Top 8 Airlines for the Best Flights to Japan

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Flying to Japan is a marathon, not a sprint. After dozens of trips across the Pacific, I’ve definitely learned which airlines make those 13 hours feel like a breeze and which ones… well, let’s just say I won’t be booking again. There’s nothing quite like starting your Japan adventure feeling refreshed instead of dragging yourself through Narita Airport like a zombie (been there, done that).

Want to actually enjoy your first day exploring the best places in Japan instead of passing out in your hotel room? I analyzed over 100 most common flight routes to Japan and analyzed factors like the amenities, pricing, seat comfort/legroom, and on-time performance. Here are the airlines that I swear by for reaching Japan in style.

My #1 tip on how to save money on the best flights to Japan

When looking at the best airlines to travel to Japan, keep in mind the expense often associated with international travel. Before I tell you about the best airlines to fly to Japan, let me first share a tip on how you can save a lot of money on plane tickets.

For the past 5 years, I’ve been using Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to save money on flights both international and domestic. Using Going is simple; all you have to do is put in the name of your departure city and your destination. Soon, Going will start sending mistake fares and other extra cheap flight deals directly to your inbox for FREE!

In 2024, Going’s email alerts helped me save thousands of dollars on flights all around the world. In fact, I save an average of $300-500 roundtrip on selected flight routes. As if that wasn’t enough, Going also offers premium memberships for just $49 a year. This gives you access to even more features and better discounts. 

Use my discount code Jon20 to save 20% when you join!

Top Airlines for Traveling to Japan

Looking for the top airlines for traveling to Japan? Fly with United Airlines for extensive international routes, experience premium service with All Nippon Airways, choose Peach Aviation for budget-friendly domestic flights, or book with Air Canada for convenient North American connections. Whether you prioritize comfort, affordability, or accessibility, these airlines offer great options for your trip to Japan.

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1. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: San Francisco (SFO)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus with extensive Star Alliance benefits
• ☕ Perks: Most routes to Japan of any US carrier, Polaris lounges, excellent connectivity
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their newer 777-300ERs or 787-10s for the latest Polaris pods with maximum privacy

United Airlines has been in the Japan game since 1983, longer than any other American carrier. This gives them serious street cred when it comes to connecting the US and Japan. From their west coast hubs in San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX), plus Chicago (ORD) and Newark (EWR), they’ll get you to Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Osaka (KIX) on their slick Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777-300ERs.

The flying experience hits different depending on which plane you score. Their newest Polaris Business pods are legit comfortable for sleeping, with cooling gel pillows and bedding that doesn’t feel like it came from a hospital. Premium Plus is worth the upgrade from regular economy with wider seats and food that’s actually decent. Even Economy Plus gives you those precious extra inches that matter on a 12-hour flight.

What makes United stand out is their Japan-specific service touches. Their flight attendants on Japan routes receive specialized cultural training, and many crews include Japanese speakers. Their app features a “Travel Ready Center” that streamlines Japan’s entry requirements and documents. They’ve also partnered with several ryokans and traditional Japanese hotels for exclusive United traveler perks. 

For anyone trying to navigate Japan’s sometimes complex travel landscape, United’s experience and support tools make the journey significantly smoother.

2. 🇯🇵 All Nippon Airways

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: ANA Mileage Club with Star Alliance benefits
• ☕ Perks: Exceptional service, unique Japanese hospitality, award-winning food
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “The Room” business class on redesigned 777-300ERs for the widest business seat in the skies

All Nippon Airways isn’t just Japan’s largest airline, it’s consistently ranked among the world’s best for service excellence. From their convenient Tokyo Haneda (HND) hub and Narita (NRT) international base, ANA connects travelers to over 50 destinations throughout Japan using their modern fleet of Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.

The onboard experience feels like a master class in Japanese hospitality. Economy offers thoughtful touches like footrests and multi-course meals that other airlines would serve in business class. Their newest “The Room” business seats are almost comically spacious, while their First Class creates such a refined environment you’ll wish the 12-hour flight lasted longer.

What makes ANA special? Their authentic approach to service. Seasonal menu items follow traditional Japanese calendars, cabin crews seem to anticipate needs before you realize them yourself, and even the cabin fragrance is specially designed to provide a sense of Japan. Their attention to detail makes most competitors look like they’re barely trying.

The ANA Mileage Club offers excellent redemption rates with reasonable fees and flexible routing options. If you’re seeking the most authentic Japanese experience from takeoff to landing, ANA delivers premium quality that consistently exceeds expectations.

3. 🇯🇵 Peach Aviation

• 🏠 Hub: Osaka Kansai (KIX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: All economy with standard and premium seats
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Peach Points with straightforward redemptions
• ☕ Perks: Ultra-low fares, modern fleet, Japanese reliability with budget pricing
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Peach Plus” fare bundle includes seat selection, baggage, and flexibility for less than adding à la carte

Peach Aviation has revolutionized budget travel in Japan since their 2012 launch. This vibrant purple low-cost carrier, majority-owned by ANA, connects travelers from their Osaka Kansai (KIX) base to hidden gems across Japan at fares often 50% lower than traditional airlines. 

Their young fleet of Airbus A320neos serves unique destinations that mainstream carriers often ignore. While everything costs extra, the base product impresses with decent legroom, spotlessly clean cabins, and that legendary Japanese punctuality. Their user-friendly English app makes booking and check-in remarkably simple compared to other Japanese systems.

Peach is perfect for exploring Japan thanks to their unmatched network to places like Kushiro, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. They’ve built routes specifically to emerging tourist spots beyond the Tokyo-Kyoto corridor, making comprehensive Japan exploration financially feasible. Their crews maintain professional service standards even on short hops.

The Peach Points program keeps things refreshingly simple with fixed-value redemptions and no blackout dates. Their frequent sales often feature domestic one-way fares under $30. For budget travelers wanting to maximize their Japan adventure without sacrificing reliability, Peach delivers sweet value that makes the country genuinely accessible.

• Read next: Affordable Places to Visit in Asia

4. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

• 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class (Signature)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan with flexible routing rules
• ☕ Perks: Modern fleet, award-winning premium cabins, convenient connections
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Latitude” fares earn 125% miles and can be upgraded instantly at booking with eUpgrade credits

Air Canada provides some of North America’s best service to Japan, operating from Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Osaka (KIX). Their transpacific flights feature their flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners with enhanced humidity and lower cabin altitude that significantly reduces jet lag.

The onboard experience exceeds expectations across all cabins. Economy includes complimentary meals, drinks, and extensive entertainment. Premium Economy offers genuinely wider seats with more recline and upgraded dining. Meanwhile, their Signature Class features private pods with lie-flat beds and restaurant-quality meals that consistently win industry awards.

Air Canada stands out for Japan travel through their geographic advantage. Their Vancouver hub provides the fastest North American routing with ideal departure times that minimize jetlag. Their “Café Japan” concept brings Japanese-inspired refreshments to premium cabins, while their multilingual crews often include Japanese speakers.

The revamped Aeroplan program offers excellent Japan value with stopovers that let you experience Vancouver for free en route. For North American travelers seeking premium transpacific service with convenient connections, Air Canada delivers quality and comfort that rivals Asian carriers at often lower prices.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada

5. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Sky Suite), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank with oneworld benefits
• ☕ Perks: Some of the most spacious economy seats, superior catering, legendary service
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their 787s for the innovative “Sky Wider” economy seats with industry-leading width

Japan Airlines takes such pride in their economy class that they’ve given it a special name: “Sky Wider.” This premium carrier offers the most generous economy seat width in the industry on their Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT)routes to cities like Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX). Their transpacific fleet features beautifully maintained Boeing 777s and 787s with thoughtfully designed cabins that showcase Japanese minimalism.

The inflight experience feels distinctly premium regardless of cabin. Economy passengers enjoy actual legroom, multi-course meals with both Japanese and Western options, and attentive service. Their Sky Suite business class provides private window-facing pods that maximize both privacy and views. First class elevates things further with handcrafted seasonal meals and personalized attention that feels closer to a ryokan experience than typical air travel.

JAL shines through their remarkable attention to detail. Their amenity kits feature premium Japanese skincare brands, entertainment systems include language lessons for travelers, and even the background music changes based on time of day. Their “Anytime You Wish” dining in premium cabins lets you eat on your schedule, not theirs.

The JAL Mileage Bank program offers excellent value with roundtrip economy awards starting around $600 worth of points. Their partnerships with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines provide extensive connectivity options once you arrive. 

6. 🇪🇸 Iberia

• 🏠 Hub: Madrid (MAD)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Iberia Plus with oneworld perks
• ☕ Perks: Competitive pricing, modern fleet, convenient one-stop routing
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book through their promotions page for special Japan fares often $200-300 below competitors

Iberia has quietly become a smart alternative route to Japan for budget-conscious travelers. Spain’s flag carrier connects their Madrid (MAD) hub with Tokyo Narita (NRT) using their newest Airbus A350-900s, featuring the latest cabin technology and improved pressurization. With fares often starting around $800 roundtrip in economy during promotions, they’ve become popular with younger travelers and digital nomads exploring Japan.

The flying experience delivers solid value across cabins. Economy offers comfortable slimline seats with decent pitch and surprisingly good Mediterranean-influenced meals. Premium Economy provides extra space, noise-canceling headphones, and priority services at reasonable upcharges. Meanwhile, Business class features staggered lie-flat beds with direct aisle access and Spanish culinary influences alongside Japanese options.

What makes Iberia unique for Japan travel? Their Madrid connection creates an ideal opportunity to experience two vastly different cultures in one trip. The airline’s “Stopover Hola Madrid” program offers free accommodation, tours, and dining discounts when you break your journey for up to 7 days, essentially giving you a bonus European vacation.

The Iberia Plus program offers exceptional value during their frequent promotions, with business class awards to Japan sometimes available for under $1,900 worth of points roundtrip. Their partnership with Japan Airlines provides seamless connectivity to smaller Japanese cities. 

• Read next: Cheapest Airlines in Europe

7. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, La Première (First)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue with SkyTeam benefits
• ☕ Perks: Gastronomic excellence, champagne in all cabins, elegant service style
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Oh My God” sales offer Japan roundtrips for as low as $599 several times yearly

Air France brings that distinctive French touch to Japan flights with a focus on gastronomic excellence at every price point. This stylish carrier connects Paris (CDG) with Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Osaka (KIX) using their top-tier Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-9s. Their cabins showcase contemporary French design with subtle nods to Japanese aesthetic principles.

The onboard experience centers around impressive culinary offerings. Even economy passengers enjoy multi-course meals designed by noted French chefs and complimentary champagne. Premium Economy features significantly wider seats in a separate cabin with enhanced dining. Business class offers elegant lie-flat pods with memory foam padding, while ultra-exclusive La Première provides one of aviation’s most refined experiences with made-to-order dining.

Air France distinguishes itself through subtle luxury touches. Their custom fragrance wafts through the cabin during boarding, amenity kits feature products from French luxury brands, and cabin crew demonstrate that distinctive balance of warm professionalism that feels uniquely French. Their Japan-specific service includes bilingual crews and special seasonal menus highlighting both French and Japanese specialties.

The Flying Blue program regularly offers “Promo Rewards” with Japan awards available for up to 50% fewer miles. Their monthly sales often feature Tokyo roundtrips from $850 in economy. For travelers wanting to combine European sophistication with Japanese exploration, Air France delivers Parisian style and substance that makes the journey as memorable as the destination.

8. 🇺🇸 Hawaiian Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Honolulu (HNL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Extra Comfort, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: HawaiianMiles with limited but valuable partners
• ☕ Perks: Unique two-vacation routing, island-style service, competitive pricing
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their multi-city booking tool lets you add a free or low-cost Hawaii stopover en route to Japan

Hawaiian Airlines offers something no other carrier can: the chance to combine Hawaii and Japan in one amazing trip. This island-based airline connects Honolulu (HNL) with Tokyo Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX), and Sapporo (CTS) using their comfortable Airbus A330s configured for transpacific leisure travel. Roundtrip fares typically start around $950, with periodic sales dropping prices to $799.

The onboard vibe feels distinctly Hawaiian from the moment you board. Economy passengers enjoy island-inspired meals, Mai Tai cocktails, and more legroom than most competitors. Extra Comfort adds significant space without the premium price tag, while First Class features wide seats and authentic Hawaiian hospitality that actually feels genuine.

Hawaiian’s clever scheduling makes stopover trips incredibly easy. You can spend a few days on the beach before continuing to Japan, essentially getting two dream vacations in one journey. Their crews often provide insider tips for both destinations, having lived in Hawaii and traveled extensively throughout Japan.

The HawaiianMiles program runs frequent Partner Award sales with Japan redemptions discounted by up to 30%. Their points also stay active longer than most airlines with any activity extending them for 18 months. For travelers wanting to combine cherry blossoms and beaches in one trip, Hawaiian delivers a uniquely Pacific travel experience with built-in vacation flexibility.

• Read next: Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best airlines to fly to Japan

Planning a vacation takes a lot of thought and preparation, especially if you’re flying overseeing. Choosing a flight from one of the exceptional airlines above is a good way to set yourself up for success. However, there are a few other things to consider as well. With that in mind, here are some popular questions I get about the best airlines to fly to Japan.

What are the best ways to save money flying to Japan?

If you want to make the most of your time in Japan, it helps to know how to stretch a dollar. To help you find cheap airline tickets to Japan, here are a few helpful tips:

First, book your flight earlier rather than later. In most cases, the earlier you book, the better the deal. As your departure date gets closer and the airline has fewer seats to sell, they’ll be able to sell tickets at a higher price. Booking early helps you get your ticket cheaply because there are still more seats than there are customers.

Second, do your research. Look up information about what parts of Japan you’ll be traveling to. By visiting travel websites and reading reviews from other tourists, you will get a good idea of how much certain attractions and activities cost. You can then budget accordingly, without worrying about last-minute surprises.

Finally and most importantly, use Going. I really can’t stress enough how helpful it is. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars on flights both international and domestic. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s automated, which means all you have to do is type in your departure and arrival points. Going will then send airfare discounts straight to your email. It’s just that easy!

How long does it take to fly to Japan from the U.S.?

The length of a cheap flight to Japan varies greatly based on where you’re leaving from. If you’re departing from the United States east coast, the average time to reach Tokyo is just over 14 hours. Flights leaving from the west coast tend to be shorter due to the area’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

That said, another factor that may alter flight time estimates is whether you’re on a direct or connecting flight. Connecting flights not only tend to have more in-the-air time, but also require layover and carrier changes. This can make your journey take even longer.

Are direct flights to Japan better than connecting flights?

As noted above, choosing whether to take a non-stop flight to Japan or to use connecting flights can play a major role in the length of your trip. That might seem to automatically make direct flights better, but there are times when connecting flights might actually be preferable.

One of the biggest reasons you might want to take a connecting flight instead of a direct one is because of the price. Non-stop flights are usually (though not always) more expensive. If the added time of a route requiring connecting flights is negligible or simply not a big deal to you, you might be better off going for the cheaper deal.

What airlines fly to Japan non-stop?

If you want a direct flight, there are many different carriers who can accommodate you. They include some of the best airlines to fly to Japan, such as:

• All Nippon Airways
• Japan Airlines
• United Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• American Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Thai Airways
• LATAM Airlines

What’s the best time of year to fly to Japan from the U.S.?

Like with most things, the best time of year to fly to Japan from the U.S. depends on several factors. Chief among them is what you mean by “best.”

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to fly to Japan, go during the off-season from January through March. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in what time of year has the best weather, then you’ll want to visit during the warmer months of June, July, and August. However, if, like countless tourists before you, you specifically want to see the country’s famous cherry blossoms in bloom, then the best time to go is between March and April.

What is the best airport in Japan to fly into?

For most visitors, the best airport in Japan will be Narita International Airport (NRT). This is thanks to its general affordability and the diverse selection of carriers that offer routes there. It is also ideally located near many of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, most notably the city of Tokyo.