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Dreaming of Japan but worried about the cost of getting there? I’ve been there too, staring at ridiculously high ticket prices and wondering if I’d ever make it back to Tokyo’s neon streets or Kyoto’s serene temples without blowing my budget.
Over the years, I’ve cracked the code on how to find flights to Japan that don’t break the bank—and I’m excited to share my secrets with you.
If you’re a planner who books months in advance or a spontaneous person ready to jump on a last-minute deal, there are plenty of strategies to save big. From choosing the right airports to points and miles deals, these tips will help you stretch your dollars further.
And here’s the kicker: I’ve found a tool that makes all of this even easier. For the past four years, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my handy sidekick in finding those cheap flights to Japan. More on that to come!
After you read this guide, you’ll be booking that flight and packing your bags before you know it!
1. Sign up for the Premium Version of Going.com
For the last 4+ years, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my go-to for finding cheap flights, including to Japan. Picture yourself exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka without draining your bank account. With Going, you’ll be the first to know about those elusive mistake fares or points-redemption sweet spots that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Going is a membership site and app that helps you find the best value flights from your preferred airports. By subscribing to their alerts (via email or app), you’ll get notified when deals become available. This includes mistake fares, points, and miles deals you won’t find elsewhere. You can also add Japan to your Watchlist when you sign up!
There are three versions of Going – Limited, Premium, and Elite. If you dream of flying in business or first class, you’ll want to check out their Elite option. I saved a fortune on a flight to Southeast Asia last year, and I’m excited to see what Going can do for my next Japan trip!
2. Maximize Your Miles and Points
One of my favorite ways to save on Japan flights is by using miles and points. Over the years, I’ve learned how to stretch those points to make trips way more affordable. If you’re into travel hacking like I am, here are a few programs that have worked for me.
ANA Mileage Club
ANA is one of Japan’s top airlines, and their frequent flyer program, ANA Mileage Club, is a gem. I love transferring my Amex Membership Rewards points to ANA because the redemption rates are pretty sweet.
You can snag an economy class ticket from the U.S. to Japan for around 40,000 miles one-way, and business class can be yours for 75,000 to 90,000 miles. ANA’s service is top-notch, so it’s definitely worth using your points here.
JAL Mileage Bank (Partnered with Alaska Airlines)
Japan Airlines (JAL) is another great option, especially if you’re an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member. JAL partners with Alaska, which means you can use your Alaska miles to book flights on JAL to Japan.
I’ve found some amazing deals this way—think 35,000 miles one-way in economy or 60,000 miles in business class. JAL’s service is fantastic, which makes the flight experience all the more enjoyable.
United MileagePlus
If you’re flying out of cities like San Francisco or Chicago, United’s MileagePlus program is a solid choice. United is part of the Star Alliance, so you can use your miles to book flights on ANA, which is one of the best airlines for flying to Japan.
Typically, you can get an economy ticket for 35,000 miles one-way, and business class starts at 70,000 miles. United’s credit cards often come with big sign-up bonuses, which can get you closer to that dream trip.
Using these miles and points programs has saved me a ton on flights to Japan. It’s all about finding the right program and making those miles work for you.
3. Be Flexible with Your Dates
Have you ever noticed how flight prices seem to fluctuate like crazy? That’s because timing is everything.
Being flexible with your travel dates can be your golden ticket to cheap flights to Japan. Whether it’s the season, local holidays, or even just the day of the week, small shifts in your schedule can lead to big savings.
One of the most popular times to visit Japan is during cherry blossom season, which typically runs from late March to early April. While the sight of the blooming sakura is spectacular, flights to Japan during this period tend to be significantly more expensive due to the high demand. If you can avoid traveling during cherry blossom season, you’ll likely find much cheaper fares.
Here’s a tip from my personal experience: Mid-week flights are usually more affordable than weekends. And if you can avoid Japan’s major holidays—like Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year—you’ll likely score a much better deal. Take it from me, those peak times can skyrocket prices.
Tools like Going’s Explore Page allow you to search for a specific destination to see if there are any active deals. It also gives you tips, like the best timeframes to score deals (1-3 months ahead for domestic travel and 2-8 months ahead for international).
4. Save big by flying into Japan’s most affordable airports
Choosing the right airport can be the difference between a budget-friendly trip to Japan and one that breaks the bank.
Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) and Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) are my favorites for affordable flights to Japan from the US. Each airport has unique advantages that help keep my travel costs low.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
For the most part, Tokyo Narita Airport is the cheapest airport to fly to in Japan. It consistently offers some of the best prices, especially from major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
It’s a major hub, which means there’s fierce competition among airlines like Japan Airlines, ANA, American, and United. More competition often leads to lower fares, especially during off-peak seasons like spring and fall.
I’ve found that Narita often has the most affordable flights to Japan, and I can’t recommend this airport highly enough. Plus, once you land, Narita’s well-connected train system can whisk you straight into the heart of Tokyo.
Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport in Osaka is another excellent option for budget-friendly flights to Japan, though it’s often slightly pricier than Narita. While it might be slightly pricier than Narita, KIX still offers competitive fares, particularly from cities with direct flights like San Francisco and Seattle. Airlines like ANA and Delta often have promotions that make this airport a solid choice.
One thing I love about KIX is its location. After you land, you’re just a quick train ride away from some of Japan’s most beautiful places, like Nara and Kyoto. If you’re planning to explore this part of Japan, KIX is a convenient and affordable entry point.
Nagoya Chubu Centrair (NGO)
Nagoya might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Japan. But flying into Chubu Centrair can sometimes be cheaper than the more popular Tokyo or Osaka routes. Plus, Nagoya is centrally located, which makes it a great starting point if you’re planning to travel around the country.
Pro Tip: Compare prices for flying into different Japanese cities. Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), and Nagoya (Chubu Centrair) might have different fares, and domestic travel in Japan is affordable and efficient. So, even if you land in one city, it’s easy and relatively cheap to hop on a bullet train or a domestic flight to reach your final destination.
5. Book in Advance or at the Last Minute
When hunting for cheap flights to Japan, your booking strategy can make all the difference.
Booking well in advance or waiting until the last minute can lead to the best prices. Airlines often release their lowest fares months ahead, so if you like to plan, securing a ticket early—around 6-9 months before your trip—can lock in a great deal.
If you’re more flexible, waiting until the last minute can also work in your favor. Airlines sometimes drop prices close to departure to fill empty seats. It’s definitely a risk, but if you’re flexible, it can pay off big time. Here are some tips for booking last-minute flights.
Pro Tip: To get the best deals on flights to Japan, I always check Going. Their fare alerts have helped me spot both early bird deals and last-minute discounts that I might have missed otherwise. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to stay on top of the best prices for your next trip to Japan!
6. Be Open to Layovers
If you’re looking to save on flights to Japan, being open to layovers can make a big difference.
Instead of flying directly to Japan, consider routing through a nearby country like South Korea or Taiwan. I’ve found that flights to cities like Seoul or Taipei can sometimes be cheaper than flying directly to Tokyo or Osaka.
Once you’re there, you can hop on a low-cost carrier, such as Peach Aviation or Jetstar Japan, to reach your final destination in Japan. These budget airlines often have great deals on short-haul flights, so it’s a strategy that can save you a good chunk of change.
For example, I’ve flown into Seoul with a budget airline and then taken an affordable flight to Tokyo with Peach Aviation. It added a bit of extra travel time, but the savings were worth it, and I got to explore another country along the way. Plus, both South Korea and Taiwan are two of my favorite places to visit in Asia. It’s worth it, even if just for a day or two.
If you’re looking for flights to Japan from Europe, I recommend routing through a major hub like Dubai or Doha. This is where airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways often offer competitive fares to Asia. From these hubs, you can find budget-friendly flights to Japan with local carriers such as Flydubai (to Osaka), AirAsia X (via Kuala Lumpur), or Cebu Pacific (via Manila).
Bonus Tip: Consider Flying Through Hawaii
Another great strategy I’ve discovered for saving on flights to Japan from the U.S. is routing through Hawaii. If you’ve ever dreamed of adding a little tropical paradise to your itinerary, this might be the perfect option!
Honolulu (HNL) is a major gateway between the U.S. and Asia, and I’ve found some pretty sweet deals flying from there to Japan. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to book a flight from the mainland U.S. to Honolulu and then purchase a separate ticket from Honolulu to Tokyo or Osaka. Plus, you get the bonus of spending some time in Hawaii, which is never a bad idea!
I’ve done this a couple of times, and it’s been a great way to break up the long journey. The flights from Honolulu to Japan are usually shorter and more affordable, and you can find good deals with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines or Japan Airlines (JAL). It’s a win-win—you get to enjoy the beaches of Oahu and then head off to explore Japan.
Here’s where Going comes in handy. Signing up for their alerts has helped me spot those great deals from Honolulu to Japan that I might’ve missed otherwise. It’s an easy way to make your trip more fun and budget-friendly without the stress of constantly searching for flights.
