Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Cheap flights to Tokyo

Tokyo may be frenzied, vibrant, hypermodern and never less than innovative but glimpses of Japan’s ancient traditions can still be glimpsed behind the neon spectacle.

When to book cheap flights to Tokyo

To experience the futuristic megacity at its best spring and autumns offer the most temperate times.

Summer sees heat and humidity in the city – yet, despite this, thanks to school holidays and the festival season of July, this is when airline seats are in highest demand and command the highest prices.

Between January and March there is another good opportunity to book a bargain deal. You can expect clear and sunny skies with a slight chill in the air, but very little rain.

Anime fans will want to book their flights in March as each year the Tokyo International Anime Fair draws more and more visitors to Tokyo.

If you are looking for cheap flights to Tokyo it’s worth bearing in mind some search secrets that can drastically lower the price you pay.

1. Consider connecting flights if direct flights return high prices.
2. Remember that Tokyo has two airports – try looking for flights that land in Narita rather than Haneda (or vice versa).
3. Find the cheapest days to fly using our ‘Show Flexible Dates’ option. This appears just above where your flight results are returned – and it lets you see exactly when the cheapest tickets to Tokyo can be grabbed.

Here the most popular airlines offering flights direct to Tokyo:

• British Airways
• JAL
• Virgin Atlantic
• ANA

And here are those offering connecting options only:

• Lufthansa
• Air France
• KLM
• SAS
• Finnair
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates
• Etihad
• Cathay Pacific
• Singapore Airlines

Main airports in Tokyo

Narita is significantly further from the city but it is served by the high-speed Keisei Skyliner train, which will have you in the exciting heart of Tokyo in about 45 minutes. Alternatively you can choose Narita Express train which is a cheaper but slower option.

Taxis into central Tokyo can rack up fares pretty high so think twice before piling your luggage into the boot of the waiting cabs.

Haneda Airport is much closer to the city. Here your options include the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line on the city’s efficient and comfortable underground system. Both journeys will take just 14 minutes and drop you at either Hamamatsucho Station – if you choose the monorail - or Keikyu Shinagawa Station – if you head underground.

There is a fixed-rate taxi fare into the city but you will also be asked to pay for any toll roads used.

How to get around in Tokyo

Tokyo has an enviable public transport system – and it really does pay to use it. Taxi fares can quickly mount up. The easiest way to navigate the city is on the underground subway or Japan Railways (JR).

The Tokyo Combination Ticket is widely available and offers unlimited rides on the Tokyo trains, subway and buses each day.

It is best to avoid the rush hour as public transport tends to get very crowded. Have a lie-in or stay out a little later to travel in comfort!

Insider tips for visiting Tokyo

Head to the bustling Tsukiji market, one of the busiest wholesale fish markets in the world., and watch the catch be prepared with consummate skill.

For panoramic views of Tokyo take the lift to the top of the observatory platform in Tokyo Tower. At night the city sparkles and by day you may catch a glimpse in the distance of Mount Fuji and Mount Tsukuba.

If you’re here to shop for electronics then the colourful Akihabara area, Electric Town, will oblige. There’s great deals on electronics and computers, and fans will love the anime and otaku paraphernalia.