Find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Los Angeles in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Tokyo (NRT) → Los Angeles (LAX)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 14 h – 20 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | low |
| February | €480 | low |
| March | €580 | medium |
| April | €650 | medium |
| May | €720 | medium |
| June | €850 | high |
| July | €1150 | high |
| August | €1200 | high |
| September | €780 | medium |
| October | €680 | medium |
| November | €520 | low |
| December | €1100 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Japan Airlines (JAL) (direct): from €650 — JAL often releases promotional fares 2-3 months before travel. Check their Japanese website for lower prices than the English version.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) (direct): from €680 — ANA’s discounted economy ‘Special Price’ fares sell out fast. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates. Stopover options available in Tokyo at no extra cost.
- United Airlines (direct): from €600 — United’s Saver fares are cheapest but non-refundable. Use United’s low fare calendar for best deals. Beware: Basic Economy does not allow seat selection until check-in.
- Hawaiian Airlines (direct): from €580 — Hawaiian often has the lowest direct fares on this route. Flights depart from Haneda (HND), not Narita – factor in transfer time from central Tokyo.
- Cathay Pacific (connecting): from €520 — Cathay often has competitive connecting fares. Look for ‘CX’ flight numbers. The Hong Kong layover typically ranges 2-8 hours. Avoid overnight layovers if possible.
- Singapore Airlines (connecting): from €550 — Singapore Airlines is consistently rated best for economy service. Expect 14-18 hour total travel time with a Singapore stopover. Book early for the lowest fares.
Booking Strategy
For Tokyo-Los Angeles flights, the optimal booking window is 6-10 weeks before departure for direct flights and 8-12 weeks for connecting options. January through March and November consistently offer the lowest fares, with February being the absolute cheapest month where fares can drop to €450-550 for economy. Summer months (July-August) see prices surge to €1000-1300 due to peak tourism demand. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 15-20% cheaper than weekend flights. When searching, check both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) departure points – Hawaiian Airlines flies from Haneda while most others use Narita. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner for price tracking, but book directly with the airline to avoid third-party booking fees. If your dates are flexible, shift departure by 2-3 days to find significant savings. For the best deals, consider flying into LAX but departing from alternative Tokyo airports if you live near both.
Route Tips
- Narita Express (N’EX) from Tokyo city center to Narita Airport costs ¥3,250 and takes 53 minutes – book online for 20% discount on the ¥4,000 regular fare
- US ESTA authorization is required for Japanese passport holders – apply at least 72 hours before departure at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo (15 minutes to Shinagawa) and often better for departures, but fewer airlines use it for LAX
- LAX has strict REAL ID enforcement – ensure your passport or state ID is compliant before domestic US connections
- Flying into LAX but continuing to another US city? Allow 3+ hours minimum for customs, bag recheck, and domestic connections due to terminal construction
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
Direct flights from Tokyo (NRT or HND) to Los Angeles (LAX) take approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, depending on wind conditions and specific airline routes. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operate the shortest average flight times at around 11h 30m. If booking a connecting flight via Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, or other Asian hubs, expect total travel times between 14-18 hours. Some routes with longer layovers can extend to 20+ hours. The longest durations typically occur with budget-connecting carriers or complex routing through the Middle East.
How much does it cost to fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
Economy class fares range from €450 to €1300 depending on season and booking timing. The cheapest fares (€450-550) are available in low season (January-February and November), while peak season (July-August and December) sees prices rise to €900-1300. Direct flights with major carriers like JAL, ANA, United, and Hawaiian typically cost €600-800 in regular season, while connecting flights through Asian hubs can drop to €500-600. Business class ranges from €2500-5000. The €300 base price mentioned is extremely rare and would only appear as a flash sale or for restricted basic economy tickets with no baggage included.
Are there direct flights from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights between Tokyo and Los Angeles. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer daily departures from Narita (NRT) as their flagship US routes. United Airlines operates direct service from both Narita and Haneda (HND), while American Airlines and Delta Air Lines run seasonal and year-round direct flights. Hawaiian Airlines also provides direct service from Haneda. These direct flights are approximately 11-12 hours, making them significantly faster than one-stop alternatives that take 14-20 hours.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
February is typically the cheapest month to fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles, with average economy fares around €480-520. January and November also offer excellent value at €500-550. These months fall in the low travel season between holiday peaks, with fewer tourists and business travelers. However, be aware that February has the shortest month, meaning fewer flight options and potential weather-related disruptions at Tokyo’s airports. November offers a sweet spot with good weather in both destinations and consistently low prices around €520.
Which airlines fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles?
Six airlines operate direct flights: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines. JAL and ANA are premium Japanese carriers known for excellent service and wider seats. United and American offer US carrier reliability with extensive US domestic connections upon arrival. Hawaiian provides the most budget-friendly direct option with unique island hospitality. For connecting flights, consider Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Korean Air (via Seoul), or Emirates (via Dubai). Each connecting option adds 4-8 hours to travel time but often saves €100-200.
What airport do I fly into in Los Angeles?
All Tokyo-Los Angeles flights arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the primary international gateway to the city. LAX is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Transportation options: ride-share (Uber/Lyft) costs $25-45 to downtown; taxis are metered at around $50-70; the FlyAway bus offers direct service to Union Station for $9.75; rental cars are available at the airport. LAX is undergoing major renovation until 2028, so expect some construction and terminal changes. Allow 2-3 hours for customs and immigration clearance for international arrivals.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo to Los Angeles flights?
For this route, booking 6-10 weeks ahead yields the best balance of availability and pricing. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) rarely offer deals and often premium pricing. Advance booking beyond 3 months can sometimes secure promotional fares, particularly with Japanese carriers releasing initial inventory early. Summer peak season (June-August) and December holidays require booking 10-14 weeks ahead as these periods fill up quickly. The sweet spot for direct flights is exactly 8 weeks before departure when airlines typically release their deepest discounted seats. For connecting flights, 10-12 weeks ahead provides the best selection.
Is it cheaper to fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are significantly cheaper than weekend departures on this route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 15-25% less expensive than Friday through Sunday flights. A Tuesday flight in shoulder season might cost €580 while the same route on Saturday could be €750 or more. Monday and Thursday fall in the medium pricing range. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting a weekend trip to depart Tuesday or Wednesday and return Thursday or Friday can save €100-200 per person. This pattern holds year-round but is most pronounced during high-demand summer and holiday periods.
Data updated: 2026-03
