Flights to Japan
Japan has several international airports. Most travelers land in Tokyo or Osaka:
Narita International Airport (NRT) — Tokyo's main airport
60 km east of Tokyo. Most international long-haul flights land here. Coordinates: [35.7647, 140.3864]. Transfer to the center: Narita Express (N'EX) ¥3,250 (20 €, 60 min to Tokyo Station) or Limousine Bus ¥3,200.
Haneda Airport (HND) — Tokyo's city airport
Only 15 km south of the center. Coordinates: [35.5494, 139.7798]. Significantly expanded for international flights since 2020. Monorail or Keikyu line to the center in 15–30 min for ¥300–500. Much more convenient than Narita!
Kansai International Airport (KIX) — Osaka
On an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Coordinates: [34.4347, 135.2440]. Gateway to the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe). Haruka Express to Kyoto: ¥3,640 (23 €, 75 min).
Direct flights from Germany
- ANA (All Nippon Airways): Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda (11:30h), Munich → Tokyo Haneda. Daily nonstop flights, 600–1,100 € round trip.
- Lufthansa: Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda, Munich → Tokyo Haneda, Frankfurt → Osaka. 600–1,000 €.
- JAL (Japan Airlines): Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda (11:30h). Premium service, from 650 €.
Cheap connecting flights:
- Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul. Many German departure airports, from 500 €.
- Emirates/Qatar Airways: Via Dubai/Doha, from 550 €.
- Finnair: Via Helsinki — shortest detour to Asia, from 500 €.
- Korean Air/Asiana: Via Seoul, occasional bargains from 450 €.
Flight prices (indicative round trip from Germany)
| Period | Economy | Premium Eco | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Jul) | 500–700 € | 900–1,300 € | 2,500–4,000 € |
| Shoulder (Mar, May, Sep–Nov) | 600–900 € | 1,100–1,600 € | 3,000–5,000 € |
| Peak season (Cherry blossom Apr, Autumn foliage Oct/Nov) | 800–1,200 € | 1,500–2,000 € | 4,000–6,500 € |
| Christmas/New Year | 1,000–1,500 € | 1,800–2,500 € | 5,000–7,500 € |
💡 Tipp
If possible, fly to Haneda (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) — the airport is much closer to the city center and saves 1–2 hours and ¥2,000 on the transfer. ANA and Lufthansa now both fly to Haneda.
Achtung
During cherry blossom season (late March – early April), flights to Japan are significantly more expensive and booked out early. Book at least 4–6 months in advance!
