Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Seasonal Deals & Tips

Author's Profile Picture

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
See all flights

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
See all flights

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
See all flights

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

9.3/10Great811 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km from city center
Hotel staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. The bell boy who helped me with bringing my luggages to the room was very friendly and helpful, spoke good English too. Though not all staff spoke good English, they tried their best to assist me. Their service standard is consistent throughout. The room and the toilet was spacious and clean. There were 4 restuarants that I could go to for breakfast. The Garden Lounge which served buffet breakfast has a wide selection of food and drink. Most importantly the food was yummy! I enjoyed looking at the beautiful garden with waterfall view as I was seated by the window during breakfast.
From€136
9.2/10Great1354 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km from city center
The hotel's location is excellent. You can see Tokyo Tower from the lobby building. It's also very close to Ginza, which is great for shopping. Plus, the convenience store and coffee shop downstairs are really good. It's super convenient to get anywhere from here.
From€167
9.5/10Amazing2251 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km from city center
I specifically chose the Imperial Hotel for my birthday, and they gave me a small gift and upgraded my room floor. During my stay, I thought, 'it's not that amazing,' but as soon as I left, I started missing it 🥲. What a turn-around! From the moment I walked in, there was someone there to assist me, and the service was just right – not overly enthusiastic, which was perfect. My only regret is that I didn't get to experience the 17th-floor breakfast buffet; when I went at 7:45 AM, I was told there was a 20-minute wait. Also, when I paid at the lobby bar, they didn't mention the in-house guest discount. It wasn't a lot of money, but it was a bit annoying 😕. I'm also not sure if the toiletries have been changed; they weren't the Mikimoto brand I saw online, but a different one.
From€210
9.2/10Great3508 Reviews
Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km from city center
The hotel was clean, though it felt a bit old-fashioned and more like a traditional five-star property than a modern one. Its location is great if you’re going to Tokyo Dome for a concert or match, but it’s not the most convenient base for exploring other parts of Tokyo, as places like Shinjuku and Shibuya take around 20–30 minutes to reach. The service was excellent, and I especially appreciated that the staff delivered all of our luggage directly to the room. Amenities were fairly limited, and it was a bit disappointing that the gym and some other facilities required an extra charge.
From€63
9/10Great2131 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km from city center
I recently stayed at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo and found the room to be spacious with a fantastic view. Although the decor is a bit dated, the cleanliness was impressive, and the service was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly, which made my stay even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a quiet and serene getaway in the bustling city of Tokyo, this hotel is definitely worth considering. The beds were comfortable, contributing to a restful experience. One of the highlights of the hotel is its proximity to Tokyo Tower and a nearby temple, both offering great sightseeing opportunities. Additionally, the hotel is surrounded by a large, beautiful garden that adds to the tranquility of the area. However, the location is somewhat isolated, with not much in the immediate vicinity. The only convenience store is a Lawson in the basement, which closes at 11 PM. There isn't a nearby 7-Eleven, and room service also ends before then, which can be a challenge for business travelers like me who often have to navigate time differences and late-night schedules. On a positive note, the amenities offered are excellent, including quality skincare products and plush bath towels and robes. Overall, it’s a good hotel in a quieter area, perfect for those looking to unwind.
From€193

Show more

Family friendly

9/10Great151 Reviews
Akasaka Tokyo|2.21km from city center
Room and bed were very comfortable, immaculately clean and modern. 2 mins walk from train station, if you need lift access to train then a 6 mins walk, we had a stroller. Breakfast was a bit of a zoo, we went during Christmas, very busy! But tables were spacious so even though there were so many people you don’t feel cramped. Good variety of food selection. We had dinner at the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. Delicious, especially the tuna salad. I found the lobby staff a little lack of personality, at check in, no mentioning of where breakfast will be, what time check out is. Just checked you in and that’s it, no personal notes in the room. When I expressed I’ve lost my phone at the shop in Tokyo, no sign of empathy (it was a western male staff) no gesture of helpfulness, very cold and robotic. This goes for concierge also, he is an older western gentleman, he needs to use Google translate also which is frustrating cause I could do exactly the same research with Google translate. Overall, hardware is solid, need to fine tune the staff, sprinkle a little bit of personality in them.
From€267
9/10Great944 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|5.01km from city center
The hotel is conveniently located right above the airport bus stop, which is great, but honestly, there's not much difference in price if you take a taxi. I'd still recommend a taxi. The hotel is surrounded by excellent amenities; you can reach it right after exiting the subway. There are plenty of shopping malls and restaurants to choose from nearby. It's only a 30-minute ride from the hotel to downtown Tokyo, and getting to the airport by taxi takes just over ten minutes. I especially recommend the hotel's balcony! 🙊
From€198
8.6/10Very Good4441 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|5.46km from city center
Stayed at Shinagawa Prince Hotel and overall had a pleasant experience. The location is definitely the biggest advantage. Being right next to Shinagawa Station makes it incredibly convenient for travelling around Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen, and accessing both airports. The hotel also offers plenty of facilities, restaurants, shops, and everything you may need during your stay. As one of the larger hotels in Tokyo, it can feel very crowded with tourists and visitors throughout the day. There were a few occasions where language barriers led to some miscommunication, and at times I felt that foreign guests might receive slightly different treatment, although this may simply have been my personal impression. That being said, the staff were generally professional and helpful. If you are respectful and patient, everything usually goes smoothly. Considering the location, facilities, and reasonable room rates, I feel this hotel offers good value for money and is a practical choice for anyone visiting Tokyo. I would stay here again mainly because of the convenience and excellent location. 🇯🇵🏨✨
From€72
9.4/10Amazing402 Reviews
Shibuya Tokyo|6.16km from city center
Wonderful hotel that goes above and beyond for families traveling with children. From the child amenity kits and pajamas for our toddler to the crib and diaper pail for our infant we felt that every need was met which made for a really comfortable trip. The 7eleven in the hotel was the icing on the cake! We also were able to utilize the Poppins onsite daycare although this is run independently and you should book well in advance of your trip as only 1 day that we requested was available for booking. Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.
From€274
9.6/10Amazing164 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.59km from city center
Facilities: This is one of the best hotels in Tokyo, with relatively new and comprehensive facilities. The room decor has a very Japanese style. Cleanliness: The hygiene is excellent. Staff clean the rooms daily, so there's no need to worry about cleanliness. Environment: The hotel is located right near Tokyo Station, which is very convenient.
From€1,361

Show more

Breakfast

9.1/10Great788 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.31km from city center
Though small, this hotel has everything you need. Its Ginza location is incredibly convenient, perfect for shopping or quickly getting to Narita Airport via the expressway. What truly impressed me is how many features are packed into such a compact space. They have a coin-operated laundry and a large public bath. The room, which I'd estimate at about 20 square meters, even managed to fit bunk beds (1.2m/1.5m), making it very family-friendly. A minor point is that since the hotel is directly above the subway, you occasionally feel vibrations as trains pass. This led to a funny moment when an actual earthquake hit at night, and I initially thought it was just another train going by!
From€60
9/10Great86 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km from city center
Hoshinoya Tokyo is situated in a tower in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, uniquely blending a traditional Japanese garden with a high-rise hotel concept. While its immediate surroundings are dominated by corporate offices like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, its location isn't as prime as other similarly priced luxury hotels such as The Peninsula Tokyo or Bulgari, with a noticeable lack of nearby dining options or convenience stores. The service, on the other hand, truly made guests feel at home. Each floor boasts a dedicated Japanese-style common area, but the atmosphere felt a bit too rigid or rule-bound. For example, when I asked for a second welcome dessert, it wasn't possible. However, I would strongly advise against staying here for a business trip. Firstly, the hotel's policy of not allowing unregistered guests to enter is quite inconvenient and arguably unsuitable for a business-oriented establishment. Secondly, the hotel itself offers a rich array of experiences – from its two-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant to kimono fittings, tea ceremonies, kendo classes, hot springs, and sightseeing bicycles. These features highlight its strong appeal for leisure travel, making it less ideal for business.
From€673
9/10Great252 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km from city center
This was my first time visiting Tokyo, and I stayed at Agora for five days: 🤵‍♀️ During check-in, although the staff didn't speak Chinese, they provided detailed check-in instructions in Chinese. All the front desk staff I encountered during my stay had excellent attitudes.👍🏻 🧹 The hotel usually cleans rooms every three days. If you need daily cleaning, just put the magnetic sign from your room outside your door before noon on that day. 🛏️ I chose a twin room, and when I opened the door, I found they had pushed two single beds together. The size was decent, and two adults could sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. 📍 The location is excellent. Downstairs, there's a restaurant called Bansuke that serves delicious fried fish ochazuke. Just a short walk away, you'll find FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. There are also drugstores and restaurants at the large intersection outside. 🚇 Higashi-Ginza Station is just around the corner from the hotel entrance, making it very convenient to take the Asakusa Line and Hibiya Line. There's also an express train directly to the airport; just check Google Maps for the schedule. If you prefer to walk to Ginza Station, there's a dedicated underground passage, which is very convenient. 🛍️ If you want to go shopping, most malls are about a 10-minute walk away, and the street is quite lively. 💦 The only downside is that the room is indeed quite small, with barely enough space to lay one suitcase flat. But honestly, for this price, getting such a great location is already very satisfying. The experience was excellent, and I'm grateful to Agora for a wonderful memory of Tokyo.🥰
From€99
9.1/10Great997 Reviews
Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km from city center
Super good location at main road, we arrived late at close to 11pm and fast check in, efficient, can pick up things you need like comb, toothbrush etc, we went down very near by has few Pub/restaurant still open to have some hot meal and drink. The room a little small but all you need is all there and clean, plus an massager chair 😅 I will recommend.
From€56
9.2/10Great184 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.41km from city center
Great location and nice facilities, Staff service was very nice too except a non-Japanese front desk staff who was a bit rude. The lounge was a great place to hang out and relax. Room is definitely on the small side without closet but bathroom is spacious. Welcome drinks are lovely, would be better if wine not served in a plastic cup.
From€151

Show more

Gym

9.2/10Great1704 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.89km from city center
This is my second stay in Tokyo, and the location is excellent, very close to Tsukiji subway station. It's also less than a 15-minute walk to Ginza and not far from the Tsukiji Fish Market. The room is quite spacious compared to other hotels in the same category. All my requests made during booking were met; I got a high-floor room facing south, so it was sunny every day, and it overlooked the beautiful street garden below. The room was clean, and daily housekeeping was very thorough. The front desk staff were very friendly, and communication in English was smooth. Breakfast was abundant, with both Western and Japanese options, as well as Chinese congee. I especially recommend a ramen shop near Tsukiji Market that serves delicious oyster-broth ramen; it's a great option for dinner.
From€115
9.3/10Great673 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km from city center
I stayed here for a conference, and it was quite busy, mostly with business travelers. The subway station is right downstairs, and it's within walking distance to the Big Sight exhibition center. As a Hilton Honors member, I got free breakfast, and eating in the lounge meant no waiting in line. The room was relatively spacious compared to most in central Tokyo, though still on the smaller side, but it was very clean and the service was good. There's a direct bus to Haneda Airport right outside, which is super convenient, and there were always taxis waiting downstairs.
From€121
9.2/10Great661 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.42km from city center
Located on the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station, this hotel, though not large, offers exceptionally warm and attentive service. Every staff member I encountered greeted me proactively. I arrived at 2:15 PM, before check-in time, and stored my luggage. After a quick stroll around the area, I returned to find my bags already neatly placed in my room. When I needed more water, the front desk delivered it to my room in an instant. The room itself was very quiet and well-equipped with all necessary amenities. For such a central location, the value for money is outstanding. The view from the window is excellent; during the day, the train tracks are busy with trains coming and going, while at night, the city lights are spectacular. I even saw a rainbow on the day I checked in – a lovely start to my stay.
From€127
9/10Great483 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km from city center
If you're booking this hotel, definitely go for the renovated rooms. The facilities in the refurbished rooms are much newer and look a lot better. Seriously, avoid their cheaper room types; the experience will be quite disappointing. During this stay, I found the front desk service to be the best – very attentive, warm, and they offered a wide variety of amenities. However, I felt the doormen at the entrance had a really poor attitude, especially the foreign staff. While I was waiting for a taxi, it was windy and raining coldly outside, and the weather was freezing, yet they made me wait there for 15 minutes. As a result, I ended up catching a cold, which I found to be very inhumane. As for breakfast, I think it's one of the tastiest and has a good variety compared to all the hotels I've stayed at in Japan. Lastly, the gym closes too early for my liking.
From€236
9.5/10Amazing338 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.35km from city center
I really love this hotel and have stayed here multiple times. The location is excellent, right by the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station, just across the traffic light. It's also very close to the Imperial Palace, making it super convenient for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. This time, I noticed some changes: the twin beds were wider, and the 8th-floor breakfast is now entirely self-service.
From€188

Show more

Show more

Top Hotels in Other Popular Cities
In Kyoto
In Osaka
See All Hotels
NO.1
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
9.3/109439 reviews
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.2
The Hedistar Hotel Kyoto Nijo Comic&Books
8.9/10418 reviews
The Hedistar Hotel Kyoto Nijo Comic&Books
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.3
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
9.5/10661 reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.4
Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo
8.8/10545 reviews
Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.5
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
9.2/101484 reviews
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.6
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
9.3/10999 reviews
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.7
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
9.3/1068 reviews
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.8
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
9.1/101569 reviews
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Hotel in Kyoto
NO.1
Welina Hotel Premier Nakanoshima East
8.6/102067 reviews
Welina Hotel Premier Nakanoshima East
Hotel in Osaka
NO.2
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
9.3/102115 reviews
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
Hotel in Osaka
NO.3
KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsekai
9.3/101109 reviews
KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsekai
Hotel in Osaka
NO.4
The OneFive Osaka Namba Kuromon
8.8/101055 reviews
The OneFive Osaka Namba Kuromon
Hotel in Osaka
NO.5
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
9/103509 reviews
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
Hotel in Osaka
NO.6
Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda
9.4/101053 reviews
Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda
Hotel in Osaka
NO.7
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Higashishinsaibashi
8.9/102657 reviews
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Higashishinsaibashi
Hotel in Osaka
NO.8
RIHGA Place Higobashi
8.8/101356 reviews
RIHGA Place Higobashi
Hotel in Osaka

Trip.com Flight Deals & Flight Tips

Trip.com offers easy booking services, including flights, hotels, tours, and activities. Book with this international online travel agency to get 24/7 customer service in multiple languages and save more on your trip.

FAQs: Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
> >
Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan