Choosing the right airline is an important step when planning a trip to Japan, as the airfare represents a significant part of the total budget. Whether you opt for a direct flight or one with a layover, it’s essential to find the right balance between comfort, service, and price, especially for flights ranging from 14 hours (direct) to 18 hours (with layovers).
Which Airlines Fly to Japan?
If you’re looking for a direct flight between Paris and Tôkyô, only premium airlines will get you there in about 14 hours. You have three main options:
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All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Ranked 4th globally in the World's Top 10 Airlines Awards, ANA is renowned for its excellent onboard service and ability to immerse travelers in a Japanese atmosphere right from takeoff.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) – Another Japanese airline, JAL holds 6th place in the same ranking. While slightly below ANA in terms of service, it still offers a great experience.
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Air France – Ranked 9th, Air France also provides direct flights to Tôkyô with high-quality services.
The prices for these flights vary depending on the season and how early you book. On average, an economy class ticket costs between 1,000 € and 1,800 €.
If you plan to take domestic flights within Japan, it might be beneficial to choose ANA or JAL, as they often offer attractive discounts on domestic routes. A domestic flight could cost around 11,000 yen (~80 €) per person.
Flights with Layovers to Japan
Flights with layovers offer more flexibility in terms of price and choice of airlines. You can use a site like SkyScanner to find the best deals.
These flights often reduce the ticket cost, though the travel time can stretch up to 20 hours depending on the layover city. Here are some premium airlines offering flights with one stop to Japan:
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Qatar Airways – Ranked No. 1 in the world, this airline offers a layover in Doha and is known for its top-notch service and comfort.
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Emirates – Ranked 4th, Emirates will take you through Dubai and is also recognized for its superior service.
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Finnair – While less prestigious (ranked 29th), Finnair offers competitive prices with a layover in Helsinki, often one of the most affordable options.
The prices for flights with layovers range between 800 € and 1,200 € on average for premium airlines.
If your goal is to save even more, secondary airlines like Air China or China Eastern Airlines offer tickets starting from 600 €, but with some risks. In our first experience, one of our bags didn’t make the connection in China and arrived in Japan two days later. In our second and final experience, the flight between China and Japan was simply canceled, causing us a 16-hour delay.
When to Buy Your Plane Ticket to Japan?
The price of tickets to Japan fluctuates significantly depending on the time of year.
Expensive periods:
- Summer (July-August) – Prices are high due to vacations. Additionally, the weather in Japan is not very pleasant (heat and humidity).
- Early spring (March-April) – During cherry blossom season.
- Late autumn (October-November) – A popular time for viewing the red maple leaves.
Cheaper periods:
- Late spring (May-June) – Before the peak summer heat.
- End of the year (December to February) – Outside of the school holidays.
With good planning, you can find a round-trip economy class ticket for around 1,200 € on average, but prices can drop to 600 € for flights with layovers or rise to 1,800 € for direct flights during peak season.
Tips and Recommendations
To get the best prices for your flight to Japan, here are some practical tips:
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Book in advance: You can book your flight up to a year ahead. By booking early, you’re more likely to take advantage of airlines' initial offers, which can reduce ticket costs.
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Fly mid-week: Flights in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) are generally cheaper than weekend flights, allowing you to save a few hundred euros.
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Use flight comparison tools: Websites like SkyScanner are useful for comparing real-time airline prices. Voyages Pirates can also alert you to special deals.
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Be flexible with your dates: By adjusting your departure and return dates slightly, you can significantly reduce ticket prices. Use the flexible calendar options on comparison sites to find the cheapest days.
Always buy tickets on the official airline websites
Avoid purchasing tickets through online comparison sites, as many people have regretted doing so. Always go to the airline’s official website to buy your ticket.
For example, if your reservation details differ from those on your passport (which is not uncommon when booking through third-party sites), you won’t be allowed to board. Naturally, you’ll go to the airline’s counter to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, they will tell you to contact the third-party site where you bought your ticket, which will likely either not respond or direct you back to the airline. The result: you’ll end up buying a new ticket at the airport to continue your trip.
How Much of the Total Budget Does the Flight Represent?
The plane ticket generally makes up a considerable portion of the overall budget for a trip to Japan. For a two-week stay, flights can represent 40% to 60% of the total cost, depending on other expenses like accommodation, food, and activities.
For instance, for a two-week trip for two people in March, with a layover flight costing 1,200 € per person, the total budget (including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities) will be around 3,000 € per person, meaning the flight makes up about 40% of the total budget.
Pour aller plus loin :
- Complete guide to budgeting for a trip to Japan
- Estimate your travel budget in Japan using our online tool
