Traveling to Japan on a budget is definitely possible, though the biggest expense you'll likely encounter is the cost of flights. Given Japan's somewhat isolated position in East Asia, airfares can be quite steep—especially if you're flying from Europe or the west coast of the USA, where flights often exceed twelve hours. However, with a bit of effort, you can discover affordable flights to Japan. Here are some handy tips for securing those budget-friendly tickets!
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How to Find Cheap Flights to Japan
Look for Different Departure Airports
Cheap Flights to Japan from UK/Europe
When it comes to flying from Europe to Japan, not all routes are created equal. Some cities can offer flights that are nearly half the price compared to others, even if they're not major airports. Thanks to the extensive network of budget carriers in Europe, it might be worth considering a flight to another country first to snag a better deal on your ticket to Japan.
For example, if you're planning a trip from London to Tokyo, you might find that booking a flight to another European city and then catching a budget airline to Japan could save you a significant amount. If you're willing to navigate a little extra hassle with layovers, the savings can be substantial. Be sure to explore different dates and departure airports across Europe to discover the most affordable options.
Additionally, using multi-city flight search tools like Skyticket can help you find combined ticket prices, making it easier to compare options and secure the best deal!
Cheap Flights to Japan from North America
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often snag flights to Japan for as low as $300 from various North American cities. The most affordable routes typically include flights from Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas to Tokyo. Interestingly, you might even find that flights with a connection in the U.S. can be cheaper than direct flights, so it pays to do a little digging.
Keep in mind the airport you’re flying into. While Tokyo is usually the cheaper option, sometimes you can score a better deal flying into Osaka, especially if you keep an eye out for promotions.
And if you have plenty of time for your travels, why not break up the journey with a stopover in Hawaii? It’s a great way to add an extra vacation to your trip!
Stop Somewhere Halfway
Cheap Flights to Japan from South America
Flights from major South American cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, or Lima to Tokyo can be pricey. Typically, the most affordable options involve connecting through Dallas or Los Angeles. However, since most South American travelers will need a visa even for transiting in the U.S., this can complicate your travel plans. Additionally, flights within South America can be expensive, so routing through another city may not yield significant savings.
A good strategy is to find a cost-effective city to fly to that sits somewhat between your departure point and Japan. Consider starting your journey with a flight to Doha via Qatar Airways or to Toronto with Air Canada. If you're open to transiting in the U.S., keep an eye out for flights to Dallas or Los Angeles. American Airlines frequently offers reasonable fares from South America to the U.S., and then onward to Japan. Similarly, flights from Lima to Atlanta and then to Tokyo with Delta can often be quite affordable.
Given that the flight time from South America to Japan is long no matter your route, you might want to extend your stay in your transit city. Taking a few extra days to explore could turn your journey into an exciting mini-vacation!
Cheap Flights from Australia to Japan
Jetstar offers direct flights from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Narita and Kansai airports in Japan, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to full-service carriers. While flying long-haul with a low-cost carrier (LCC) like Jetstar can come with some drawbacks—like less comfortable seating—those willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort can save significantly on airfare. If you're open to this option, booking your tickets with Jetstar could lead to considerable savings on your trip to Japan.
Make Sure to Check Multiple Destinations
When planning your trip to Japan, it’s essential to consider not just your departure airport but also which airport you'll fly into. The two primary international gateways are Narita Airport (Tokyo) and Kansai Airport (Osaka). If you're planning to visit both cities, checking flight prices for both destinations is a smart move. Additionally, Japan has other international airports, like Nagoya's Chubu Airport, Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, and Fukuoka Airport, which are well-connected to various cities in Asia. Exploring these options could help you find the best deal for your travel plans.
Ways to Save on Travel Within Japan
If you're looking for ways to cut down travel costs while in Japan, check out our guide to budget transportation within Japan here:
How to Travel for Cheap in Japan: Budget Tips and Discount Passes
The Best Cheap Hotel Chains in Japan Perfect for Those on a Budget
