Find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Tokyo (NRT)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 14 h – 20 h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €480 | medium |
| February | €420 | low |
| March | €520 | medium |
| April | €580 | medium |
| May | €620 | medium |
| June | €750 | high |
| July | €850 | high |
| August | €820 | high |
| September | €680 | medium |
| October | €580 | medium |
| November | €490 | low |
| December | €780 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Japan Airlines (JAL) (direct): from €650 — JAL often releases mistake fares in January – set price alerts and check every few days during the first week of the year
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) (direct): from €680 — ANA offers a ‘Super Value’ fare class 3-6 months ahead – book Tuesday-Thursday for best availability
- United Airlines (direct): from €580 — United occasionally runs flash sales on this route – sign up for their deals newsletter and check Monday mornings
- Delta Air Lines (direct): from €560 — Delta offers lowest prices through their booking portal rather than OTAs – check delta.com directly
- Korean Air (connecting): from €520 — Incheon connection adds ~2-3 hours but often €150+ cheaper than direct; book 4+ months ahead for best connecting fares
- Singapore Airlines (connecting): from €580 — Consider a Singapore stopover – the airline offers free city tours for long layovers
Booking Strategy
For the Los Angeles to Tokyo route, the sweet spot for booking is 10-14 weeks (2.5-3.5 months) before departure. January and February offer the lowest prices, with economy fares dropping to €420-480 on connecting flights. Direct flights are cheapest from November through March, ranging €500-650. Summer peak (June-August) sees prices surge to €750-900 for economy. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently the cheapest days to fly, typically saving €50-120 compared to Friday or Sunday departures. When searching, use Google Flights with the ‘Explore’ feature to compare all airlines simultaneously. Set up price alerts specifically for LAX-NRT and LAX-HND (Haneda), as prices can differ by €50-100. Book direct with airline websites rather than third-party platforms for better customer service and easier changes. If your dates are flexible, the 10-day window around the cheapest months (February, November) can yield additional savings of €80-150.
Route Tips
- LAX Terminal 6 (Star Alliance: United, ANA) and Terminal 5 (Delta) are typically less crowded than Terminal 2—if you haveTSA PreCheck or Global Entry, security takes under 10 minutes
- Narita Express (N’EX) train tickets can be purchased online in advance for a 10% discount—book at lx.narita-express.com before arriving in Japan
- Japan requires a working tourist visa for most nationalities only if staying over 90 days—US/EU passport holders get 90-day visa-free entry automatically
- Book JAL or ANA flights through their US websites (.com) rather than Japanese sites—you’ll get the same prices but English-speaking customer service for changes
- Haneda Airport (HND) is closer to central Tokyo and preferred if your hotel is in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza—Narita is better for budget accommodations in Asakusa or Ueno areas
- Consider a 2-3 day stopover in Seoul (Incheon) or Hong Kong—many airlines offer free or discounted stopovers, breaking up the long flight and adding another destination
- Download the Google Maps app before arriving in Tokyo—it works offline and provides accurate metro/navigation directions even without data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
Direct flights from LAX to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) take approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, depending on wind patterns and specific routes. Japan Airlines and ANA operate the most comfortable options with modern aircraft and excellent meal service. If you opt for a connecting flight through Seoul, Hong Kong, or Singapore, expect a total travel time of 14-18 hours with a 1-3 hour layover. The longest connecting routes (via Chinese airlines with longer layovers) can extend to 20+ hours, so direct flights are strongly recommended if budget allows the €150-250 premium.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
Economy class prices range from €420 for budget connecting flights in the low season (January-February, November) to €900+ during peak summer and holiday periods. Direct flights with major airlines typically cost €550-800 year-round. The best deals are found in February (average €420) and November (€490), while December (€780), July (€850), and August (€820) are the most expensive months. Business class ranges from €2,500-5,000 depending on the airline and booking class.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
Yes, Los Angeles has excellent direct service to Tokyo with four major airlines offering daily flights. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate multiple daily departures to both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports using modern Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. United Airlines provides daily service to both Tokyo airports from LAX, and Delta Air Lines operates seasonal direct flights. Flight time is approximately 11.5-12.5 hours westbound, making it one of the shorter transpacific routes from the US mainland.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
February is the cheapest month to fly from LAX to Tokyo, with average economy prices around €420-480 for connecting flights and €550-600 for direct service. November (excluding Thanksgiving week) is the second-cheapest option at approximately €490-540. These shoulder-season months offer the best combination of low prices and acceptable weather. January is also relatively affordable at €480-520. Avoid December (€780+), July (€850+), and August (€820+) when prices peak due to holiday travel and summer vacation demand.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo?
Direct carriers include Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) – both offering superior economy class with excellent Japanese cuisine and 2 checked bags included. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also operate direct flights, typically with 1-2 checked bags depending on fare class. Connecting options include Korean Air and Asiana Airlines (via Seoul), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), China Airlines (via Taipei), and Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). Budget travelers should note that Korean Air connecting through Incheon often undercuts direct flights by €100-150 while offering excellent service.
What airport do I fly into in Tokyo?
You will arrive at either Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Narita (NRT) is the larger international hub located about 60-70 km (37-43 miles) east of central Tokyo, while Haneda (HND) is closer to the city center at about 15-20 km (9-12 miles) from central Tokyo. From Narita, the Narita Express train takes 53 minutes to Tokyo Station (€30), or budget options include the cheaper Skyliner (40 minutes, €25) or various bus services (60-90 minutes, €10-15). From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamarikyu Gardens in 15 minutes (€4), or taxis to central hotels cost approximately €40-50.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Tokyo flights?
For Los Angeles to Tokyo flights, book 10-14 weeks (2.5-3 months) in advance for the best balance of availability and price. For summer travel (June-August), book earlier at 14-20 weeks (3.5-5 months) as seats fill quickly. Holiday travel (mid-December to early January) requires booking 4-6 months ahead. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) are rarely discounted on this route and typically cost €200-400 more than advance bookings. January offers the best advance booking opportunities, with airlines releasing error fares and promotional deals during the first week of the year.
Is it cheaper to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek is significantly cheaper for Los Angeles to Tokyo flights. Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically save €50-120 compared to Friday and Sunday flights. Thursday falls in the mid-range pricing tier. Weekend departures command a premium because business travelers and tourists alike prefer flying on Fridays and Sundays. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting a Saturday departure to Tuesday can reduce your ticket cost by 10-20%. The time of day also matters – red-eye flights (departing late evening) are often €40-80 cheaper than afternoon departures.
Data updated: 2026-03
