For most European travelers, the plane ticket often represents the single largest expense when planning a trip to Japan. Depending on the time of year, trip duration, and desired comfort level, airfare can account for 40% to 60% of your total travel budget.
Understanding your options, comparing airlines, identifying the best time to book, and using a few smart strategies can help you travel wisely, without compromising on comfort.
Which airlines fly from Europe to Japan ?
Direct flights : Europe ↔ Tôkyô : fast but expensive
Nonstop flights between major European cities and Tôkyô typically take around 14 hours and are offered by premium airlines:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) : Elegant Japanese service, excellent punctuality, and a serene onboard atmosphere from takeoff.
- Japan Airlines (JAL) : A similar experience to ANA, though the onboard crew isn’t always entirely Japanese.
- Air France (AF) : A quality service with more variable pricing depending on the season.
Economy fares
- Low season: from 900 €
- Mid-season: between 1 200 € and 1 600 €
- High season: up to 2 000 €
The cheapest tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially if you're traveling at the end of the week or during school holidays.
Flights with stopovers: more choice, lower prices
Choosing a flight with a layover gives access to more airlines and often lower prices. The trade-off is longer travel time (typically 19 to 24 hours) and varying comfort depending on the airline and transit airport.
Trusted premium airlines with stopovers:
- Qatar Airways (via Doha) : Excellent onboard service.
- Emirates (via Dubai) : Comfortable and reliable.
- Finnair (via Helsinki) : Often great value.
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) : Excellent value for money.
- Thai Airways (via Bangkok) : A solid and dependable choice.
- EVA Air (via Taipei) : Known for professionalism.
- Korean Air (via Seoul) : Great comfort and service.
Economy fares
- Between 900 € and 1 500 €
Remember: the lower the fare, the more basic the service or the longer the trip.
Budget airlines via China: low Price, high risk
Some Chinese airlines like Air China or China Eastern may offer tickets from as low as 700 € with a stopover in China. However, these often come with issues:
- Very tight seating
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Cancelled flights between China and Japan, with no quick rerouting
While the low cost is attractive, these options are best for travelers with flexible schedules and tight budgets.
Sample price ranges by airline
Prices vary widely depending on demand, season, and how far in advance you book:
| Airline | Stopover | Observed Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| ANA / JAL / Air France | Direct | 1 000 € - 1 800 € (avg. 1 200 - 1 400 €) |
| Qatar Airways | Doha | 1 000 € - 1 500 € |
| Emirates | Dubai | 1 000 € - 1 500 € |
| Finnair | Helsinki | 1 000 € - 1 400 € |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | 900 € - 1 200 € |
| Thai Airways | Bangkok | 900 € - 1 200 € |
| EVA Air | Taipei | 900 € - 1 200 € |
| Korean Air / Asiana | Seoul | 900 € - 1 400 € |
| Chinese Airlines | China | 700 € - 900 € |
How do prices change by season and booking time?
Book early to save money
- 11 months in advance: Reservations open.
- 6 to 9 months before departure: Best balance of availability and pricing.
- 4 to 6 months before: Prices often rise.
- 2 to 3 months before: Occasional discounts available.
- Less than a month before: Very expensive, unless rare last-minute deals appear.
Use tools like "cheapest month" on flight comparison sites to quickly find the best times to travel.
Seasonal trends affecting ticket prices
Airfare to Japan varies significantly by season. You may find direct flights under 1 000 € in low season.
High-demand travel periods
- Cherry blossom season (March - April): Prices can quickly rise to 1 600 € - 1 800 € for direct flights.
- July - August: Peak summer season in Europe = high temps and high fares. Arguably the worst time to go.
- Autumn (October - November): Red maple season boosts demand, but fares can still be manageable.
Best times to optimize your budget
- January - February (outside school holidays): Lowest prices, starting from 900 €
- May - June: After cherry blossoms, before summer heat
- September - October: Cooler than summer, good availability and rates
Check our article on the best time to travel to Japan for detailed guidance.
Smart tips to save on your flight
Compare prices across multiple platforms (Skyscanner, Kayak), then book directly on the airline’s official website.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: flying mid-week (Monday - Thursday) is usually cheaper than weekends.
- Set price alerts or sign up for airline newsletters to catch limited-time deals.
- Watch out for hidden fees: some airlines charge for checked bags or seat selection (Qatar, Emirates, Air France).
- Choose a refundable or changeable ticket if your travel plans are uncertain.
Avoid booking through third-party aggregators: these platforms often complicate support if something goes wrong.
- Real example: A misspelled passenger name caused by the booking platform led to denied boarding. The traveler was bounced between the airline and the site (with no immediate fix) and had to buy a new ticket at the airport.
What portion of the trip budget does the flight represent?
Airfare often takes the biggest slice of the budget, especially for families or during peak season. It can represent 40% to 60% of the total cost of a 2-week trip.
Sample budgets:
- Solo traveler in low season: 900 € flight out of a 2 500 € budget → ~36%
- Couple in high season: 2 800 € per person flight out of a 5 000 € budget → ~56%
- Family (2 adults + 2 children) in low season: 4 000 € total flights out of a 9 500 € budget → ~42%
For more travel planning:
