Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Flight Deals & Tips

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By lang

June 19, 2025

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
Los Angeles
LAX
Komatsu
KMQ
Mon, Jul 13
Sun, Jul 19
One way
27% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 21,914,500.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Komatsu
KMQ
Mon, Jun 22
Mon, Jun 29
One way
25% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 22,460,000.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Komatsu
KMQ
Mon, Jul 13
Sun, Jul 19
One way
16% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 25,032,800.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Komatsu
KMQ
Sat, Jun 20
Sat, Jun 27
One way
15% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 25,305,500.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Komatsu
KMQ
Fri, Jun 26
Fri, Jul 3
One way
12% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 26,412,300.00
San Francisco
SFO
Komatsu
KMQ
Mon, Jul 6
Mon, Jul 13
One way
12% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 26,430,600.00
San Francisco
SFO
Komatsu
KMQ
Mon, Jul 6
Mon, Jul 13
One way
9% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 27,136,100.00
New York
JFK
Komatsu
KMQ
Sun, Jun 21
Sun, Jun 28
One way
9% off
From 29,915,000.00IDR 27,162,300.00

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

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

to Osaka
to Tokyo
to Okinawa
See all flights
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Mon, Jul 6
Mon, Jul 13
One way
25% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 17,277,700.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Fri, Jul 3
Mon, Jul 6
One way
16% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,286,700.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Sun, Jul 5
Sun, Jul 12
One way
16% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,294,500.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Wed, Jul 15
Thu, Jul 23
One way
15% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,548,900.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Wed, Jul 15
Wed, Jul 22
One way
15% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,556,800.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Wed, Jul 1
Wed, Jul 8
One way
15% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,653,800.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Tue, Jul 14
Tue, Jul 21
One way
15% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,656,400.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Osaka
KIX
Tue, Jul 14
Tue, Jul 21
One way
14% off
From 23,076,100.00IDR 19,735,100.00

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
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Wed, Jul 1
Tue, Jul 7
One way
47% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 15,539,000.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Wed, Jul 15
Wed, Jul 22
One way
45% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 15,974,300.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Wed, Jul 15
Thu, Jul 23
One way
45% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 15,992,700.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Sat, Jul 4
Sat, Jul 11
One way
44% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 16,435,900.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Mon, Jun 22
Thu, Jun 25
One way
40% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 17,382,600.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Wed, Jun 24
Mon, Jun 29
One way
40% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 17,461,300.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Tue, Jul 14
Tue, Jul 21
One way
32% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 19,853,100.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Tokyo
NRT
Mon, Jul 13
Tue, Jul 21
One way
32% off
From 29,174,300.00IDR 19,874,100.00

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.

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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!

Check-in
Thu, Jun 18
Check-out
Sun, Jun 21
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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.

👍 Tokyo Hotel Recommendations 👍

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.

FAQ: Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan

  • What is the cheapest time to fly to Japan?

    January (after New Year's) consistently offers the lowest prices for flights and accommodations.
  • How to get cheap accommodation in Tokyo?

    Consider business hotels in less central areas, such as Ikebukuro or Shinagawa, or capsule hotels for solo travelers.
  • Are there any hidden costs when I fly to Japan?

    Watch for luggage fees on budget airlines, admission charges at certain temples and shrines, and peak season surcharges at traditional ryokan inns.
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