Cheapest time to fly to Japan

Whether you’re travelling for cherry blossoms or to hit the slopes, you’re in luck when it comes to the most affordable times to fly to Japan.

We made a bunch of test bookings, checked multiple travel sites and did the research so you don’t have to.

Our latest Japan deals

When is the cheapest time to travel to Japan from Australia?

March and May. We analysed fares on two flight aggregators – I Want That Flight and Skyscanner. This way, we could see when the cheapest flights to Tokyo from Sydney, Perth and Brisbane are available.

Cheapest flights to Tokyo from Brisbane

We found March to be the cheapest time to fly to Japan from Brisbane. Although, the price difference was pretty minimal if travelling in February. While this is great news for those looking to hit the slopes, if you’re keen to see the cherry blossoms, you’re also in luck. It starts in late-March.

Cheapest flights to Tokyo from Sydney

You’ll get the absolute best price on a flight to Japan from Sydney if you depart in May. While it is just past the peak cherry blossom season, but the difference in price compared to departures in March or April is pretty minimal. So, it could be worth paying slightly more for that once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cheapest flights to Tokyo from Perth

Like departures from Sydney, Perth gets the cheapest flights to Japan in May. But, the difference between travelling in May and some other months is pretty minimal. You can travel in August or October for almost the same price.

How much will it cost to travel to Japan at the time?

No matter which major city in Australia you’re departing from, flight prices to Japan are pretty similar: around $600 return.

During a good sale (like a Jetstar return for free deal), prices can be much lower. We’ve even seen them going for less than $400 return!

But… is this going to be the worst time to go to Japan?

With plenty to do in all seasons, Japan isn’t quite as limited as some other destinations when it comes to finding the sweet spot between the best time to go and the cheapest time to go.

If you travel in March, you’ll still be able to ski. If you’re in the south of the country, you’ll also be able to catch the beginning of cherry blossom season.

If you travel in May, you’ll be able to catch the end of cherry blossom season in the north of the country. Temperatures in May are also very comfortable for exploring temples, castles and wandering through the stunning Japanese gardens as they come into bloom.

When is the best-value time to visit Japan?

March, for the winning combination of skiing and cherry blossoms.

It’s also just before the peak of cherry blossom season, when prices can get pretty expensive, while being after the height of ski season. However, since ski season doesn’t usually end until late-April, early-May, you don’t have to worry about taking a chance of the resorts being closed.

You’re also more likely to find cheaper hotels in March than May as the weather is still cooler and theres likely to be fewer crowds (and competition for rooms).

When is peak season for travel to Japan?

Peak season is almost always the most expensive time to travel to a destination. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, these are the most popular times to travel to Japan:

• New Year’s (including the week before and after)
• Golden Week: 29 April to 5 May (plus the week before and after)
• Summer Bon Holiday (plus the few days before and after 15 August)

When have we been to Japan?

April.

For us, paying a bit of a premium to travel during the sakura season, when the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom, was worth the extra price.

We loved travelling this time of the year, but it was definitely a bit more expensive than travelling in March.