Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan (and the Most Expensive)

Japan flight prices can swing dramatically by season. If you’re flexible, you can often save hundreds by avoiding peak travel weeks like cherry blossom season, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year.

Quick Take

• Cheapest time to fly to Japan: mid-January–early February, June, September, and late November–early December
• Most expensive time to fly to Japan: late March–April, Golden Week (late Apr–early May), Obon (mid-Aug), and late Dec–early Jan

Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan

The cheapest time to fly to Japan is usually winter (after New Year) and shoulder-season weeks when demand drops. These periods tend to have better airfare availability and fewer crowd-driven price spikes.

Mid-January to Early February (Post–New Year)

This is the most consistent low-demand stretch after holiday travel ends. Airfare often drops compared with spring and summer.

Money-saving tip: Fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when possible for better pricing odds.

Exception: Hokkaido/Sapporo routes can spike in early February due to major winter festival travel.

June (Rainy Season Value)

June is often a cheaper month for flights because many travelers avoid the wetter weather. If you don’t mind occasional rain, June can be one of the best-value times to visit.

September (Post-Obon Cooldown)

After the mid-August holiday rush, demand frequently softens. For many travelers, September is the best balance of deal potential and decent weather.

Late November to Early December (Pre-Holiday Lull)

This is a quiet window before the year-end rush. You can still enjoy cool, comfortable conditions in many cities—often with better prices than later in December.

Most Expensive Time to Fly to Japan

The most expensive time to fly to Japan is when international demand and domestic holiday travel overlap—especially during spring bloom season and Japan’s major holiday weeks.

Late March Through April (Cherry Blossom Season)

Cherry blossom travel demand can push flights and hotels sharply higher—especially for Tokyo and Kyoto trips.

Late April to Early May (Golden Week)

Golden Week is one of Japan’s biggest holiday periods. Flight prices often surge, and availability can tighten fast.

Peak within peak: The exact Golden Week dates (plus the weekends around them) are often the most expensive.

Mid-August (Obon)

Obon creates a major travel rush. Flights can become very expensive, especially for popular city pairs and last-minute bookings.

Late December to Early January (New Year)

Year-end travel is one of the busiest periods. Late December departures and early January returns are frequently priced at a premium.

Mid-November (Autumn Foliage Peak)

Fall colors—especially in Kyoto and other top foliage destinations—can drive another strong price spike in November.

On a Budget But Want Good Weather in Japan?

If you want nice weather without paying peak-season prices, these are the best “value weather” windows:

Mid-to-Late May (After Golden Week)

Spring conditions with fewer crowds than April. Prices often drop once the holiday wave passes.

Late September to Mid-October

Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity than summer. Often cheaper than November’s foliage peak.

Early December

Cool and clear in many regions, with prices typically lower than late-December holiday travel.

Best Booking Window for Cheap Flights to Japan

If you’re aiming for the cheapest time to fly to Japan, start watching fares early and book when a good drop appears:

• Low/shoulder seasons: start tracking 2–4 months ahead
• Popular seasons: start tracking 4–6+ months ahead

Seasonal Flight Demand Chart for Japan

Use this chart as a quick guide to the cheapest vs. priciest months to fly.

Tokyo Travel Cost Guide

Osaka Travel Cost Guide