Cheap flights to Tokyo

Tokyo is a fascinating, sprawling city, and is filled with experiences to delight every kind of traveller, from its world-class restaurants and museums to its exceptional hole-in-the-wall street food and markets.

What to know before you fly to Tokyo?

Experience the contemporary galleries, vibrant cherry blossoms, majestic temples and hole-in-the-wall eateries of Japan’s bustling capital with our cheap flights to Tokyo. From Brisbane and Sydney, flying time is about 9.5 hours, and getting into the swing of the city is easy, with Tokyo’s time zone just one hour behind that of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (daylight saving excluded). There are boundless experiences to be had on a Tokyo holiday, with historic shrines hidden amongst towering skyscrapers, and incredible eateries to be found around every corner. Our cheap flights to Tokyo mean that you can make that dream trip to Japan again and again.

How long does it take to fly to Tokyo?

Brisbane to Tokyo – 9h 20m

Sydney to Tokyo – 9h 35m

Melbourne to Tokyo – 10h 15m

Adelaide to Tokyo – 12h 55m

Perth to Tokyo – 9h 40m

Note: flight times should be used as a guide only

What airports are in Tokyo?

The two international airports which service Tokyo are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Narita is by far the primary airport for international flights, and is located 60km east of Tokyo city centre. A range of buses and trains service the airport daily, with the quickest route being to take the JR Narita Express. A taxi to Tokyo city centre will be in excess of AU$200 so thankfully, there are numerous other options.

Narita International Airport transfers

Narita Airport is located 60km east of Tokyo city centre, and the best way to get to central Tokyo (Tokyo Station) is via one of the various rail lines, with the JR Narita Express (NEX) the most comfortable way to make the one hour journey. The JR Sobu Line is cheaper, but slower. Trains run from the basement train stations in Terminals 1 and 2. Buses are also available and airport transfer by taxi is not recommended due to the high cost.

Haneda Airport transfers

The best way to get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo is either via the Tokyo Monorail, which connects with Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line, or Keikyu Railways, which connects with Shinagawa Station.

Which airlines fly frequently to Tokyo?

Qantas – Boeing 747

All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Boeing 787

Japan Airlines (JAL) – Boeing 787

Jetstar – Boeing 787

What do you need to know before you fly to Tokyo?

If you’re heading to Tokyo, there are a few things to note. Japanese is the official language and only around 12 percent of the population speak English, so best to learn a few key phrases before you go. The currency is the yen, tipping is not expected, and it’s advisable to carry cash in addition to cards.

The best time to visit Tokyo is in the Spring, when you can see the cherry blossoms in the trees and take your pick of all the festivals. Once you’ve booked your flights to Tokyo, make sure you have a the correct electrical plug (two pins, American-style) and you will also need a voltage converter because voltage in Japan is less than in most other regions of the world.

Find out more in our Tokyo travel guide.

Things to do when you get to Tokyo

Where to eat?

In Japan, different seasons bring an array of distinctive foods. Depending on the time of year you travel, you could spend your holiday feasting on anything from bamboo shoots to unagi (eel), chestnut dishes and fugu (pufferfish), to pickled vegetables or amazake (warm, fermented rice milk). Year-round, you can always find the classics in Tokyo. Enjoy sushi, sashimi, bowls of ramen, and katsudon (rice topped with a fried pork cutlet).

Where to shop?

Shopping in Tokyo, you’ll come across a vast variety of goods. You can find anything from washi (fine, handmade Japanese paper) and the latest electronics to plush toys, sweets, outrageous outfits and accessories. Browse the boutiques of Ginza, the upmarket shopping district in central Tokyo, or international fashion stores and department stores just outside the city centre.

What to see?

Wondering what to see in Tokyo? There are endless options available to you with the city boasting an amazing mix of unique cultural experiences. Recapture your youth with a day at Disneyland, enjoy breathtaking city sights from Tokyo Skytree, bathe in a sento (communal bath house) with the locals, or catch a train to one of Tokyo’s famous shrines or temples.

Where to experience some culture?

Tokyo arts and culture is deeply ingrained into the society, yet it’s also constantly evolving. The people of the city are very much connected to their country’s customs and history, with many Japanese artists being world leaders in their age-old practices. Make your way to Ueno Park and you’ll be only a stone’s throw from world-class museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum.