You’re ready to fly to Japan! You’ve picked dates and have an idea of what cities you want to visit. Or maybe you signed up for our trip to Japan and are ready for the next step of booking plane tickets and flight logistics. This is by far the most common question we receive after someone has decided to travel with us on our all-inclusive trip to Japan.

When planning your trip to Japan, considering which airport to fly to, and whether to opt for round-trip or multi-city flights, there are a handful of questions that could be helpful to answer. So we’re answering several of the most common “fly to Japan” questions that travelers ask us.

Here are five of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

Which are the major airports in Japan to consider for international flights?

The best airport to arrive at when you fly to Japan can vary depending on your final destination within Japan but common options depending on where you are flying from:

1. West Coast United States (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco):

- If you are traveling from the West Coast of the United States, your most convenient options are typically Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). These airports are well-connected to major cities and destinations in Japan. Narita is about 1 hour farther from central Tokyo than Haneda.

2. East Coast United States (e.g., New York, Boston):

- If you are coming from the East Coast of the United States, you can also choose to arrive at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) if you have a direct flight. However, you may also consider Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka if you plan to visit western Japan, as it's a major international gateway on the western side of the country. It's especially convenient for places like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

3. Central United States (e.g., Chicago, Dallas):

- From the central United States, you may have more limited direct flight options. In this case, it's common to have a layover at one of the major international airports on the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, etc.) before continuing to Japan. The recommended arrival airport in Japan would then be Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND) as mentioned in the West Coast and East Coast sections, as they are well-connected to domestic destinations across Japan.

Ultimately, your choice of arrival airport in Japan should depend on your final destination within Japan and the availability of flights from your point of origin. Each of the major airports in Japan is well-equipped to handle international travelers, and Japan's efficient transportation system makes it relatively easy to get from the major airports to your desired destination within the country.

Which airport is best for my destination in Japan?

Most first-timers who fly to Japan follow the Golden Route – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or the reverse. Here are a few options to consider for flights if you are interested in a similar itinerary.

1. Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka.

- For this route, it's convenient to fly into Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) and depart from Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX). Alternatively, you can use Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), which is closer to central Osaka, but mainly serves domestic flights.

2. Starting in Osaka and ending in Tokyo.

- For this route, you can do the reverse and fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka and depart from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) for the most convenience. You can also consider Narita International Airport (NRT) if you find a more convenient flight option.

3. Starting in Kyoto and ending in Tokyo.

- Kyoto doesn't have its own international airport, so you'll likely need to use airports in nearby cities. The most convenient option for starting in Kyoto is to fly to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), which are accessible from Kyoto. For the return trip from Tokyo, you can choose Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). For this reason, it’s usually recommended to place Kyoto in the middle of the Golden Route itinerary rather than at the beginning or end.

What are the pros and cons of booking a round-trip flight, multi-city flight, or one-way ticket for my trip to Japan? What are the pros and cons of using the train to maximize flight options?

Booking a round-trip flight, multi-city flight, or one-way ticket each has its own set of pros and cons for a trip to Japan. Additionally, using the train as an alternative transportation method can also be advantageous in certain situations. Here are the factors to consider:

1. Round Trip Flight:

Round-trip tickets often offer better value and lower per-flight costs compared to one-way tickets. It's also an efficient choice if your travel itinerary involves returning to your point of origin and booking a round trip is straightforward and usually involves fewer separate transactions.

However, you're committed to returning to the departure city, which can be a disadvantage if your itinerary involves multiple cities and it may result in unnecessary backtracking if you plan to explore different regions of Japan.

2. Multi-City Flight:

You can customize your itinerary to visit multiple cities without backtracking to your initial departure point, saving time, especially when visiting cities in different regions of Japan.

But multi-city flights can be more expensive than round trip tickets, depending on your itinerary, and coordinating multiple flight segments and transit times can be more complex than booking a round trip.

3. One-Way Tickets:

One-way tickets are ideal for travelers with open-ended itineraries or those who plan to exit Japan from a different city and allow for efficient travel without returning to the departure city.

However, one-way tickets can be more expensive than round-trip tickets, as airlines often offer round-trip discounts. In addition, coordinating multiple one-way tickets can be more time-consuming and potentially more expensive.

4. Using trains as an alternative to maximize your flight options:

Train travel can be cost-effective, especially with Japan Rail Passes for tourists. Trains allow for efficient travel to get back to your arrival airport if you’ve booked a round-trip ticket. They also offer the opportunity to enjoy Japan's beautiful landscapes and experience local culture and you can decide your own schedule for the day.

While it may seem counterintuitive, if you are traveling to more remote destinations, traveling by train is sometimes quicker than taking a domestic flight to a smaller airport. After considering the time it takes to get to the airport, go through security, take the flight, and get from the arrival airport to your final destination - the train ride might be quicker! Train travel is an affordable, efficient, and convenient way to increase the flexibility of your itinerary and budget.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific travel plans, budget, and preferences. For efficiency and cost savings, multi-city flights can be an excellent choice when visiting multiple cities in Japan that are very far apart. However, trains can be an excellent option for certain routes within Japan, offering a unique travel experience. Carefully consider your itinerary, budget, and travel goals when deciding on the best approach.

What are the pros and cons of flying into Tokyo Narita (NRT) vs. Tokyo Haneda (HND)?

Flying into either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, Japan comes with its own set of pros and cons. The choice between these two airports depends on your specific needs, preferences, and travel plans. In short, if you prioritize convenience and proximity to central Tokyo, Haneda International Airport is a great choice, especially if you have domestic connections or Tokyo is your final destination. Narita International Airport is a better option for a wider range of international flights and for travelers with more flexibility regarding their arrival location within Japan.

Should I consider flying into a different Asian city before heading to Japan for cost savings?

Flying into a different Asian city before heading to Japan can sometimes result in cost savings, depending on various factors, such as your departure city, travel dates, and airlines. However, it comes with some potential drawbacks and considerations. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Potentially Lower Costs: In some cases, flying to a major Asian hub city like Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, or Shanghai before connecting to Japan can be cheaper than booking a direct flight to Japan. These cities often have competitive airfare options.

2. Multi-Destination Travel: You have the opportunity to explore two destinations in one trip, which can be appealing if you're interested in visiting a city in addition to Japan.

3. Layovers and Extra Travel Time: Flying through an additional city means longer layovers and more time spent traveling. It may not be worthwhile if you have limited time in Japan.

4. Risk of Delays: Connecting through an additional city introduces more opportunities for delays, which can impact your overall travel experience.

Ultimately, whether flying through another Asian city is a cost-effective strategy for you depends on your travel preferences, risk tolerance, and the specifics of your itinerary.

If you’re ready to book your spot on our all-inclusive trip to Japan and still have questions about flights or arranging plans before or after the tour, we’re happy to jump on a call with you and personalize a recommendation based on your plans.

We hope these fly-to-Japan answers help you make informed decisions when planning your trip to Japan, ensuring you choose the most suitable airport, itinerary, and flight options for your needs and preferences.

Check out our Inside Japan Trip if you want a deeper look into the culture, traditions, and cuisines of Japan. We are hosting three trips to Japan in 2024!

Written by Carly Dela Cruz, Operations Manager and Inside Japan Tour Host

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