From the flashing neon of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto, Japan draws millions of tourists each year. For some, it’s the food and culture that seal the deal; for others, it’s the lure of legendary winter powder in places like Niseko, where skiers travel from around the world in search of perfect conditions. Whatever brings you to Japan, one of the biggest barriers to entry is often the price of flights. Snagging cheap flights can make or break your travel budget, but it requires a bit of planning – and there are a few common mistakes that are easily avoided during the booking process. Here are five important errors to avoid when booking your flight to Japan, helping you secure the best deal available.
1. Booking flights too late
One of the biggest mistakes people make when flying to Japan is not buying their tickets far enough in advance. Though last-minute getaways are exhilarating, procrastination typically means you’ll pay a lot more for airfare. Airlines typically raise prices as the departure date nears, particularly for international flights like those to Japan.
To avoid overpaying, plan your flight at least 6-8 weeks in advance. The earlier you secure your ticket, the better your chances are of finding prices that are lower, since you’ll also have more options for choosing flight times and routes. Use fare comparison tools that can alert you to any price drops, and advise you on what time of year is best to book.
2. Ignoring the best time to fly
When searching for cheap flights to Japan, what many travellers don’t realise is that airfares fluctuate by season. There are times in Japan when tourist high-seasons (think spring for cherry blossoms, and autumn for fall foliage) take place, and flight prices go up. Flying on these peak days can be expensive, so if you want tosave money, you must avoid them.
The best time to fly to Japan for the cheapest fares is during Japan’s low season, which runs from late autumn (November) to winter (January-February). Staying out of the peak tourist seasons not only saves you from paying too much for flights but also the ones that gives you a more personal space-travelling experience. Remember that the weather in Japan can differ significantly between regions, and check the climate before booking your trip.
3. Overlooking alternative airports
Many travellers think they only have the option of arriving at one of Tokyo’s Narita or Osaka’s Kansai International Airport when searching for cheap flights to Japan. Although they’re certainly the major international airports, Japan also offers several smaller regional airports that may provide cheaper fares, as well as easier access to other places.
For example, with your schedule, consider flying into Fukuoka or Sapporo even Nagoya. Though a little further away from some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, these airports are served by one of the world’s most efficient rail services and, therefore, not hard to access. The flights to these airports often tend to be on the cheaper side and with Japan’s top-notch public transportation network, you can get to wherever you like with ease.
4. Failing to compare multiple airlines and routes
Another common error when purchasing cheap flights to Japan is taking the first offer you find, without shopping around at all. Airfare can be priced quite differently among airlines, and even the same air route might be sold by different carriers at varying fees. Also, indirect flights or multiple stopover itineraries may be more affordable than direct flights, but will result in longer travel durations.
When booking, plug in to flight comparison engines that let you filter results by price, layover, and flying time. Booking through different entities can also result in a variety of prices – try booking via agencies or directly with the airline, for example. If you can be flexible with your travel dates and routing, there will often be a cheaper option for you.
Flights are a great example of the potential flexibility that can drive savings. Take flying out during the week, for instance – versus over a weekend. Alternatively, you might find that the earliest or latest flights are cheaper than normal during popular travel periods.
5. Not taking advantage of deals and alerts
So many people overlook Japan flight deals because they do not know about the promotions. Airlines often sell discounted seats and send discounts and promotional offers to customers, especially during holiday sales or other one-off specials. To ensure you don’t miss any bargains, sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites that specialise in cheap flights to Japan.
Along with offers, several travel agencies and flight booking websites provide a comparative fare checking facility, in addition to alerting you to the best prices available on your desired destinations. By monitoring sales and discounts, you can be one of the first ones to book when prices fall, and secure the best deal possible.
When it comes to finding cheap flights to Japan, timing is everything. Start your search as early as possible, consider the best travel seasons, and look at alternative airports in order to get the best deal. And most importantly, take advantage of whatever resources you have to help you score the deal you want, like when using farecomparison sites and booking alerts.
By using these tips and steering clear of the pitfalls that catch out so many travellers, you’ll be far more likely to land yourself a cheap ticket to Japan and be well on your way to planning the trip of a lifetime. From the pulsing streets of Tokyo to the serenity of its peaceful temples and gardens, Japan is a place that has something for everyone. Get your adventure off to a great start when you book an affordable flight to Japan today.
Which of these tips will you try first when searching for cheap flights to Japan – and have you ever spotted a great deal by changing your dates or airport?