Book Flights to Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 645 AD, sits a short ride from Shibuya Crossing, where up to 3,000 people cross at once beneath some of the densest neon in the world. Mount Fuji is close enough for a day trip, and the city's culinary heart continues at the Tsukiji Outer Market even after the wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu.
ANA and Japan Airlines fly direct from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Chicago into both Narita and Haneda. FareOptic compares every routing into Tokyo.
Cheap Flight Deals to Tokyo
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Why Visit Tokyo?
A 1,300-year-old temple district, the world's busiest street crossing, and Japan's most iconic mountain, all within a single trip.
Senso-ji Temple — Tokyo's Oldest Temple and the Spiritual Heart of Asakusa
Founded in 645 AD, Tokyo's Oldest Buddhist Temple Anchors the Historic Asakusa District and Its Famous Nakamise Shopping StreetSenso-ji, founded in 645 AD according to temple tradition, is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and one of its most visited religious and cultural sites, its massive Kaminarimon ('Thunder Gate') entrance, hung with an enormous red lantern, marking the start of Nakamise-dori, a roughly 250-meter shopping street lined with vendors selling traditional snacks, souvenirs and crafts that has operated in some form for centuries, leading visitors directly toward the temple's main hall. Despite its ancient founding, the current temple buildings are largely postwar reconstructions, since much of the original complex, like most of Tokyo, was destroyed during Allied bombing raids in World War II, and the temple's continued spiritual significance and enormous visitor numbers, both religious and tourist, reflect Japan's broader pattern of maintaining deep cultural continuity even through structures that are physically quite recent.
Asakusa's Broader Old Tokyo Atmosphere
The wider Asakusa neighborhood surrounding Senso-ji retains more of an 'old Tokyo' atmosphere than much of the rest of the hyper-modern city, with narrow streets, traditional craft shops and a somewhat slower pace, and the nearby Sumida River offers boat cruises and views of the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world, creating a striking visual juxtaposition between the historic temple district and the ultra-modern skyline surrounding it.
Shibuya Crossing — The World's Busiest Pedestrian Intersection
An Intersection Where an Estimated 1,000 to 3,000 Pedestrians Cross Simultaneously With Each Light Change, Framed by Some of Tokyo's Densest Neon AdvertisingShibuya Crossing, the intersection outside Shibuya Station widely cited as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, sees an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 people cross simultaneously with each traffic light cycle, all directions releasing at once in a genuinely striking piece of organized urban chaos that has become one of the most photographed and filmed symbols of modern Tokyo, appearing in countless films and documentaries as visual shorthand for the city's density and energy. The surrounding Shibuya district itself is one of Tokyo's major commercial and youth culture hubs, dense with department stores, fashion boutiques and the massive video screens and neon signage that give the crossing its distinctive nighttime visual identity.
The Hachiko Statue and Shibuya's Meeting-Point Culture
Just outside Shibuya Station stands the Hachiko statue, commemorating a loyal Akita dog who continued waiting at the station for his deceased owner's return every day for nearly a decade in the 1920s and 1930s, a story that became a genuine symbol of loyalty in Japanese culture and made the statue one of Tokyo's most popular designated meeting points, itself a small illustration of how a functional piece of urban navigation (finding your friend in an enormous crowd) became layered with deep sentimental and cultural significance.
The Tsukiji Outer Market — Tokyo's Historic Culinary Heart After the Wholesale Market's Relocation
The Historic Tsukiji Fish Market's Wholesale Auctions Relocated to Toyosu in 2018, but the Outer Market's Food Stalls and Restaurants Remain a Major Culinary DestinationThe Tsukiji Outer Market, a dense area of food stalls, small restaurants and specialty shops surrounding what was once the site of the massive Tsukiji wholesale fish market, remains one of Tokyo's premier destinations for fresh seafood and traditional Japanese food culture even after the wholesale auction operations themselves relocated to a newer, more modern facility in Toyosu in 2018, since the outer market's retail and dining businesses stayed in place and continue drawing enormous numbers of visitors for fresh sushi breakfasts, grilled seafood skewers and specialty ingredients. The relocation of the famous pre-dawn tuna auctions to Toyosu means visitors specifically hoping to witness that spectacle now need to visit the newer facility instead, though the Tsukiji Outer Market itself remains the more atmospheric and food-focused destination for most casual visitors.
Visiting the Newer Toyosu Market for the Tuna Auctions
Toyosu Market, the modern facility that replaced Tsukiji's wholesale functions, offers visitors a viewing gallery for the famous early-morning tuna auctions, though access requires arriving very early and following current visitor registration procedures, which have changed over time, so checking the latest requirements before planning a visit specifically around the auction is worth doing.
Mount Fuji Day Trips From Tokyo
Japan's Iconic, Symmetrical Volcanic Peak Sits Close Enough to Tokyo for a Feasible Day Trip, With the Fuji Five Lakes Region Offering the Most Popular Viewing and Access PointsMount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters and one of the most instantly recognizable natural landmarks in the world for its near-perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, sits close enough to Tokyo, roughly 100 kilometers southwest, to be visited as a day trip, with the Fuji Five Lakes region, particularly around Lake Kawaguchiko, offering some of the most popular and accessible viewpoints for photographing the mountain, especially when its snow-capped peak reflects in the lake's still water on clear days. Climbing to the actual summit is only officially permitted during a restricted summer climbing season, roughly July through early September, and requires significant physical preparation, but the vast majority of visitors are satisfied with viewing and photographing the mountain from the surrounding lakes and lower-elevation areas rather than attempting the summit climb itself.
Weather Considerations and the Best Times to See Mount Fuji Clearly
Mount Fuji is notoriously often obscured by clouds or haze, particularly in summer, and the clearest, most reliable viewing conditions typically occur during the cooler months from late autumn through winter into early spring, when the atmosphere is drier, so travelers specifically hoping for a clear view of the mountain should factor this seasonal pattern into their trip planning rather than assuming a summer visit guarantees good visibility.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Tokyo
Compare Both Narita and Haneda Airports When Booking
Haneda's growing international long-haul network and its far more convenient location, about 15 km from central Tokyo versus Narita's roughly 60 km, can make it meaningfully more convenient. Compare fares and schedules at both rather than defaulting to Narita.
Choose Between ANA and JAL Based on Schedule and Alliance, Not Quality
Both airlines are consistently ranked among the world's best. Base your choice on flight timing, connecting itinerary and frequent flyer alliance (ANA is Star Alliance, JAL is Oneworld) rather than any meaningful service quality difference.
Visit Toyosu Market Early for the Tuna Auctions, Tsukiji Outer Market for Food
If witnessing the famous pre-dawn tuna auctions is a priority, that experience has moved to Toyosu Market and requires early arrival and current registration procedures. For casual food browsing and eating, the original Tsukiji Outer Market remains the better destination.
Plan a Clear-Weather Season for Mount Fuji Viewing
Mount Fuji is frequently obscured by clouds, especially in summer. Late autumn through early spring generally offers the clearest, most reliable viewing conditions if seeing the mountain is a priority for your trip.
Airlines Flying to Tokyo
ANA and Japan Airlines — Japan's Two Flag Carriers Dominate US Service
Direct Flights From Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Chicago on Both Carriers Provide Extensive, Consistently Well-Regarded Long-Haul OptionsAll Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan's two major international carriers, together operate an extensive network of direct flights between the United States and Tokyo, with routes from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Chicago, and both airlines are consistently ranked among the world's best for service quality, cabin comfort and punctuality, making the choice between them often come down to schedule and frequent flyer alliance rather than any meaningful quality gap.
Key Routes
ANA and Japan Airlines direct from Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, New York JFK and Chicago ORD
United Airlines and the Star Alliance Network Into Tokyo
United's Extensive West Coast Direct Network Complements ANA's Star Alliance Partnership for Frequent FlyersUnited Airlines operates its own extensive direct service into Tokyo from multiple US gateways, and as a Star Alliance partner alongside ANA, offers frequent flyers a well-integrated network of codeshare and mileage-earning options across both carriers' Tokyo routes.
Key Routes
United Airlines direct service from several US gateways, complementing ANA's Star Alliance partnership
Two Airports Serve Tokyo — Narita and Haneda
Narita, Further From the City Center, Handles the Bulk of Long-Haul International Traffic, While Haneda, Much Closer In, Has Steadily Gained More International Long-Haul RoutesTokyo is served by two major airports with genuinely different practical implications for travelers: Narita International Airport (NRT), roughly 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, historically handled the majority of international long-haul traffic, while Haneda Airport (HND), only about 15 kilometers from central Tokyo and considerably more convenient, has steadily gained additional international long-haul capacity in recent years, including a growing number of direct US routes, making it worth comparing both airports directly when booking rather than defaulting to Narita.
Key Routes
Narita NRT (~60 km from central Tokyo) handles the bulk of long-haul traffic; Haneda HND (~15 km from central Tokyo) offers a growing number of direct international routes
Things to Do in Tokyo
Important Information Before You Fly to Tokyo
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY) — cash still widely used, cards increasingly accepted
Language
Japanese — English signage common in central Tokyo and transit
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (UTC+9, no daylight saving)
Country Code
+81 (Japan)
Airport Codes
NRT — Narita (~60 km east); HND — Haneda (~15 km from the city center)
US Visa Required
No — up to 90 days visa-free for US passport holders for tourism
Power Plugs
Type A/B — 100V / 50-60Hz; a US plug generally fits without an adapter
Emergency Number
110 (police) / 119 (fire/medical)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Tokyo
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Tokyo, Japan
What airports serve Tokyo?
Tokyo is served by two airports: Narita International Airport (IATA: NRT), about 60 km east of the city and historically the main long-haul gateway, and Haneda Airport (IATA: HND), only about 15 km from central Tokyo and increasingly served by direct international long-haul routes. ANA, Japan Airlines and United operate direct flights from multiple US cities to both.
Which Tokyo airport should I fly into, Narita or Haneda?
Haneda is considerably closer to central Tokyo and generally more convenient if a direct flight is available on your dates. Compare both airports' schedules and fares rather than assuming Narita is the default, since Haneda's international long-haul network has grown substantially.
What happened to the Tsukiji Fish Market?
The wholesale fish auctions relocated to a newer facility in Toyosu in 2018. The original Tsukiji Outer Market's food stalls, restaurants and shops remain in place and continue to be a major destination for fresh seafood and Japanese food culture.
Can I visit Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes — Mount Fuji sits roughly 100 km southwest of Tokyo, and the Fuji Five Lakes region, especially around Lake Kawaguchiko, offers popular viewpoints reachable as a day trip. Climbing to the summit is only permitted during a restricted summer season and requires significant preparation.
What is Shibuya Crossing?
An intersection outside Shibuya Station widely considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 people crossing simultaneously with each light change. It's one of the most photographed symbols of modern Tokyo.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
No visa is required for US passport holders for short tourist stays, typically up to 90 days, though check current entry requirements before traveling.
What currency is used in Tokyo?
The Japanese yen (JPY). Japan has historically been more cash-reliant than many countries, though card and contactless payment acceptance has expanded significantly in recent years, especially in Tokyo.
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