Japanese students in the US travel on the US academic calendar, which means leaving in May and returning in December or January. This guide covers the peaks, the two Tokyo airports and a few tricks for heavy luggage.
Japan at a glance
- Main gateways: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT); also Osaka (KIX), Nagoya (NGO) and Fukuoka (FUK).
- Busiest fare periods: mid-May to July, late December to early January, and late March to early April.
- Often better-value periods: mid-January to February, and September to November.
When to fly
Japan’s school year starts in April, but students at US universities usually travel on US dates. The cherry blossom season in late March and April raises fares for everyone, and the New Year holiday is the biggest domestic travel period.
Routings and baggage
Japan Airlines, ANA, United, Delta and American have flown non-stop from many US gateways to Tokyo. Flights from the West Coast take roughly 10 to 11 hours and from the East Coast roughly 14 to 15. Japanese carriers often include two checked bags of about 23 kg in economy on US routes, but check the exact fare.
Airports and getting around
Haneda is about 15 to 30 minutes from central Tokyo by monorail or train. Narita is about an hour away by the Narita Express or Skyliner. Takuhaibin counters in the arrivals hall can forward heavy bags to your home, and a Suica or Pasmo card, which iPhone users can add to their wallet, covers trains and buses.
How to pay less on flights to Japan
- Dodge the peaks. Fares rise from mid-May to July, from late December to early January, and during cherry blossom season in late March and early April. Mid-January to February and September to November are often better value.
- Compare the non-stops. Japan Airlines, ANA, United, Delta and American have flown non-stop from many US gateways to Tokyo. West Coast flights are shorter, so compare the departure city.
- Pick the right airport. Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, so a slightly higher fare into Haneda can save time and transfer cost.
- Use luggage forwarding. Takuhaibin counters can send heavy bags ahead, which can make a lighter-fare ticket practical.
For the general method, see how we find cheap flights. Send us your dates and a specialist compares the options for this route.
Before you go
Check passport validity and Japan’s current entry rules through the official government source. A yellow fever certificate is needed only if you arrive from a risk country. Routine vaccines are the usual advice. See the CDC page for Japan.
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Airline routes, schedules, baggage rules and entry requirements change, so your specialist confirms the current options when they quote your trip.
Planning a trip? See our Japan flights page, our student travel page, or send us your dates for a quote.
Questions, answered.
When are flights to Japan most expensive?
Fares peak from mid-May to July, from late December to early January, and from late March to early April during cherry blossom season. Mid-January to February and September to November are often better value.
Haneda or Narita?
Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo. Narita is farther out, about an hour by express train, but is served by many flights. Choose the airport closest to your destination.
Can I send my luggage ahead?
Yes. Takuhaibin luggage delivery counters at Japanese airports will send bags to a home address, usually overnight within Japan, for a fee.
