How to Book Your Flight to Japan: Tips, Prices, and Recommendations

Buying your flight to Japan is one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) parts of preparing to study abroad. With so many options, prices, and routes available, it can be hard to know where to start.

At KOKO JAPAN, we’ve prepared this complete guide to help you find the best flight according to your budget, school schedule, and travel preferences.

 1. When is the best time to book your flight?

The best time to buy an international ticket to Japan is usually 2 to 3 months before your trip.
Buying too early (more than 6 months in advance) doesn’t always guarantee a better price, and waiting until the last month can make it much more expensive.

Tip: Prices tend to increase during Japan’s high seasons:

• Spring (March–April) – cherry blossom and graduation season

• Summer (July–August) – school holidays

• New Year (December–January) – family travel period

If your language school starts in April or July, the best time to book is around January–February or April–May, respectively.

2. Recommended websites to find flights

Not all comparison sites show the same deals or conditions. Here are some reliable platforms to check:

• Skyscanner → Great for comparing many airlines at once.

• Google Flights → Easy-to-use and visual; shows cheaper date options.

• Kayak → Lets you filter by flight duration and number of layovers.

• Expedia Japan → Useful if you’re already in Asia or want to book domestic flights.

• Airline websites directly, such as:

  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) – best comfort and service.

  • Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates – smooth routes with short layovers.

  • ZIPAIR – a Japanese low-cost airline with direct routes from select cities (like Los Angeles or Manila).

KOKO JAPAN Tip:
If you’re flying from Latin America, many routes include layovers in the U.S. or Europe. Make sure to check if you need a transit visa, especially for U.S. layovers.

3. Cheap flights vs. regular flights

Low-cost flights may look attractive, but it’s important to check what’s included in the price.

If you’re coming to live or study in Japan for several months, we recommend choosing a regular or flexible ticket.

These usually offer:

• More baggage allowance (perfect for long stays)

• Flexibility to change dates if your visa or course start is delayed

• More comfort for long flights (12–16 hours total)

4. What to check before you buy

Before purchasing, confirm:

• Baggage allowance (usually 23 kg per checked bag)

• Change or refund policy (important in case of visa delays)

• Layover times (avoid under 2 hours or over 10 hours)

• Arrival airport – Tokyo has Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND); your school or accommodation may be closer to one.

5. Plan your arrival in Japan

Try to arrive 2–3 days before your classes start. This gives you time to rest, adjust to the time zone, and move into your accommodation.
KOKO JAPAN can also guide you on how to get from the airport to your residence or school and suggest convenient transportation options.

6. Final advice: plan early, but stay flexible

Booking your flight to Japan doesn’t have to be stressful.
Compare prices, check baggage and layover times, and always double-check your travel documents.

At KOKO JAPAN, we’re here to guide you through every step of your study abroad journey—from choosing your school and housing to preparing for your flight.

Your adventure in Japan starts long before you land, and planning your flight wisely can make all the difference between a stressful arrival and a smooth beginning.