5 Secret Tips to Find Cheap Flights to Japan (From the USA)

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The first time I booked a flight to Japan, I paid over $1,200. No mistake fares, no points…just rookie moves and bad timing. I had no idea that with the right strategy, I could’ve cut that price in half (or more). Since then, I’ve flown to Japan for as little as $450 roundtrip, thanks to a toolkit of timing tricks, search hacks, and insider resources most travelers overlook. This is the real playbook I use, the same approach I’ve shared with friends and readers who now brag about their dirt-cheap Tokyo tickets.

If Japan is on your bucket list, you don’t need to drain your savings to get there. In this guide, I’ll share five practical, field-tested tips to help you score your dream flight for a fraction of the price…so you can save your yen for ramen, onsens, and epic adventures.

Flying to Japan on a Budget (At a Glance)

After paying $1,200 for my first Japan flight (rookie move), I’ve since flown for as little as $450 roundtrip. Here’s what’s worked best for me:

• Use Going.com (Premium or Elite) – Set your home airports, add Japan to your Watchlist, and let mistake fares and points deals come to you. My code JON25 gets you 25% off.
• Leverage miles & points – I’ve booked ANA business for 75K points and JAL business for 60K via Alaska miles. These redemptions save thousands.
• Be date-flexible – Flying midweek and avoiding Japan’s major holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year) has saved me $150–$300 per trip.
• Choose the right airport – Narita usually wins on price, but KIX is perfect if you’re Kyoto-bound.
• Consider smart layovers – Routing through Seoul, Taipei, or even Honolulu has shaved hundreds off my tickets (plus bonus sightseeing).

Use these strategies together, and you won’t just get to Japan cheaper…you’ll have extra yen for ramen, onsens, and epic adventures once you’re there.

1. Sign up for the Premium Version of Going.com

For the past 5 years, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my secret weapon for scoring insanely cheap flights…including to Japan. I’m talking Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for a fraction of what most travelers pay. Last year, I even snagged a seat to Southeast Asia for thousands less than the sticker price, and I’m already eyeing my next Japan trip using the same strategy.

Here’s why I swear by it: Going does the hard work for you. You set your home airports, and they send you email or app alerts the moment jaw-dropping deals pop up…like mistake fares, points redemptions, and discounts you’d never stumble on yourself. Add Japan to your Watchlist, and you’ll be the first to know when an unbeatable fare hits.

They offer three membership levels: Limited (free), Premium, and Elite. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business or first class without paying a fortune, Elite is where it’s at. And because you’re one of my readers, you can save 25% on any plan with my exclusive code JON25. Trust me…this is one membership that pays for itself fast.

2. Maximize Your Miles and Points

One of my favorite ways to save on Japan flights is by using miles and points. Over the years, I’ve learned how to stretch those points to make trips way more affordable. If you’re into travel hacking like I am, here are a few programs that have worked for me.

ANA Mileage Club

ANA is one of Japan’s top airlines, and their frequent flyer program, ANA Mileage Club, is a gem. I love transferring my Amex Membership Rewards points to ANA because the redemption rates are pretty sweet. You can get first class with ANA for less than the price of business class with many Asian airlines.

You can snag an economy class ticket from the U.S. to Japan for around 40,000 miles one-way, and business class can be yours for 75,000 to 90,000 miles. ANA’s service is incredible…think multi-course Japanese meals and some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever flown in. Well worth burning points on.

JAL Mileage Bank (Partnered with Alaska Airlines)

Japan Airlines (JAL) is another great option, especially if you’re an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member. JAL partners with Alaska, which means you can use your Alaska miles to book flights on JAL to Japan. 

I’ve found some amazing deals this way. Think 35,000 miles one-way in economy or 60,000 miles in business class. Flying JAL feels like a sneak peek into Japan before you even land…immaculate service, amazing food, and crews that actually seem happy to be there.

United MileagePlus

If you’re flying out of cities like San Francisco or Chicago, United’s MileagePlus program is a solid choice. United is part of the Star Alliance, so you can use your miles to book flights on ANA, which is one of the best airlines for flying to Japan. 

Typically, you can get an economy ticket for 35,000 miles one-way, and business class starts at 70,000 miles. United’s credit cards often come with big sign-up bonuses, which can get you closer to that dream trip.

Using these programs has saved me well over $4,000 on Japan flights over the years. It’s all about finding the right program and making those miles work for you.

3. Be Flexible with Your Dates

Have you ever noticed how flight prices seem to fluctuate like crazy? That’s because timing is everything.

Being flexible with your travel dates can be your golden ticket to cheap flights to Japan. Even shifting your departure by 2–3 days can slash hundreds off the fare. I’ve seen Tokyo prices drop $180 just by moving from Sunday to Tuesday.

One of the most popular times to visit Japan is during cherry blossom season, which typically runs from late March to early April. While the sight of the blooming sakura is spectacular, flights to Japan during this period tend to be significantly more expensive due to the high demand. If you can avoid traveling during cherry blossom season, you’ll likely find much cheaper fares.

Here’s a tip from my personal experience: Mid-week flights are usually more affordable than weekends. And if you can avoid Japan’s major holidays—like Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year—you’ll likely score a much better deal. Take it from me, those peak times can skyrocket prices.

Tools like Going’s Explore Page allow you to search for a specific destination to see if there are any active deals. It also gives you tips, like the best timeframes to score deals (1-3 months ahead for domestic travel and 2-8 months ahead for international).

4. Save big by flying into Japan’s most affordable airports

Choosing the right airport can be the difference between a budget-friendly trip to Japan and one that breaks the bank.

Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) and Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) are my favorites for affordable flights to Japan from the US. Each airport has unique advantages that help keep my travel costs low.

Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)

For the most part, Tokyo Narita Airport is the cheapest airport to fly to in Japan. It consistently offers some of the best prices, especially from major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

It’s a major hub, which means there’s fierce competition among airlines like Japan Airlines, ANA, American, and United. I see the lowest Narita fares pop up in spring and fall…shoulder seasons when competition between airlines is fierce.

I’ve found that Narita often has the most affordable flights to Japan, and I can’t recommend this airport highly enough. Plus, once you land, Narita’s well-connected train system can whisk you straight into the heart of Tokyo.

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Kansai International Airport in Osaka is another excellent option for budget-friendly flights to Japan, though it’s often slightly pricier than Narita. While it might be slightly pricier than Narita, KIX still offers competitive fares, particularly from cities with direct flights like San Francisco and Seattle. Airlines like ANA and Delta often have promotions that make this airport a solid choice.

What makes KIX worth considering is how close it is to Kyoto and Nara—two of my favorite places in Japan. If you’re planning to explore this part of Japan, KIX is a convenient and affordable entry point.

Nagoya Chubu Centrair (NGO)

Nagoya might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Japan. But flying into Chubu Centrair can sometimes be cheaper than the more popular Tokyo or Osaka routes. Plus, Nagoya is centrally located, which makes it a great starting point if you’re planning to travel around the country.

Pro Tip: Compare prices for flying into different Japanese cities. Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), and Nagoya (Chubu Centrair) might have different fares, and domestic travel in Japan is affordable and efficient. So, even if you land in one city, it’s easy and relatively cheap to hop on a bullet train or a domestic flight to reach your final destination.

5. Book in Advance or at the Last Minute

When hunting for cheap flights to Japan, your booking strategy can make all the difference.

Booking well in advance or waiting until the last minute can lead to the best prices. Airlines often release their lowest fares months ahead, so if you like to plan, securing a ticket early—around 6-9 months before your trip—can lock in a great deal.

If you’re more flexible, waiting until the last minute can also work in your favor. Airlines sometimes drop prices close to departure to fill empty seats. It’s a gamble, but I’ve landed $510 roundtrips to Tokyo booking just nine days out…worth it if you can roll with last-minute plans. Here are some tips for booking last-minute flights.

Pro Tip: To get the best deals on flights to Japan, I always check Going. Their fare alerts have helped me spot both early bird deals and last-minute discounts that I might have missed otherwise. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to stay on top of the best prices for your next trip to Japan!

6. Be Open to Layovers

If you’re looking to save on flights to Japan, being open to layovers can make a big difference.

Instead of flying directly to Japan, consider routing through a nearby country like South Korea or Taiwan. I’ve found that flights to cities like Seoul or Taipei can sometimes be cheaper than flying directly to Tokyo or Osaka. 

Once you’re there, you can hop on a low-cost carrier, such as Peach Aviation or Jetstar Japan, to reach your final destination in Japan. I’ve paid as little as $65 for a Seoul–Tokyo hop on Peach Aviation…less than the cost of a nice dinner in Shibuya.

For example, I’ve flown into Seoul with a budget airline and then taken an affordable flight to Tokyo with Peach Aviation. It added a bit of extra travel time, but the savings were worth it, and I got to explore another country along the way. Plus, both South Korea and Taiwan are two of my favorite places to visit in Asia. It’s worth it, even if just for a day or two.

If you’re looking for flights to Japan from Europe, I recommend routing through a major hub like Dubai or Doha. This is where airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways often offer competitive fares to Asia. From these hubs, you can find budget-friendly flights to Japan with local carriers such as Flydubai (to Osaka), AirAsia X (via Kuala Lumpur), or Cebu Pacific (via Manila).

Bonus Tip: Consider Flying Through Hawaii

Another great strategy I’ve discovered for saving on flights to Japan from the U.S. is routing through Hawaii. If you’ve ever dreamed of adding a little tropical paradise to your itinerary, this might be the perfect option!

Honolulu (HNL) is a major gateway between the U.S. and Asia, and I’ve found some pretty sweet deals flying from there to Japan. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to book a flight from the mainland U.S. to Honolulu and then purchase a separate ticket from Honolulu to Tokyo or Osaka. Plus, you get the bonus of spending some time in Hawaii, and honestly, who’s going to complain about a few days in Oahu before heading to Japan?

I’ve done this a couple of times, and it’s been a great way to break up the long journey. The flights from Honolulu to Japan are usually shorter and more affordable, and you can find good deals with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines or Japan Airlines (JAL). It’s a win-win—you get to enjoy the beaches of Oahu and then head off to explore Japan.

Here’s where Going comes in handy. Signing up for their alerts has helped me spot those great deals from Honolulu to Japan that I might’ve missed otherwise. It’s an easy way to make your trip more fun and budget-friendly without the stress of constantly searching for flights. Plus, it will show you deals on the best airlines to Japan from the US!