Cheapest time to fly to Japan from Australia

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, there are bargains to be found that will let you experience both.

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

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

As of time of publish, May and June are the cheapest. However, we will admit that this changes throughout the year based on availability of flights, demand, and how near or far away those months are as prices tend to steadily increase as the departure gets closer.

We analysed fares on two flight aggregators – Kayak 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 May through July to be the cheapest time to fly to Japan from Brisbane. If you travel at the beginning of that window, you may still be able to catch some cherry blossoms in the north of the country.

If you’re looking to ski, departing in February would be your best bet as prices are the lowest of the winter months then. You’ll also be travelling outside the peak Christmas and New Year’s season so hotel prices are going to be lower, too.

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 or June. While it is just past the peak cherry blossom season, you can aim for the start of that timeframe and you may get lucky.

Unfortunately for those hoping to experience the snow, prices during the winter months are some of the most expensive. Try travelling in February for the lowest fares during the ski season. It’s outside of peak times, too, so you’ll have fewer people on the trails and quieter accommodations.

Cheapest flights to Tokyo from Perth

Unlike flights from the east coast, fares to Japan are actually the cheapest during the autumn months. September to November boast the cheapest fares between Perth and Tokyo.

Perth is also the only city to have some of the lowest-priced flights available during the snow season, too. You can fly in February for the same price, and for not much more in March, too.

How much will it cost to travel to Japan during these times?

Here’s what we’d expect to pay during a good sale.

• Sydney or Melbourne: $450 return
• Brisbane: $550 return
• Perth: $650 return

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

Flight prices do fluctuate a bit depending on where in Australia you’re travelling form, but generally you can find fares from $450-$650 return if flying from a major city.

But… are the cheapest months just the worst time to go to Japan?

No! In fact, the cheapest flights from Perth are available in the middle of ski season. And from other cities, you may be able to catch the tail end of the cherry blossom season. Plus, you’ll be treated to lovely spring weather and the immaculate Japanese gardens coming into bloom.

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.

When is the best-value time to visit Japan?

May, for the winning combination of great weather and the tail end of cherry blossom season.

You’re also more likely to find cheaper hotels in May than April as the weather as it’s just outside of the peak season for blossoms and it’s outside of ski season.

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.