Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Japan

Direct flight routes to Japan

Non-stop flights to Japan are available from major Australian cities and Auckland.

• Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (NRT) – Qantas, ANA – 9h 30m


• Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT) – Qantas – 10h 30m


• Brisbane (BNE) to Tokyo (NRT) – Qantas – 9h 15m


• Auckland (AKL) to Tokyo (NRT) – Air New Zealand – 11h 05m

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN) – Singapore Airlines hub offering extensive connections with average layover times of 2-4 hours. Features world-class amenities and free city tours for longer layovers.

Hong Kong (HKG) – Cathay Pacific’s main hub with typical connection times of 2-3 hours. Efficient terminal transfers and excellent lounge facilities.

Seoul (ICN) – Korean Air and Asiana Airlines hub with average connections of 3 hours. Features transit hotels and cultural experience zones within the airport.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of travel time. One-stop flights through Asian hubs often cost 20-30% less than non-stop options.

Tips and recommendations

• Mid-week departures through Asian hubs often offer the lowest fares


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Hong Kong for better fare deals and city exploration


• Book mixed-carrier itineraries through online travel agencies for potential savings on one-stop flights


• Look for fifth-freedom flights operated by Asian carriers between Australia and Japan for competitive direct options


• Japanese airlines typically offer better connection times when transiting through their secondary hubs

• JAL’s Cairns-Tokyo route offers consistently lower fares compared to capital city departures, often 20-30% cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne routes. The airline operates Boeing 787-8 with spacious 33-inch pitch in economy, while maintaining premium service standards. Travelers can easily connect to Cairns via low-cost domestic carriers, making the total journey cost-effective even with a domestic leg.
• Flying ANA from Perth to Tokyo via Singapore typically costs 15-25% less than direct routes, while offering superior legroom (34 inches) on their reconfigured 787-9 aircraft. The Singapore stopover is brief (under 2 hours) and provides an opportunity to stretch legs. The route also benefits from ANA’s recent frequency increase to daily services.
• Jetstar’s Gold Coast-Tokyo route provides the best value proposition for budget-conscious travelers, with base fares up to 40% lower than full-service carriers. Their A321neo LR aircraft features modern interiors and USB power at every seat, making it comfortable enough for the 9-hour journey. The Gold Coast Airport’s recent terminal expansion has also improved the overall experience.
• The Qantas Adelaide-Tokyo route, launched in late 2023, offers competitive introductory fares to establish market presence. The A330-300 aircraft deployed on this route features the airline’s latest economy configuration with ergonomic seats and 32-inch pitch. Adelaide’s compact airport means shorter processing times and less stressful departures.
• Korean Air’s Auckland-Seoul-Tokyo routing often prices 25% below direct options, while offering generous 33-34 inch pitch on all aircraft types. The Seoul stopover is efficiently timed and provides access to Korean Air’s extensive Japan network including secondary cities. Their recently upgraded fleet includes the A321neo for regional routes within Asia.

1. Defaulting to direct flights only While non-stop flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Tokyo are convenient, considering one-stop options via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Seoul can save hundreds of dollars and often provide better departure times.
2. Booking Narita Airport without checking Haneda Many travelers automatically book flights to Narita without realizing that Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo, potentially saving 1-2 hours and significant transport costs.
3. Flying during peak cherry blossom season Booking flights for late March to early April without planning months ahead results in extremely high fares and limited availability, when shoulder seasons offer similar experiences at better prices.
4. Missing out on Japan Airlines pricing glitches Travelers often stick to Qantas and ANA, overlooking Japan Airlines’ occasional fare sales and mistake fares that frequently appear for brief periods on routes from Sydney and Melbourne.
5. Tight connections at Asian hubs When booking multi-leg flights through Singapore or Hong Kong, travelers often select connections under 90 minutes, not accounting for potential delays and the extensive walking distances at these massive airports.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

Best for: Most direct routes from Australasia with highest comfort standards in Economy Class.

JAL serves 5 airports in Australasia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland) to Japan, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane being the main hubs. Their Sky Wider seats offer 86cm pitch and 48cm width, among the most generous in Economy Class. Passengers consistently praise their authentic Japanese meals and attentive service. The airline maintains a 4.3/5 average passenger rating for these routes.

Qantas

Best for: Most reliable Australian carrier with excellent entertainment options and meals.

Operating from 4 Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth) to Japan, Qantas provides consistent service quality and good connectivity. Their Economy seats offer 79cm pitch, and their Neil Perry-designed meals receive high marks. Their extensive entertainment library features many new releases. The airline scores 4.1/5 in passenger satisfaction on Japan routes.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Best for: Superior Japanese hospitality and cleanest cabins in the industry.

Flying from 3 cities (Sydney, Perth, and Auckland) to Japan, ANA stands out for its impeccable service standards. Their Economy Class features 84cm seat pitch and high-quality audio-visual systems. Passengers particularly appreciate their washlet-equipped toilets and variety of special meals. The airline maintains a 4.4/5 rating on these routes.

Air New Zealand

Best for: Most convenient connections from New Zealand with innovative Economy Skycouch option.

Operating from 3 cities (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch) to Japan, Air New Zealand offers unique features like the Economy Skycouch. Their service includes New Zealand-inspired cuisine and friendly Kiwi hospitality. The airline’s Economy seats provide 81cm pitch, and they maintain a solid 4.0/5 passenger rating for Japan routes.

Using APAC carriers for better deals to Japan

Savvy travelers from Australia and New Zealand can save significantly on flights to Japan by leveraging regional Asian carriers instead of booking direct routes. This strategy often yields savings of 20-40% compared to traditional options.

Key money-saving approaches

1. Multi-city combinations – Book separate tickets through hubs like Manila (Philippines Airlines), Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), or Bangkok (Thai Airways) to access lower fares
2. Budget carrier connections – Use low-cost carriers like Scoot or Jetstar Asia for the first leg, then connect to Japan via their partner airlines
3. Seasonal timing – Regional carriers often offer better shoulder season deals than major airlines, particularly in October-November and February-March
4. Flexibility with airports – Consider flying into secondary Japanese airports like Osaka or Fukuoka instead of Tokyo, using regional carriers that service these routes

While this approach requires more planning and potentially longer travel times, the savings can be substantial. Remember to allow sufficient connection times when booking separate tickets, and check baggage policies across different carriers to avoid unexpected fees.