There is no doubt that Japan is a popular tourist destination. Before the pandemic, more than 30 million visitors came to Japan each year. This number is expected to be surpassed in 2024, with 24 million travelers having already visited Japan between January and August this year.
As it stands, the yen-dollar exchange rate is in favor of Americans, making it a fairly economical time to visit Japan. But there is always a major obstacle in the way: thefts. If you're looking to find affordable flights to Japan, you'll need to plan your visit at the right time. Lucky for you, we spoke with an expert to find out the cheapest times to travel to Japan.
Factors that impact flight prices
“The two main factors that influence flight prices are seasonality and traveler demand,” an Expedia spokesperson said. Travel + Leisure. “Traveling out of season is often much cheaper and less touristy.”
In Japan, the peak tourist season is spring, especially for cherry blossoms (or sakura) season. Cherry blossoms bloom at different times across the country, but generally speaking, sakura season runs from late March to May. With millions of visitors coming to Japan for the pink flowers, airfares tend to skyrocket. A second peak season occurs in late fall, when temperatures and humidity in Japan finally drop from their summer extremes but the cold winter has not yet begun.
It is also important to consider regional seasonality. The northern island of Hokkaido, for example, is particularly popular in winter for skiing and hot springs, which creates demand for flights and therefore increased airfares. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the southern island of Okinawa is a beach destination, so its peak season is in summer.
Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Cheapest times to fly
“According to Expedia booking data, the cheapest time to travel to Japan varies by destination, but generally spring and summer are the most expensive,” the spokesperson shares with T+L. This of course corresponds to the cherry blossom season and the summer school holidays.
Expedia data shows that the cheapest time to travel to the main tourist hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is January. If you are planning to travel to other destinations in Japan, the cheapest times to travel vary; for example, Expedia data shows that the cheapest flights to Kobe are in November, while the cheapest flights to Fukuoka are in September.
“Traveling during these months can generate savings of approximately 30 percent or more compared to peak summer prices,” says the Expedia spokesperson. “Sure, you might need to pack a heavier jacket and rain gear, but it might be worth it to save more and see Japan without the crowds.”
Tips for finding cheap flights
Set up theft alerts.
“First, it's important to have an idea of the 'typical' price for your destination,” says the Expedia spokesperson. Use a price tracker well in advance of your trip to determine a base price for your ideal itinerary. This way, you'll know exactly what constitutes a “good deal” when you see it.
Be flexible.
The more flexible you are with your travel plans, the more likely you are to find a cheap flight. Japan is an easy country to travel around, thanks to a robust domestic flight and high-speed train networkso you don't necessarily have need to fly to your final destination. Just be sure to factor in the cost of domestic shipping.
If you can adjust your travel dates a few days earlier or a few days later, you can often enjoy cheaper flights. For example, according to Expedia 2024 Air Travel Hack ReportThursday flights are up to 16 percent cheaper than flights on other days.
Consider your booking window.
Booking a last minute flight is usually very expensive, but booking a flight Also early can also be more expensive. According to Expedia, the sweet spot for international flights is within 60 days of travel.
Keep checking the price of your flight after booking.
Once you've booked your flight, you're not done: if you set price alerts for your specific flight, you'll be notified if the price drops. In this case, you can usually get an airline credit for the price difference. Of course, a credit is not the same as a refund, but if you plan to travel more with that airline in the near future (the credit expiration date is usually about a year away), you can start increasing your next vacation. funds.
Be wary of basic economy fares.
“One thing to watch out for is whether you select a basic economy or a similar restrictive rate,” explains the Expedia spokesperson. Basic economy fares often eliminate perks like carry-on baggage and seat selection — if you want these perks, you'll have to pay extra for them, negating the potential savings.
Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure
Other ways to save money on your trip
Stay in less central locations.
As a general rule when it comes to accommodation, the closer you are to tourist attractions and the city center, the more expensive the stay. It's often worth staying a little further away and using public transportation (which is quite cheap in Japan) to get where you need to go. Try to avoid taxis, as they are much more expensive than buses or the metro.
Buy a Japan Rail Pass.
If you plan to travel between cities frequently by train during your trip, a Japan Rail Pass can be an economical way to get around the country.
Take the night buses.
It's a double win: night buses are one of the cheapest forms of intercity transportation and will save you the cost of a night in a hotel.
Visit free attractions.
Japan has many beautiful temples, shrines, parks, gardens and markets that are free to enter. Plus, just walking the city streets can be a form of free entertainment in its own right.
Eat at konbini.
Forget Michelin stars. Japanese convenience stores, or konbiniare the best place to eat on a budget. At lunchtime, you will see many locals queuing at 7-Elevens to buy cheap but good food, like onigirior rice balls.
