Australians can choose nonstop Japan flights from Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney, with connections available from many other cities. Flying time to Tokyo is just 7.5 hours from Cairns, and approximately 9.5 hours from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
For cheap flights to Tokyo, visit Aunt Betty for the latest deals. Japan flights and Tokyo fares can be found on a number of airlines operating out of Australia and New Zealand.
Flights operate daily from capital cities, with multiple weekly flights from Cairns and Gold Coast.
Airlines flying to Tokyo
Whether you’re looking for the most direct route to Tokyo, or prefer to make some sightseeing stops along the way, these airlines can get you to where you want to go.
Fly nonstop between Australia and Tokyo
From Brisbane. Qantas flies daily from Brisbane to Tokyo Narita (NRT). The late morning departure arrives Tokyo in the early evening.
From Cairns. Jetstar flies to Tokyo Narita every day except Mondays. The 7.5 hour flight arrives in time for dinner in Tokyo.
From Gold Coast. Jetstar operates four times weekly to Tokyo Narita. Days of operation are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
From Melbourne. Jetstar’s Melbourne to Narita service operates every day except Thursdays.
From Sydney. Three airlines provide daily nonstop service from Sydney to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).-
- Japan Airlines – A morning Sydney departure with late afternoon arrival at Narita
- Qantas – Late evening departure with early morning arrival at Haneda
Make the most of your trip with a stop enroute. These airlines depart from Australia and offer Tokyo connections via the following cities-
- Air Calin (via Noumea)
- Air Canada (via Vancouver)
- Air China (via Beijing)
- Air India (via Delhi)
- Air New Zealand (via Auckland)
- American Airlines (via Los Angeles)
- Asiana (via Seoul)
- British Airways (via Singapore)
- Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)
- China Airlines (via Taipei)
- China Eastern (via Beijing or Shanghai)
- China Southern (via Guangzhou)
- Delta Air Lines (via Los Angeles)
- Eva Air (via Taipei)
- Garuda Indonesia (via Jakarta)
- Hainan Airlines (via Beijing)
- Hawaiian Airlines (via Honolulu)
- Korean Air (via Seoul)
- Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur)
- Philippine Airlines (via Manila)
- Scoot (via Singapore)
- Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
- United Airlines (via Los Angeles or San Francisco)
- Vietnam Airlines (via Ho Chi Minh City)
Peak and off season. When to get the best deal
Japan’s seasonal temperatures offer a range of unique activities. While winter attracts skiers and snowboarders, spring brings the cherry blossom season. Summer is a peak travel season for the warm temperatures while the autumn chill makes for an ideal time to visit the hot springs. While there are peak periods in each season, the busiest time for travel is during the Christmas and New Year’s period. Flights during this time book well in advance due to school holidays and the vast numbers of skiers heading north.
Make your booking in advance if possible or look at the low-fare airlines such as Jetstar, which offer consistently lower fares. Other low fare airlines flying from Australia include Air Asia X or Scoot. While they require a change of planes in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, the cheaper fare may be worth the extra time in getting there.
Getting to and leaving the airport
Tokyo Narita is located approximately 60km east of central Tokyo. The Narita Express train service takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to Shinjuku or Shibuya. Skyliner Service is about 15 minutes quicker. Taxi service is charged at a fixed rate however toll charges are added to the final amount.
There are several car parks at Narita. Carparks P1 and P5 are for Terminal 1. Carparks P2 and P3 are for Terminal 2 and 3. A full map of the airport can be found on the Narita Airport website.
Tokyo Airport Facilities & Services
Narita Terminal guides and airport facilities maps provide the location of airlines, lounges, restaurants, shops and other useful services. Like Narita, Haneda terminal facilities include everything from hotels to free Wi-Fi.
Tokyo as transit or stop-over destination
Visitors will find Tokyo filled with diversions. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there’s plenty to see and do. Central Tokyo revolves around the districts of Chiyoda (Imperial Palace area), Chuo (Ginza), Minato, Shibuya, Shinagawa and Shinjuku. Even if visiting for a short time, the Tokyo subway reaches every corner of the city and suburbs, making it quick, easy and affordable to get around. Depending on how far you’re going, walking within the central city is safe and enjoyable.
Be sure to visit these top Tokyo sights
Shopping – Nowhere is the department store culture more worshipped than in Tokyo. Every central Tokyo district has its own luxury mega-store. Each includes an enticing food court with all the traditional Japanese delicacies.
Imperial Palace – Located in Chiyoda District, the Imperial Palace has been home to the Japanese Emperor for centuries. While the palace itself is closed to the public, visitors can access surrounding parks. There are many spots in which to admire views of historic palace bridges and buildings.
Sensoji Temple – One of Tokyo’s most popular Buddhist temples and tourist sightseeing spots is Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Aside from the historical significance of the 1,300-year-old temple, the nearby street features a bustling market filled with souvenirs, Japanese goods, food and drinks. The markets are a great place to enjoy a beer while enjoying the view.