Cheap flights to Japan

From neon-lit nights to ancient temples and everything in between, Japan’s mix of old and new never really gets old. You could be wandering Kyoto’s gardens one day and hopping between izakayas the next. There’s culture, chaos, calm, and a whole lot of beauty in between. With direct flights to Japan from Australia and plenty of cities to explore, flying to Japan is a no-brainer if you're ready for something a little different.

Which airlines fly direct to Japan

• Qantas: Full-service, which means your in-flight meals, entertainment, checked baggage, and Qantas Points are sorted.
• Japan Airlines (JAL): Full-service with generous baggage and traditional meals. Linked to JAL Mileage Bank and oneworld partners like Qantas.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA): Smooth flights, quiet cabins, and local dishes on board. Earn points with ANA Mileage Club and Star Alliance programs.
• Jetstar: Budget-friendly, for folks who’d rather spend their cash on sushi or ski passes.

Where you can fly direct to Japan from

You can fly direct to Tokyo (Narita) with the following airlines from:

• ANA: Perth
• Jetstar: Cairns, Brisbane
• Qantas: Melbourne, Brisbane

You can fly direct to Tokyo (Haneda) with the following airlines from: 

• ANA: Sydney
• Qantas: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
• Japan Airlines: Sydney, Melbourne

You can fly direct to Osaka with the following airlines from:

• Jetstar: Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane

How long is the flight to Japan

Of course, the time it takes to get to Japan depends on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Direct flight times to Tokyo (Haneda and Natira)

• Sydney to Tokyo (Haneda): 9 hrs 50 mins
• Brisbane to Tokyo (Narita): 9 hrs 10 mins
• Melbourne to Tokyo (Narita): 10 hrs 25 mins
• Cairns to Tokyo (Narita): 7 hrs 25 mins
• Perth to Tokyo (Narita): 9 hrs 40 mins

Direct flight times to Osaka (Kansai)

• Sydney to Osaka (Kansai): 9 hrs 40 mins
• Brisbane to Osaka (Kansai): 9 hours
• Cairns to Osaka (Kansai): 7 hrs 25 mins

Where is the airport in Japan?

If you're landing in Tokyo, you’ll end up at either Narita or Haneda. Narita is quite a bit further out, sitting nearly 60 kms from the city centre. Haneda, on the flip side, is just a little jaunt away, around 20 kms south. Getting to town from either is fairly straightforward with your choice of express trains, buses, or taxis.

If you’re landing in Osaka, flights land at Kansai International, which is about 50 kms away from the middle of the action. You’ll often find folks jumping on the JR Haruka or grabbing a shuttle, which can be quicker than you'd think, especially outside rush hour.

While there are airports in other parts of Japan, such as Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Okinawa, you can’t fly to them direct from Australia.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Japan?

From mid-January through early March, or again in late May to mid-July stretch, flights tend to be a bit friendlier on the wallet. Fewer crowds, too, and the weather is manageable. On the flip side, late Mar and April is sakura season, and that’s when the prices start doing somersaults. Late Dec gets pricey too, thanks to school holidays and the festive rush.

Visa/Passport requirements when flying to Japan

Aussies can get up to 90 days visa-free. Just make sure your passport has at least six months left on it. Before you fly, it’s a good idea to register on Visit Japan Web. It’s a free online form for immigration and customs. Speeds things up at the airport, so you can breeze through the gates and get going.

How early to arrive at the airport

Best to show up a good 3 hours before your flight. Queues can be slow-moving, and check-in isn't always a quick deal.

Still sorting your Japan plans? Snag a hotel, book an activity, or lock in your hire car with Traveloka here.

Where should I fly to in Japan to visit cities other than Tokyo and Osaka?

If you're going to Hakone, the closest major airport is Tokyo (Haneda). You can get there by train in about 1.5 hours

If you're going to Kyoto, the closest major airport is Osaka. You can get there by train in about 1.5 hours.

If you're going to Nara, the closest major airport is Osaka. You can get there by train in about 1.5 hours.

If you're going to Hiroshima, the closest major airport is Osaka. You can get there by train in about 5 hours. There's also the option to