Flights to Japan: airports, flight times and booking tips
Most flights to Japan land in Tokyo or Osaka, but direct routes also reach Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa. Choosing the right airport can save hours on arrival, especially for an itinerary that starts in Kyoto or ends in Hiroshima.
Main international airports
| Airport | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) | Tokyo | Close to the centre, about 30 minutes by train |
| Narita (NRT) | Tokyo | About 60 to 90 minutes from central Tokyo |
| Kansai (KIX) | Osaka, Kyoto | Gateway to the Kansai region |
| Chubu Centrair (NGO) | Nagoya | Convenient for the Japan Alps and Takayama |
| New Chitose (CTS) | Sapporo | Hokkaido and ski resorts |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | Fukuoka | Kyushu, close to the city centre |
| Naha (OKA) | Okinawa | Island flights and beaches |
Typical direct flight times
| From | Approximate duration |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, San Francisco | 11 to 12 hours |
| New York | 14 hours |
| London, Paris, Frankfurt | 13 to 14 hours |
| Sydney | 9 to 10 hours |
| Singapore | 7 hours |
| Hong Kong, Taipei | 3 to 4 hours |
Routes from Europe avoid Russian airspace and take longer than before 2022.
When to book flights to Japan
Prices are highest for cherry blossom season, Golden Week, the summer holidays and the New Year. Booking three to five months ahead usually secures better fares. Open-jaw tickets, arriving in Tokyo and leaving from Osaka, avoid backtracking and often cost little more than a return.
Narita or Haneda?
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo and convenient for late arrivals. Narita often has cheaper fares and good rail links: the Narita Express and the Keisei Skyliner reach central Tokyo in about an hour. From Kansai, the Haruka limited express runs to Kyoto and Osaka.
Arrival formalities
Register the immigration and customs details online before boarding to receive the arrival QR code. See the Visit Japan Web QR code guide and the entry requirements.
Departure tax
The International Tourist Tax of ¥3,000 per person, raised in July 2026, is added to tickets for flights leaving Japan. It is normally included in the fare displayed by airlines.
Tips for the long-haul flight
Choose a flight that lands in the afternoon or early evening to make the first night easier. Keep a change of clothes and essential medicine in hand luggage, and set your watch to Japan time on boarding.
Connections and stopovers
Connecting through Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Doha, Dubai or Istanbul often lowers the price and can add a short stopover. Allow enough time for connections and check that bags are checked through to Japan.
Choosing a seat and baggage
Long-haul flights usually include one or two checked bags, while low-cost carriers within Asia charge extra. Weigh bags before leaving home, keep power banks in hand luggage, and remember that many travelers fly home with more luggage after shopping.
Jet lag on the way home
Westbound flights back to Europe or North America leave in the morning or late evening. Staying awake until local bedtime on arrival home helps the body readjust within a few days. Airport limousine buses also serve many hotels directly, which is convenient with heavy luggage.
Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is best for flights to Japan?
Haneda for central Tokyo, Kansai for Kyoto and Osaka, and an open-jaw ticket for itineraries that cross the country.
How long are flights to Japan from Europe?
Direct flights from London, Paris or Frankfurt take about 13 to 14 hours, longer with a connection.
Is the departure tax included in the ticket?
Yes, the ¥3,000 International Tourist Tax is usually included in the fare when the ticket is issued.