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How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles to Japan? [2026 Guide]
Nonstop flight time, airline options, cheapest months, and booking tips for Los Angeles (LAX) to Japan (NRT).
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A nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Japan takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. Flights cover 5,451 miles (8,770 kilometers), and one-stop itineraries typically range from 13 to 16 hours depending on layover duration. Flying nonstop is the fastest way to reach Tokyo from LAX.
How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles to Japan?
How long is the flight from LAX to Japan? A nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes. The direct route covers a distance of 5,451 miles (8,770 kilometers) across the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the longer nonstop flights from the West Coast of the United States. If you fly with one stop, total travel time usually ranges from 13 to 16 hours, depending on the length and location of your layover. Major airlines operating this popular route include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and British Airways. Each offers a mix of nonstop and one-stop options. To find the best schedule and pricing, you can search flights on Travorio. Nonstop service is available daily, making it convenient for both business and leisure travelers.
Nonstop Flight Time: Los Angeles to Japan
The nonstop flight time from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) is approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes for most airlines operating this route. Airlines like ANA, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all offer direct flights with typical durations between 11 hours and 11 hours 45 minutes. Eastbound flights from LAX to Japan are often slightly shorter due to favorable jet stream winds, while westbound returns may run 15 to 30 minutes longer. For example, ANA’s direct service averages 11 hours 30 minutes eastbound, while United and American Airlines flights are similar, sometimes arriving a few minutes earlier or later based on seasonal wind patterns. Nonstop flights are the fastest and most convenient option for travelers seeking to minimize time in the air.
Flight Time with One Stop
A one-stop flight from Los Angeles to Japan typically takes between 13 and 16 hours, depending on the length of the layover. Common layover cities for this route include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The total travel time increases with longer layovers, which can range from 1 to 5 hours or more. For example, a flight connecting through SFO with a short transfer might be 13 hours total, while a longer layover in DFW can push the journey closer to 16 hours. Travelers should check layover duration carefully when booking, as it directly impacts total trip length.
Which Airlines Fly from Los Angeles to Japan?
Several major airlines operate flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Japan, offering both nonstop and one-stop services. Airlines providing nonstop flights include ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and British Airways offer one-stop itineraries, usually connecting through their home hubs. Typically, ANA and Japan Airlines are known for top-tier onboard service, while United and American may offer lower fares, especially on sale. To view detailed schedules, visit the ANA Los Angeles-Japan schedule page. Choosing between nonstop and one-stop flights depends on your schedule and budget priorities.
Best Time to Book Los Angeles to Japan Flights
The cheapest months to fly from Los Angeles to Japan are typically January, February, and September, with average roundtrip fares ranging from $700 to $900. Booking at least 2 to 4 months in advance usually yields the best prices for this popular route. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares compared to weekends. Peak pricing occurs in June, July, and December, when demand is highest due to summer vacations and holiday travel, with prices often exceeding $1,200 for roundtrip economy seats. Consider searching for flexible dates and using fare alerts to catch the lowest rates.
What to Expect on a 11-Hour Flight
On an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles to Japan, passengers can expect a full-service international experience with meals, snacks, beverages, and in-flight entertainment included on most airlines. Economy seats typically offer seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games. Wi-Fi is available on many flights for a fee, although speeds can vary over the Pacific. Airlines like ANA and Japan Airlines are especially known for excellent service and Japanese cuisine options. The time zone difference between Los Angeles and Tokyo is 17 hours, so adjusting your watch and planning rest before arrival can help reduce jet lag. Bringing a neck pillow, eye mask, and staying hydrated are practical tips for comfort on this long-haul journey.
Airport Tips: LAX and NRT
Departures for international flights from Los Angeles to Japan typically use the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international check-in and security screening. On arrival at Narita International Airport (NRT), visitors go through immigration and customs, which can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day. Narita is located about 35 miles (57 kilometers) from central Tokyo, with transport options including the Narita Express train (N'EX), airport limousine buses, and taxis. The Narita Express train is the fastest public option, taking about 60 minutes to reach Tokyo Station for approximately 3,000 JPY (about $22 USD). Buses and taxis are available, but taxis can be costly, often over $200 USD to central Tokyo.
Japan Travel Essentials
US passport holders traveling to Japan for tourism do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), and most purchases are made in cash or by credit card. Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be refused in some establishments. From Narita Airport, the Narita Express train provides the most convenient transport to Tokyo, costing around 3,000 JPY and taking about one hour. Weather in Japan varies by season: spring (March-May) is mild and famous for cherry blossoms, summer (June-August) is hot and humid, autumn (September-November) offers pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage, and winter (December-February) can be cold, especially in northern regions.
Before you go, Explore Tokyo on the map to discover hidden gems, popular attractions, and local favorites near your destination.
How to Save on Los Angeles to Japan Flights
To get the best deal on Los Angeles to Japan flights, compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms. Use price alerts and consider flying on weekdays for lower fares. You can compare flights on Travorio for a wide selection and transparent pricing. Travorio also allows you to split payments with Sezzle, breaking your booking total into four interest-free installments. Paying with cryptocurrency is another option to avoid foreign transaction fees that often come with credit cards. Booking during off-peak months, such as January or September, and being flexible with travel dates can result in significant savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
A nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Japan (Narita International Airport) takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes. This direct route covers approximately 5,451 miles, making it one of the longest nonstop Asia-Pacific flights from the US West Coast.
With one stop, the total flight duration from Los Angeles to Japan typically ranges from 13 to 16 hours. The exact time depends on the layover city and the length of the stopover, which can add several hours to the journey.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Japan are operated by ANA, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These carriers offer daily service between LAX and Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports.
The cheapest months to fly from Los Angeles to Japan are typically January, February, and September, when roundtrip fares often fall between $700 and $900. Prices are higher during summer and winter holiday periods.
Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles. For example, when it is noon in Los Angeles, it is 5:00 AM the following day in Tokyo, so travelers should plan for significant jet lag.
Booking flights from Los Angeles to Japan 2 to 4 months in advance generally secures the best prices, especially for peak travel months. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive.
Yes, you can pay for flights in installments by booking through platforms like Travorio, which offers payment options such as Sezzle. This allows you to split your total cost into four interest-free payments, making travel budgeting easier.
US passport holders do not need a visa to visit Japan for tourism stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your visit and check for any updated entry requirements before travel.