Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Save on Flights
Find the cheapest months, best booking strategies, and pay-later options for Japan flights.
Where
The cheapest time to fly to Japan is typically during January, February, and September, when roundtrip fares from the US can dip as low as $650 to $850. Booking outside of cherry blossom and holiday seasons can save you hundreds of dollars. Avoid peak periods like Golden Week and late March to maximize your savings.
Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Save on Flights
Cheapest time to fly to Japan is a top concern for travelers seeking great value, and with the right strategy, you can save hundreds on airfare. Japan’s unique seasonal events and school holidays create huge swings in flight prices throughout the year. By targeting off-peak months and using smart booking tactics, travelers can secure roundtrip tickets at a fraction of the peak season cost. In this guide, we break down the cheapest months, highlight the most expensive travel windows, and provide actionable tips on booking affordable flights. Whether you’re planning a cherry blossom adventure or a fall foliage escape, knowing when to book can make all the difference. If you’re ready to start searching, search flights on Travorio to find and compare the lowest fares.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Japan
Flight prices to Japan fluctuate significantly throughout the year, driven by demand from international tourists and domestic holidays. The absolute cheapest months to fly are January and February, when tourism slows after the New Year. During these months, roundtrip flights from major US cities to Tokyo or Osaka often range from $650 to $850. September is another budget-friendly period, with fares averaging $700 to $900. These months see fewer visitors due to weather (winter cold or late-summer typhoons) but reward flexible travelers with excellent deals.
March and April see a dramatic price jump due to cherry blossom season, with fares routinely exceeding $1,200. May is also expensive during Golden Week, a string of public holidays. Summer (June to August) can be surprisingly affordable except for Obon week in mid-August, when prices spike briefly. November and early December offer shoulder season bargains, with roundtrip averages between $800 and $950. By avoiding peak holiday periods and focusing on January, February, and September, you can score the lowest fares of the year.
Most Expensive Times to Fly to Japan
Flight prices reach their highest during late March and early April for cherry blossom season, as well as the Golden Week holidays in late April and early May. These periods see a surge in both international and domestic travel, driving average roundtrip fares above $1,300. Late December, around Christmas and New Year’s, is also expensive due to family travel and year-end festivals. Booking during these windows means paying a hefty premium for the same routes.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Japan
Scoring the best deals on Japan flights comes down to timing and flexibility. Start searching three to six months in advance for the lowest prices, and consider flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, which tend to be less expensive than weekend departures. Direct flights are often more convenient but can cost $100-$300 more than routes with one stop, so weigh savings against travel time. Set up fare alerts and compare across multiple airlines and booking platforms to spot price drops. For side-by-side comparisons and crypto-friendly payments, compare on Travorio for real-time deals and flexible options.
Pay Later Options for Japan Flights
Stretch your travel budget further with 'buy now, pay later' options when booking Japan flights on Travorio. Choose Sezzle or PayPal at checkout to break your purchase into interest-free installments, making it easier to lock in low fares when you find them. This flexibility means you can book during sales or off-peak periods without waiting for payday. For a detailed look at how Sezzle compares to other BNPL services, see our BNPL comparison guide before booking your next flight.
Best Airlines for Japan
Top airlines flying from the US to Japan include ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines (JAL), United, Delta, and American Airlines. Budget-conscious travelers often find the lowest fares with United and Delta, especially on connecting routes. ANA and JAL offer superior onboard service but sometimes at higher prices. For more information on schedules and amenities, visit the official Japan Airlines website.
Flight Price by Season
Month by Month Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
January is consistently the cheapest month to fly to Japan, with roundtrip fares from the US often starting at $650. February is a close second, especially for travelers who can depart midweek and avoid holiday dates. These months see fewer tourists due to colder weather, which keeps flight demand and prices low. If low cost is your top priority, target these winter months for booking.
For the best deals, book your Japan flights three to six months in advance. This window offers the most competitive fares before prices climb as departure dates approach. Booking too early can mean missing out on sales, while last-minute fares are usually much higher. Setting up price alerts can help you catch price drops and limited-time promotions.
United Airlines and Delta frequently offer the lowest fares on US-Japan routes, especially when you're open to one-stop itineraries. Budget carriers like ZIPAIR and AirAsia X occasionally have deals from the West Coast, though options are limited. ANA and JAL are reputable full-service options but may cost more unless you book during a sale. Always compare all available airlines to find the best combination of price and service.
The average roundtrip flight from the US to Japan costs around $950, but prices fluctuate based on the season and booking window. During the cheapest months, fares can be as low as $650, while peak travel periods can push prices above $1,300. Flexible dates and early booking can help you secure fares well below the yearly average.
Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the best days to book and to depart for the lowest Japan fares. Airlines often release fare updates early in the week, and midweek flights typically have lower demand. Weekend departures and returns usually command higher prices. Flexibility with your travel dates can yield significant savings.
Yes, Travorio supports buy now, pay later options like Sezzle and PayPal, allowing you to split your flight cost into manageable payments. This is especially helpful when you spot a great deal but want to spread out the expense. Review our <a href="https://travorio.com/guides/sezzle-vs-affirm-vs-klarna">BNPL comparison</a> to see which service best fits your travel budget and needs.
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