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
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
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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

9.3/10Great812 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$156
9.2/10Great1351 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$185
9.5/10Amazing2242 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$224
9.2/10Great3505 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$74
9/10Great2123 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$212

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Family friendly

9/10Great150 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$341
9/10Great946 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$205
8.7/10Very Good4411 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$99
9.4/10Amazing405 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$281
9.5/10Amazing160 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$1,856

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Breakfast

9/10Great788 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.31km from city center
Quite a disappointing stay. I initially thought it was a Dormy Inn because the first characters of the name were the same, and it was also a hot spring hotel, which made it very confusing. The service here was a world apart from Dormy Inn. The room was incredibly small. The breakfast in the pictures looked very rich, and I thought it would be a lavish buffet, but it turned out to be just a bento box, and they didn't even provide cutlery. The price wasn't cheap either. It really ruined my mood. The hot spring was also tiny, and they didn't even provide hair dryers in the hot spring area.
From$55
9/10Great86 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km from city center
The hotel's location was excellent, and the rooms were very spacious, exceeding my expectations. The hotel was immaculately clean, truly spotless. Each floor has six rooms that share a common lounge area. After each use, staff would come to clean it thoroughly, restoring it to its pristine condition, which was incredibly thoughtful. Every staff member at the hotel was extremely kind and friendly. I particularly loved the rooftop hot spring; after a soak, they even provided ice-cold milk, which was a lovely touch. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with my stay.
From$961
9/10Great252 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.36km from city center
The environment is great, and the room is very clean. There are many convenience stores nearby. It's very convenient to the subway station and Ginza; you can walk to many places from here. The service was very thoughtful.
From$112
9.1/10Great983 Reviews
Roppongi Tokyo|3.16km from city center
It was my first time staying in the Roppongi area, and the location is extremely convenient. The hotel is just a two-minute walk from the station, making it easy to get around Tokyo. The neighborhood is lively and well-connected, which is perfect for shopping and sightseeing. Check-in is self-service, which was quick and efficient. Amenities such as toiletries are available on the lobby floor for guests to pick up, and there is also a vending machine on the floor for added convenience. One downside was the cleanliness. I found a hair on the bed and a fruit seed on the floor, which was a bit disappointing and could definitely be improved. The highlight of the stay was the massage chair inside the room — it was absolutely perfect after a long day of shopping and walking around Tokyo. It really made a difference in helping me relax and unwind. On the second floor, there is a hotel restaurant as well as a well-known BBQ restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try them during this trip, but it’s great to have dining options so close by. Overall, a very convenient stay in a prime location, with the massage chair being a standout feature.
From$62
9.2/10Great182 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$193

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Gym

9.2/10Great1699 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$129
9.3/10Great680 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$164
9.1/10Great480 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$279
9.5/10Amazing339 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$224

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Top Hotels in Other Popular Cities
In Kyoto
In Osaka
See All Hotels
NO.1
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
9.3/109358 reviews
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
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NO.2
The Hedistar Hotel Kyoto Nijo Comic&Books
9/10412 reviews
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NO.3
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
9.5/10661 reviews
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NO.4
Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo
8.8/10532 reviews
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NO.5
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
9.2/101484 reviews
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NO.6
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
9.3/10999 reviews
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NO.7
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
9.3/1069 reviews
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NO.8
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
9.1/101555 reviews
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Welina Hotel Premier Nakanoshima East
8.6/102067 reviews
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NO.2
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
9.3/102115 reviews
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NO.3
KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsekai
9.3/101109 reviews
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NO.4
The OneFive Osaka Namba Kuromon
8.8/101045 reviews
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NO.5
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
9/103500 reviews
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NO.6
Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda
9.4/101053 reviews
Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda
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NO.7
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Higashishinsaibashi
8.9/102654 reviews
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NO.8
RIHGA Place Higobashi
8.8/101361 reviews
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Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan