Are you planning a trip to Japan? One of the first things you might wonder is, โHow long is a flight to Japan?โ Knowing the flight time helps you plan your trip and set expectations for roughly how many movies youโll be watching onboard the plane! This simple guide shares useful information about flight times, what can affect them, and tips for travel that make your experience better.
Understanding Flight Durations to Japan
Flight times to Japan can change a lot as the past few years have shown with the new polar flight routes that fly over the North Pole instead of Russian airspace. Previously flights over Siberia took about 11 hours, however now a direct flight between London and Tokyo will take between 13 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours. If you have connecting flights or layovers, naturally your travel time will be longer, and things like the airline, the route, and the airports used can all affect how long your trip will be.
Itโs important to think through these factors when you book your flights, so make sure to leave enough time for connections if you book indirect flights, and possible airport delays due to staffing or mechanical issues. To get a better idea of your flight time, check online flight search engines like flightradar24 for the latest information.
How long is a flight to Japan from the United Kingdom?
The average direct flight time from London to Tokyo, Japan, is approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes. Meanwhile, on the flight back from Tokyo to London, with the plane flying against the jet-stream, a direct BA flight will take about 14 hours and 45 minutes. These times can change a little based on the airline you pick. For example, British Airways usually offers flights around this length, while Japan Airlines and ANA have flights that are currently a bit longer on the flight to Japan, and shorter on the flight to the UK.
Flights from other big UK airports like Manchester or Edinburgh may take a little longer due to distance. It is a good idea to check with your chosen airline for the most precise flight times.
Remember, these times are averages. Other factors, like wind patterns and air traffic control, can affect the total flight duration. Be ready for some small changes in the actual flying time.
Factors Influencing Your Flight Duration
Airlines give estimated flight times, but many things can affect how long your trip to Japan takes. Knowing these factors can help you get ready and understand there might be changes.
First, direct flights are faster than connecting flights. Direct flights cover the 5,959 miles from London to Tokyo the quickest. On the other hand, connecting flights can make your travel time much longer.
Also, weather, air traffic control, and wind can affect flight times. Strong tailwinds can help you reach your destination faster, but headwinds can slow you down.
- Direct vs Connecting Flights: Choosing a direct flight makes your travel time much shorter.
- Distance and Route: Different UK cities and airline routes can change the mileage and total flight time.
- Weather Conditions: Bad weather, like storms or high winds, can cause delays or longer flights.
Best Time to Book Your Flight
One common question travelers have is, โWhen should I book flights to get the best prices?โ There isnโt a perfect answer, but booking early is usually the way to go. If you can, try to book your flight at least 3 months before your travel dates. For those planning out your dream trip during cherry blossom season, it could be worthwhile booking as soon as possible to secure flights.
Also, if you can, be flexible with your travel dates. As you may expect, flights on weekdays or during off-peak seasons have lower prices than flying on weekends or during the busiest holidays such as Golden Week in early May. Remember to look at different airlines like BA, Japan Airlines, and ANA (All Nippon Airways) as they may have different prices and special offers throughout the year.
Top Airlines Offering Direct Flights from the UK to Japan
There are three airlines that offer direct flights between the UK and Japan โ BA, JAL and ANA, with the Japanese airlines having a very strong reputation. Itโs worth comparing prices and flight schedules to find the airline that best suits your needs, as well as whether youโre looking to earn miles or points.
British Airways and Japan Airlines are without doubt popular choices, both well known for their comfortable cabins and excellent customer service. ANA is another great option if youโre looking for Star Alliance member airlines, with great food service. All three airlines operate multiple direct flights per week, making it convenient to find a suitable departure day that best works for your schedule.
Hereโs a table summarising those airlines:
| Airline | Direct Flights from UK Cities |
| British Airways | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| JAL (Japan Airlines) | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | London Heathrow (LHR) |
Conclusion
Planning your trip to Japan includes knowing how long flights take. We hope you found this article helpful and you have an exciting trip to Japan!
If youโre thinking of visiting Japan, but not sure when the best time to go, please check out our article, When is the best time to visit Japan? For those who are interested in Japanese Food, do explore our food section. Or you can head to our Instagram account for posts of fantastic restaurants, festivals, and travel experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortest flight time to Japan from the UK?
The fastest flight time from the UK to Japan is going to be through a non-stop flight. Direct flights take around 13 to 14 hours if youโre travelling from London to Tokyo, but the exact time will depend on where you leave from in the UK and which airport you arrive at in Japan.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Japan?
Yes, several airlines have direct flights from the UK to Japan. British Airways, Japan Airlines, and ANA offer these direct flight options. However remember that there will be low availability in peak seasons like during the cherry blossom season in early spring.
How can I find the best deals on flights to Japan?
To get the best deals on flights to Japan, you should try to book early, and aim to be flexible with your travel dates. You can also flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to find truly great prices. Also, sign up for newsletters to receive exclusive offers and savings.
What should I prepare for a long-haul flight to Japan?
- For a long flight, pack things that make you comfy.
- Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs.
- Donโt forget entertainment, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
- These items will help make your trip more enjoyable.
Can flight duration vary significantly depending on the airline?
Flight times can change a bit between airlines. This is because of things like the type of plane, the route, and the wind. But for the main airlines such as BA, JAL, and ANA flying directly to Japan, the flight times are usually similar.
How long is a flight to Japan from New York?
The flight time is approximately 14 hours from JFK airport to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Los Angeles?
The flight time is approximately 11 to 12 hours from LAX airport to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Canada?
The flight time is approximately 13 to 14 hours from Toronto to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Australia?
The flight time is approximately 10 hours from Sydney to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Singapore?
The flight time is approximately 7 hours from SIN to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Hong Kong?
The flight time is approximately 4 hours from HKG to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from the Philippines?
The flight time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from MNL to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Manchester in the UK?
The flight time is approximately 16 to 19 hours or longer depending on where you transit.
How long is a flight to Japan from Edinburgh?
The flight time is approximately 16 to 20 hours or longer depending on where you transit.
