How Long Is the Flight to Japan? Complete Route Guide
Typical flight times to Japan from the US, UK, and Australia, plus airports, airlines, and when to fly for the best fares.
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How Long Is the Flight to Japan? Complete Route Guide
How long is the flight to Japan is one of the most common questions for first-time visitors planning a trip to this incredible country. The answer varies considerably depending on your departure city: from Los Angeles it is approximately 11 hours 30 minutes nonstop, from New York around 14 hours, from Chicago about 13 hours, from London roughly 11 hours 30 minutes, and from Sydney approximately 9 hours 30 minutes.
Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, and understanding your route options, airlines, airports, and the best times to book will help you make the most of your trip planning.
Japan's Major International Airports
Narita International Airport (NRT): Located approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, Narita has historically been Tokyo's main international airport. It is served by the Narita Express (N'EX) train, which reaches Tokyo Station in about 60 minutes, and the Skyliner, which reaches Ueno in about 41 minutes. Many international carriers including United, American, Delta, and numerous Asian airlines operate through Narita.
Haneda Airport (HND): Tokyo's second major airport, Haneda is much closer to the city center at approximately 15 to 20 kilometers from central Tokyo. Access by monorail or Keikyu Line takes 30 to 40 minutes. Haneda has grown significantly as an international hub in recent years and now rivals Narita for the volume of international flights. ANA, JAL, and many international airlines operate routes into Haneda. For travelers, Haneda is generally more convenient for reaching central Tokyo.
Kansai International Airport (KIX): Serving the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area, Kansai is the primary gateway for travelers heading to Western Japan. The airport sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, connected to the mainland by rail (Haruka Express to Osaka/Kyoto takes 75 minutes) and road. If your Japan itinerary is centered on Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or Hiroshima, flying into Kansai may save significant travel time compared to arriving at Tokyo and taking the Shinkansen.
Itami Airport (ITM): Also known as Osaka International Airport, Itami primarily serves domestic routes within Japan. Most international travelers to the Osaka region arrive at Kansai (KIX), but Itami is worth knowing for onward domestic connections.
Other airports: New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido, Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa, and Fukuoka Airport (FUK) in Kyushu receive some international flights, primarily from Asian destinations.
Flight Duration from the United States to Japan
The US-to-Japan route across the Pacific is one of the most heavily traveled transpacific corridors, with numerous nonstop options available.
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): The most popular transpacific route, nonstop flights from LAX to Tokyo take approximately 11 hours to 11 hours 45 minutes westbound. The return flight from Tokyo to LAX is shorter due to favorable jet stream positioning, typically 9 to 10 hours. Multiple airlines including ANA, JAL, United, American, and Delta operate nonstop LAX-Tokyo service. For a detailed look at this specific route, see our dedicated LAX to Tokyo flight time guide.
New York (JFK) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): Nonstop flights from JFK to Tokyo are available on JAL, ANA, and United. Flight time is approximately 13 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours westbound.
Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): United Airlines operates nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo, with a flight time of approximately 13 hours westbound. JAL and ANA also serve this route.
San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): Nonstop flights from SFO to Tokyo take approximately 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours. United, ANA, and JAL all operate this popular route.
Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has nonstop service to Tokyo operated by ANA and JAL, with flight times similar to San Francisco at roughly 10 to 11 hours.
Dallas (DFW) to Tokyo: American Airlines operates nonstop service from Dallas Fort Worth to Tokyo Haneda, with a flight time of approximately 13 to 14 hours.
Houston (IAH) to Tokyo: United Airlines serves Tokyo from Houston, with a flight time of approximately 13 to 14 hours to Narita.
Flight Duration from the United Kingdom to Japan
London (LHR) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): British Airways operates nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda, with a flight time of approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours westbound. JAL also operates direct London-Tokyo service.
Alternative routings through Middle Eastern hubs (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha) typically add 2 to 4 hours to total journey time but may offer lower fares or better availability, particularly in business class.
Manchester (MAN) to Tokyo: There are no regular nonstop flights from Manchester to Japan. Travelers connect through London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or a Middle Eastern hub, adding 3 to 5 hours to their journey versus flying nonstop from Heathrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
A nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) typically takes about 11 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 45 minutes westbound. The return flight from Tokyo to LAX is usually shorter—around 9 to 10 hours—because of favorable jet stream winds.
Yes. JAL, ANA, and United operate nonstop flights from New York JFK to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda). Typical flight time is about 13 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours westbound. American Airlines has also operated JFK–Tokyo nonstop service at various times.
January and February are usually the cheapest months to fly to Japan, as they fall outside the peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons and are among the coldest months of the year. September can also offer good value before the main autumn rush in October–November.
For most tourists, Haneda is more convenient because it’s much closer to central Tokyo—about 20–30 minutes by train versus roughly 60 minutes from Narita. However, Narita sometimes has more flight options and certain airlines only serve Narita, so it’s worth checking both for schedule and price before you book.
Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most EU nations, can visit Japan visa-free for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Visa policies can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate before booking.
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