline alliance partners (Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam)
- Using travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture
10. Hidden City and Open-Jaw Ticketing Tricks
Hidden City: Book a flight with a layover in Japan and skip the final leg (one-way only) Open-Jaw: Fly into one city (e.g., Tokyo) and return from another (e.g., Osaka) Use tools like Skiplagged for hidden-city fares, but beware of risks (e.g., checked luggage).
11. Use Incognito Mode and Clean Cookies
Flight prices may rise based on your browsing behavior. Use:
- Incognito/private mode
- Clear your cookies or use a different browser/device
12. Japanese Domestic Flight Tips
If you’re flying within Japan:
- Book JAL or ANA “Experience Japan” fares (~¥10,000–¥13,000 per domestic leg)
- Use Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, or Spring Airlines Japan for budget options
- Buy JR Pass for long-distance rail alternatives
13. Cheapest U.S. Cities to Fly from
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Honolulu (HNL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
These airports often offer direct or discounted connections to Japan.
14. Cheapest European Cities to Fly from
- London (LHR)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Paris (CDG)
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Helsinki (HEL)
Use long-haul deals from these hubs and consider stopovers in the Middle East or Asia.
15. Mistake Fares and Flash Sales to Japan
Follow deal sites and newsletters like:
- Secret Flying
- Scott’s Cheap Flights
- Airfarewatchdog
- The Flight Deal
Act fast—mistake fares can disappear in hours.
16. Package Deals That Include Flights
Sometimes package deals offer cheaper overall pricing:
- Expedia flight + hotel bundles
- HIS Japan Tours
- Rakuten Japan Vacation Deals
- ANA or JAL package promotions
Compare costs against standalone bookings to save more.
17. FAQs on Booking Cheap Flights to Japan
Q: Are direct flights more expensive than connections?
Yes, usually. Adding one stop often reduces fares significantly.
Q: Can I find cheap flights to Japan year-round?
Yes, but avoid cherry blossom and New Year holidays.
Q: Should I use a travel agent for cheap Japan flights?
Sometimes helpful for package deals or group rates, but not always cheapest.
Q: Is flying into Osaka cheaper than Tokyo?
Sometimes, especially from Southeast Asia or when flying open-jaw.
18. Final Tips and Booking Checklist
- Be flexible with travel dates
- Use fare comparison tools
- Set price alerts early
- Use rewards or miles if available
- Avoid peak travel seasons
- Watch for flash sales and mistake fares
- Fly mid-week and at off-peak hours
- Don’t forget to factor in baggage and seat selection costs
With smart planning and the right tools, your dream trip to Japan doesn’t have to break the bank.
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