Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Japan

Direct flight routes to Japan

Non-stop flights to Japan are available from major hub cities on both U.S. coasts and select Canadian metros.

• San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT/HND) – United Airlines, JAL – 11h 15m


• Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT/HND) – ANA, JAL, United – 11h 40m


• New York (JFK) to Tokyo (NRT/HND) – JAL, ANA – 14h 15m


• Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo (NRT) – Air Canada, JAL – 10h 45m


• Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo (NRT/HND) – United, JAL – 13h 15m

Layover/stopover options

Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Korean Air hub with efficient 2-hour minimum connections. Modern airport with excellent transit facilities and free city tours for longer layovers.

Taipei (TPE) – China Airlines and EVA Air hub. Known for 2-3 hour smooth connections and exceptional lounge access for premium passengers.

Hong Kong (HKG) – Cathay Pacific’s hub offering 1.5-hour minimum connections. Features world-class shopping and dining options during longer layovers.

Time vs money

Non-stop flights typically command premium prices but save 3-7 hours of total travel time. One-stop itineraries through Asian hubs often cost 15-30% less than direct flights.

Tips and recommendations

• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer lowest fares for both direct and connecting flights.


• Consider booking separate tickets through Seoul or Taipei if planning to spend more than 24 hours in these cities.


• Winter flights (except holidays) often offer better deals on direct routes.


• Morning departures from North America typically provide better connection options in Asian hubs.


• Japanese airlines (JAL, ANA) often provide more generous baggage allowances than U.S. carriers on transpacific routes.

• Air Canada offers competitive fares through Vancouver hub, with prices often 15-20% below market average for flights to Tokyo and Osaka. Their 787 Dreamliners feature improved air pressure and humidity levels, making the long-haul flight more comfortable. Daily departures from Vancouver allow flexible connections from most North American cities.
• Flying through Seoul on Korean Air can save up to $300 compared to direct flights to Japan, while offering excellent connection times under 2 hours at Incheon Airport. Korean Air’s A330 and 787 aircraft offer generous 33-34″ pitch in economy, among the best in transpacific routes. Their extensive network includes secondary Japanese cities like Fukuoka and Sapporo.
• United’s new San Francisco-Haneda route launched in March 2024 provides direct access to central Tokyo, saving travelers about 45 minutes in transfer time compared to Narita flights. The route operates with newly retrofitted 777-200ER aircraft featuring upgraded economy seats with 32″ pitch and larger entertainment screens.
• Japan Airlines’ Vancouver service offers some of the lowest premium economy fares to Japan, often just $600-800 more than economy. Their premium economy product provides 38″ pitch, dedicated cabin crew, and premium meals, making it an excellent value for the 9-10 hour flight.
• Consider ANA’s Seattle-Tokyo route which typically offers lower fares than their other U.S. gateways. ANA consistently maintains high service standards with 34″ pitch in economy on their 787-9 aircraft, and their evening departure time allows convenient connections from across North America.

1. Ignoring alternative airports in Japan While most travelers default to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, flying into Haneda Airport offers better city access and sometimes lower fares, or consider Osaka’s Kansai International for western Japan destinations.
2. Booking during peak seasons without planning ahead Flights during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and New Year holidays can be twice as expensive, yet many travelers wait until the last minute to book these popular periods.
3. Choosing inconvenient layover locations Selecting routes through less efficient hubs like Shanghai or Manila instead of optimal transit points such as Seoul Incheon or Taipei can add unnecessary hours and complexity to your journey.
4. Missing the last train from Narita Airport Many North American flights arrive in late afternoon or evening, and travelers often don’t realize that train services from Narita to Tokyo stop around 11:00 PM, leading to expensive taxi rides.
5. Not leveraging airline alliances Travelers often book the cheapest visible fare without considering how flying with JAL (Oneworld) or ANA (Star Alliance) could earn them valuable miles or provide better connection options with their preferred North American carrier.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Best for: Superior service quality and most extensive route network from North America to Japan.

Serves 11 North American cities with direct flights to Japan, including major hubs like Los Angeles, New York (JFK), and Chicago. Economy class features comfortable seats with 34″ pitch, high-quality Japanese and Western meal options, and individual entertainment systems with large screens. Consistently receives high passenger ratings for cleanliness and crew professionalism. Direct flights feature highly reliable on-time performance at 88%.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

Best for: Premium economy class experience and seat comfort in all classes.

Operates from 8 North American cities, with main hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York (JFK). Known for having the most generous economy seat pitch at 34-35 inches among all carriers on these routes. Excellent meal service includes signature Japanese dishes and special dietary options. Award-winning service consistently ranks high in passenger satisfaction surveys.

United Airlines

Best for: Most flexible scheduling and extensive connectivity from US cities.

Services Japan from 9 North American cities, primarily through San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles hubs. Offers convenient codeshare connections with ANA, making it easier to reach smaller Japanese cities. Economy class features updated cabins on Boeing 777-300ER and 787 aircraft, with improved seat comfort and modern entertainment systems. Competitive prices often available through MileagePlus program.

Korean Air

Best for: Most efficient one-stop service through Seoul with competitive pricing.

Operates from 13 North American cities to Japan via Seoul, with major operations from Los Angeles, New York (JFK), and Vancouver. Short and well-timed connections in Seoul make it a popular choice for reaching various Japanese cities. Economy class offers comfortable 33-34″ seat pitch, good quality meals, and highly rated customer service. Generally offers lower fares compared to direct flights while maintaining high service standards.

Using APAC regional carriers to save on Japan flights

Savvy travelers can leverage Asia-Pacific regional airlines to significantly reduce costs when flying to Japan from North America. The key is breaking up your journey strategically.

1. Book separate tickets – Instead of a single itinerary from your origin to Japan, book a long-haul flight to a major Asian hub like Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong, then use a regional carrier for the final leg.
2. Target budget Asian carriers – Airlines like Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, and Air Asia offer dramatically lower fares between Asian cities compared to major carriers. These flights to Japan often cost under $100.
3. Consider secondary Japanese airports – Regional carriers frequently use airports like Osaka-Kansai or Fukuoka instead of Tokyo-Narita, potentially saving hundreds on landing fees and taxes.
4. Allow buffer time – When booking separate tickets, leave at least 4 hours between flights to clear immigration and recheck bags. The savings often justify an overnight layover.

While this strategy requires more planning and flexibility, savings can exceed $500 per round trip. Best results come during shoulder seasons when both long-haul and regional fares are lower.