Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Seasonal Deals & Tips

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By lang

June 18, 2026

Japan has something to see in each season-- whether it is the cherry blossom in the Spring, autumn foliage in September, or snow-capped landscapes in winter.

In this guide, I conclude with the must-see attractions, tips for booking the cheapest flights to Japan, and other savings to travel with less cost. By understanding the cheapest time to fly to Japan, you can plan your trip with lower airfare costs while enjoying Japan's seasonal attractions.

Fly to Japan in Off-Season (January-February & December)

to Kanazawa
to Sendai
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These periods offer the most savings, except for the New Year's period (January-February). Take the chance to explore snow-capped landscapes and experience the Japanese holiday atmosphere at the cheapest time to fly to Japan!

❄️ Winter Season

  • Enjoy Japan's snowscapes and other snow activities
  • Fewer crowds (except for New Year's holidays)
  • Winter illuminations and hot spring resorts
  • Lowest airfare and accommodation fares
Kenroku
Kenroku Garden
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kanazawa
🎁 Start your journey by securing the best flight and hotel bundle today!

Fly to Japan in Peak Season (March-April & July-August)

to Osaka
to Tokyo
to Okinawa
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To find the cheapest time to fly to Japan, you'll want to avoid these two peak seasons:

🌸Blossom Season (March-April)

  • The iconic sakura blooms attract visitors worldwide
  • Hotel and flight prices are high
Osaka
Osaka Castle Park
Duration: 2-3 hours
Osaka

☀️ Summer Season (July-August)

  • Peak travel period
  • Popular beach destinations draw crowds
  • Air and accommodation fares increase
  • Limited availability for last-minute bookings
Ocean
Ocean Expo Park
Duration: 2-3 hours
Okinawa
📅For significant savings on flights and accommodations, also avoid planning around Japanese holidays (check our Japan Public Holidays Guide) when domestic travel peaks and prices surge.

Fly to Japan in Shoulder Season (May-June & September-November)

to Kamakura
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Even though Shoulder Season is a cheap time to fly, does’t mean there is nothing to see: 

🍁Autumn Foliage Season (September-November)

  • Stunning fall colors
  • More affordable flights
  • Ideal weather for hiking
Tōfuku-ji
Tōfuku-ji Temple
Duration: 2-3 hours
Kyoto

🌼 Things to Do in Late Spring (May-June)

  • Mild, pleasant weather
  • Fewer tourists compared to the cherry blossom season
  • Wisteria blooming
  • Exploring rural landscapes
Hasedera
Hasedera Temple
Duration: 1-2 hours
Nara

May-June is Japan's rainy season (tsuyu). When traveling during this season, pack quick-drying clothes and rain boots, and always carry an umbrella with you.

Don't forget to bring waterproof bags to protect your electronics from moisture. Get your Suica Card for convenient public transportation throughout Japan.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Japan?

Wondering how to secure affordable flights? The following strategies can help you find the cheapest time to fly to Japan.

Book During Off-Peak Seasons

The cheapest time to fly to Japan is January to early February (excluding New Year). Airlines always have lower prices after peak travel periods. Winter offers great flight deals, though some cities like Hokkaido may still busy because of ski tourism. Always check Japan’s Public holidays when planning your trip, as increasing domestic travellers can affect the price of international flights.

📶Stay connected throughout Japan with Trip.com eSIM – instant activation, nationwide coverage, and no SIM card swap needed!

Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flying mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) instead of the weekend. Use Trip.com to compare prices across the entire month. For even more flexibility, consider using budget airlines or last-minute deals—check out our Flexible Flights guide for tips on savings.

Use Flight Price Alerts

Set up price alerts on Trip.com to track prices. Be ready to book fast, as good deals disappear quickly. Signing up for Trip.com for early access to promotions.

Consider Alternative Routes

Look for budget airlines like Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), which offer lower prices. Connecting flights through Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong might be cheaper than non-stop routes. Always check baggage fees—some airline companies charge extra for checked luggage.

Book Flight + Hotel Packages

Trip.com offers discounted rates when you book your flight and hotel together as a package. Get the best deals with one click!

Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Accommodation Savings

🎁 Grab cheap flights to Tokyo and search the best hotels in Tokyo! Just 1 click for unlimited data in Japan! New customers can get up to 8% discounts.✨

Hotels in Tokyo

5 star

9.3/10Great842 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km from city center
The hotel's location is great, right next to the commercial district, just across the bridge. The service was very warm and attentive; even though I don't speak English, the front desk patiently explained everything. For breakfast, there were at least three different dining areas with a wide variety of cuisines, though it leaned more towards Western styles. It was a very heartwarming trip, and I'll definitely consider this hotel again next time! The wagyu beef downstairs was excellent, and the price was, well, top-notch too, haha.
FromPLN 947
9.1/10Great1367 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km from city center
I stayed for three nights and I think it was pretty good. It's a bit of a walk from Shimbashi Station, and the first night it was pouring rain, so it was a bit messy, but I finally made it to the hotel (they offer free umbrella rentals). The room was very clean, and I really liked that the shower and bathtub were separate. It's very close to Ginza, less than a 10-minute walk to the main street. I'd definitely consider staying here again if I have the chance.
FromPLN 1,048
9.5/10Amazing2540 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km from city center
The Imperial Hotel was the last stop of our Tokyo trip. Initially, I didn't hold high expectations, figuring the hotel was quite old with a dated look. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the biggest highlights of the trip. We arrived rather early. During check-in, the staff noticed my daughter's birthday from her passport. Later, when I asked about paying to upgrade our room, for just around 500 RMB extra, they upgraded us to a suite—such a pleasant surprise! Although the hotel has some years under its belt, the interior is exceptionally well-maintained. From the lobby and the rooms to the subtle service details, everything felt so comfortable without any sense of being run-down. I especially want to mention the value for money. The previous hotel we stayed at in Roppongi had a similar price tag to the Imperial Hotel, but the grandness of the lobby, the room size, and the overall stay experience were worlds apart. Even though the Imperial Hotel is a historic establishment, its meticulous upkeep and top-notch service completely make up for any sense of age in its architecture. This stay completely changed my view of the Imperial Hotel, and it's a Tokyo hotel I would gladly recommend to others.
FromPLN 1,054
9.3/10Great2174 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.18km from city center
This hotel is perfectly located right across from Ginza Mitsukoshi. I booked a twin room, and it was a good size; we could easily open two 28-inch suitcases without any issues. The room was very clean, and the amenities were excellent. While I could occasionally hear some street noise at night, it wasn't a major problem, as location and cleanliness are my top priorities. The only drawback was during my 7-day stay when, one morning, the front desk called me. Their English was really poor. I tried to explain that I hadn't requested a wake-up call or room cleaning, and that I wanted to sleep, but she said she didn't understand and then hung up without an apology! Later, I went down to the front desk, and the staff member there was very friendly. She explained that the colleague who called had already left and that it was likely a wrong number, then sincerely apologized. I really urge the hotel to improve staff training on customer service, especially over the phone. Even though it was just a call, I could clearly sense the impatience from the front desk! Thank you.
FromPLN 1,218
9.3/10Great1113 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.04km from city center
The InterContinental Tokyo Bay is situated in an excellent, affluent area, a well-established hotel with a rich history that has undergone renovation. It now boasts comprehensive and well-maintained facilities, offering a wide range of services and amenities that cover all the essentials. The overall cleanliness is meticulously upheld, giving it a sophisticated 'old money' vibe without being overly flashy. It provides a stable and comfortable stay. The location is a significant advantage, making it convenient to travel to the Ginza shopping district and offering smooth transportation to Haneda Airport. The room views are outstanding, with the bay scenery being a delight to behold. It's highly recommended for business travelers, especially if your budget allows; the overall experience is top-notch.
FromPLN 1,172

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Family friendly

9.2/10Great3773 Reviews
Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km from city center
The Dome Hotel has many advantages: First, the transportation is very convenient with JR and subway stations nearby. Second, there are commercial areas all around, making dining and shopping extremely easy. Third, the rooms are spacious, located on high floors with great views, making the stay very comfortable. Fourth, the hotel is exceptionally clean; rooms are tidied and linens changed daily, the bathtub is spotless, and there are virtually no blind spots in room cleanliness. Fifth, the service is great. Both check-in and check-out are self-service, which is very convenient and time-saving, and staff are always nearby to offer prompts and assistance if you encounter any issues. The breakfast add-on is quite expensive, so we didn't dine at the hotel.
FromPLN 460
9.3/10Great158 Reviews
Akasaka Tokyo|2.21km from city center
One of the best hotel for this price. Luxury and comfort. There is a metro station entrance in front of the hotel. Just to remind that the actual station is not that close to the hotel. For accessibility, I would say that if you plan to get around Tokyo with JR or metro. This hotel might not be a good choice for you. Since there areno JR lines nearby.
FromPLN 1,414
9.3/10Great200 Reviews
Shiodome Tokyo|0.99km from city center
If you're a Hilton Diamond member, definitely don't book through Trip.com, otherwise, you won't get any upgrade benefits. The main issue is that I've always been able to use them in the US. If I hadn't thought I could get an upgrade, I would have chosen the Imperial instead of coming here. Trip.com should also have a disclaimer in their description. Plus, I stayed for three days, and on the second day, after I came back from shopping, neither my room key nor electronic key worked. Keep in mind that at Conrad, you have to take two elevators to get from the entrance to your room, and they assigned me a room furthest from the elevator. I had to drag a bunch of shopping bags all the way to the front desk to get a new room key. At breakfast in the morning, I ordered à la carte, and they completely forgot my order. Everyone around me had finished eating, and when I asked the server, she had forgotten about it! All in all, the service at the Imperial is still better~
FromPLN 2,226
8.9/10Very Good981 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|5.01km from city center
I've stayed at the Hilton Tokyo Bay and the Hilton Osaka Umeda before, both of which were good experiences. However, the Odaiba location this time left the deepest impression. It's directly connected to the Odaiba Station on the Yurikamome Line, and with Aqua City and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza nearby, dining and shopping are incredibly convenient. From the hotel, you can see the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge, and the views are stunning both day and night.
FromPLN 1,004
8.7/10Very Good4886 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|5.46km from city center
The hotel is showing its age. The location is decent—just a short walk out of the hotel and across the street from the massive Shinagawa Station. The occupancy rate of this hotel is very high, and it gets quite crowded. The elevators are separated by floor numbers to improve efficiency. There are self-service check-in kiosks, though for some reason our self-check-in failed this time. An elderly staff member fiddled with the computer for a long time, and it took us a full hour to finally check in, without ever knowing the reason why. The room facilities are dated and a bit worn out, and unlike newer hotels, there is no separate wet and dry area in the bathroom. We booked a twin room; it’s not very large, and we had to move the chair and round table out of the way to barely manage to lay open two large suitcases. You can catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Tower from the window. Also, there are far too few power outlets in the room—just one on the desk, one in the bathroom, and one by the TV cabinet. With two of us needing to charge our phones, power banks, and smartwatches, we had to take turns doing so.
FromPLN 399

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Breakfast

9/10Great89 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km from city center
[HOSHINOYA Tokyo: A Vertical Ryokan Experience] HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers a truly unique concept. It is a traditional Japanese ryokan built vertically within a modern skyscraper, located in the prestigious Otemachi district. It provides a serene, luxurious escape right in the middle of the bustling city, perfectly blending classic ryokan hospitality with world-class modern design. We enjoyed a wonderful three-day, two-night stay at the property from 29 May to 31 May. We chose not to make any meal reservations, which gave us the flexibility to simply relax and explore the surrounding city. [Getting There] We travelled from Fufu Hakone via a day trip to Enoshima and Kamakura. We took a direct train from Kamakura to Tokyo Station, followed by a short walk to the hotel, and arrived at around 8:00 PM. To make the transit completely effortless, our luggage was picked up and delivered directly to the hotel by LuggAgent on the same day. [Arrival and Check-In] The hotel is situated in the central business district and distinctly stands out from the surrounding buildings. The discreet entrance completely shields you from the busy streets. Upon entering, staff immediately store your shoes, as the entire tatami-matted building operates on a barefoot or socks-only policy. We were incredibly lucky to catch a traditional jap instrument performance, which is usually reserved for weekends. A designated staff member managed our check-in with welcome snack & tea and escorted us to level 15. A major highlight is the exclusive lounge on each floor, shared by only 6 suites. It functions as a private living room, fully stocked with complimentary seasonal teas, coffees, and traditional snacks. [The Suite] We stayed in the Sakura suite. Rather than trying to describe the beautiful layout in words, I will let my photos speak for themselves. The beds are low to the floor with a mid-level hardness that we found quite comfortable, and each bed comes with two soft pillows. There is also a television cleverly hidden behind a mirror, though it is worth noting that it only broadcasts Japanese channels. We kept it switched off to maintain the consistent traditional ryokan feel. The provided yukata is absolutely superb. It comes as a full set complete with an inner layer, an outer layer, socks, and a small handbag. The material is soft, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable for lounging and walking around the property. [The Top-Floor Onsen] Having a natural hot spring in central Tokyo is a rare luxury. The onsen is located on the 17th floor and features a stunning design where the roof is open to the sky. As cameras are strictly prohibited, you will have to visualise it or check the hotel website for gallery photos. I understand that the bath is a salty hot spring containing a high concentration of seawater and seaweed minerals trapped deep in the ground. Soaking in this soothing water gently embraces the skin and helps alleviate fatigue in both body and mind. The onsen is open daily from 3:00 PM to 11:30 AM. It was the absolute perfect way to warm up and recharge before we headed out for a busy day. [Areas for Improvement] Toothbrush Set: The provided toothbrush is far too small and takes ages to use. I strongly recommend bringing your own.
FromPLN 5,717
8.9/10Very Good292 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km from city center
The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great! The environment is great!
FromPLN 642
9.1/10Great1171 Reviews
Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km from city center
Great staff/hotel/location! This is the second time we chose to stay at Remm Roppongi. The first time in March this year. In Sep. we chose here again coz this is a great hotel. We are lucky to have Mr. Kiyonaga-san 清永 to receive us when we check in. He is very considerate with our requests and tried his best to accommodate us after our trip from Hokkaido. He left us a very good impression, and made us feel like home. We love Remm Roppongi even more. The hotel also has a great location, convenient transportation with subways, close to a lot of sightseeing places. The room is always very clean. And the room atmosphere is good, we love the massage chair, after a full day city walk, we need that! :-) Everybody we meet at Reception is sooooo nice, and even late night, if we need any service, they would help us out. At this hotel, you feel Japanese standard service and hospitality. You would love it here like we do.
FromPLN 557
9.1/10Great1261 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.13km from city center
The hotel's location is very convenient, close to Tokyo Station, and also near Nihonbashi subway station. The front desk is on the second floor, where staff handle check-ins. You can also pick up items like facial masks, foot patches, bath salts, skincare sets, and body lotion there. There's a dining area nearby, but it's not open 24 hours. You can find hot water, coffee, drinks, and some soup, and also make tea. The room isn't large, but the soundproofing is excellent, and the bed is quite comfortable to sleep in. The bathroom isn't big, but it's sufficient. Overall, it was a comfortable and convenient hotel experience.
FromPLN 506
8.8/10Very Good288 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|2.41km from city center
The room was quite small and didn't have much of a view, but the bed was super comfy, and the soundproofing was excellent. It was also very clean. The service is mostly self-service; you have to pick up your daily toiletries from the first floor. However, the front desk staff were all very enthusiastic and helpful. Doing laundry is a bit of a hassle as you need coins to use the washer and dryer on the second floor.
FromPLN 298

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Gym

9.2/10Great1657 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.89km from city center
The room was actually a twin room, and since there were three of us, an extra bed was added, which made the space feel cramped. We couldn't open three 20-inch suitcases at the same time. The original table was moved to the TV area, making the walkway very narrow. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area. The room was cleaned daily, towels were changed, and even our pajamas were folded neatly. Breakfast was also quite substantial.
FromPLN 553
9.1/10Great579 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km from city center
The service was fantastic, and even though the room was small, it was spotless! I was very satisfied with my stay. The warm cookies upon arrival were a lovely touch, and the entire room was impeccably clean with great attention to detail. The staff were kind and attentive. The mattress was comfortable, all amenities were well-provided, and the service was thoughtful and thorough. Definitely worth coming back to again and again.
FromPLN 578
9/10Great2357 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km from city center
I was impolitely treated by the lobby staff during check out. Everything during the stay was great, until we brought our luggage to the lobby and I was looking for the express checkout box. Failing to found one, I asked one of the staffs (shown in photo) politely about the express checkout boxes, he swiftly pushed me away and ask my to queue up at the check out with a very inpatient attitude. His colleague and his manager apologised for him while he was hiding at the back office after I complained. This is not any customer should have been treated, especially with this level of hospitality and pricing. Won’t be return to this hotel again and I strongly suggest the hotel to refine their training for their staffs.
FromPLN 1,087
9.3/10Great748 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.42km from city center
If you want to stay somewhere with excellent train connectivity, Tokyo Station is a good bet. That said, I’m personally not a huge fan of Tokyo Station, perhaps because I find the layout a little too complex and confusing. The room was quite small for the price, although that may just be the standard for Tokyo. The breakfast spread was also fairly basic. Overall, it’s a pretty standard hotel, but its biggest advantage is its strategic location and direct access to the train network.
FromPLN 862
9.1/10Great426 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km from city center
The room was quite spacious for Tokyo standards, and the hotel's public areas were also beautiful. The shuttle service to Meguro Station was very convenient. We chose this hotel mainly because we planned to shop in Ginza and Omotesando, and its location is great for both subway and taxi travel. The teppanyaki restaurant on B2, however, was just okay – not particularly recommended.
FromPLN 1,526

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Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan