Are you planning a trip to Japan? One of the first things you might wonder is, “How long is a flight to Japan now?” Knowing the flight time helps you plan your trip and set expectations for roughly how many movies you’ll 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
Previously flights over Siberia took about 11 hours from the UK, however recently flights from Europe are generally taking an eastern route across Europe and Asia, with direct flights takes roughly 13 and a half to 14 hours from London Heathrow to Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
When flying to Japan from the US or Canada, planes typically fly over Alaska by taking a northwesterly flight path, and a direct flight will take approximately 13 to 14 hours from Toronto Pearson or JFK airport to Haneda airport.
The flight times from other countries in the Pacific region such as Hong Kong and Philippines to Japan are about 4 to 4.5 hours, whereas from Sydney in Australia to Tokyo, it’s approximately 10 hours, and then from Singapore SIN airport to Haneda is about 7 hours.
If you have connecting flights or layovers, your travel time will be longer and it’s important to know some factors will affect your flight duration which we’re covering in the section of Factors Influencing Your Flight Duration.
How long is a flight to Japan from the United Kingdom?
The direct flight time from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda is about 13 hours and 45 minutes give and take 10 minutes. If it isn’t a non-stop flight, the flight time from Heathrow to Haneda will be from 15 hours 30 minutes with 1 stop and a 1 hour layover, to over 39 hours depending on the airline, the number of stops and the layover time of the flight.
Flights from other big UK airports such as Manchester or Edinburgh may take a little longer due to distance. For example, the flight time from Manchester to Tokyo is approximately 16 to 19 hours and from Edinburgh to Tokyo is about 16 to 20 hours.
It is a good idea to check with your chosen airline for the most precise flight times, but remember, these times are averages, so your total flight duration can be a little longer or shorter.
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 prepare for any flight duration changes.
First, direct flights are going to be faster than connecting flights as they cover the shortest distance. You don’t need to change flights and there is no layover time to add to get to your destination.
Second, the routes that airplanes take will affect the flight duration. When flying from Heathrow to Haneda, covering a distance of 5967 miles, the average direct flight time is about 13 hours and 45 minutes as generally planes take an eastern route across Europe and Asia. On the flight back from Haneda to Heathrow, however it takes averagely 14 hours 25 mins, roughly half an hour to 1 hour longer. This is because the planes typically fly over the North Pole instead of Russian airspace by taking the polar flight route, which is much longer distance than the eastern route.
Third, bad weather such as heavy rain and strong wind can affect flight times. For example, strong tailwinds can help you reach your destination faster, but headwinds can slow you down.
Last but not least, air traffic control, staffing or mechanical issues can lead to delays and long waits at airports.
- 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.
- Airport Delays: Air traffic control, staffing or mechanical issues can lead to delays at airports.
Best Time to Book Your Flight
One common question travelers have is, “When should I book flights to get the best prices?” There isn’t a perfect answer, but booking early is usually the way to go. If you can, try to book your flight at least 2 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 from time to time. If you’re booking a non-direct flight, make sure to have enough time for connections.
Top Airlines Offering Direct Flights from the UK to Japan
There are three airlines that offer direct flights between the UK and JapanーBA, JAL and ANA, with the Japanese airlines having a very strong reputation. It’s worth comparing prices and flight schedules to find the airline that best suits your needs, as well as whether you’re 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 you’re 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.
Here’s a table summarising those airlines:
| Airline | Direct Flights from UK Cities | Flight time from LHR (Heathrow) to HND(Haneda) | Flight time from HND (Haneda) to LHR(Heathrow) |
| BA (British Airways) | London Heathrow (LHR) | 13 hours 30 minutes | 14 hours 50 minutes |
| JAL (Japan Airlines) | London Heathrow (LHR) | 13 hours 40 minutes | 14 hours 5 minutes |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | London Heathrow (LHR) | 14 hours 15 minutes | 14 hours 25 minutes |
*British Airways usually offers the average length of flight time from Heathrow to Haneda, 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.
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 you’re 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 you’re travelling from London (Heathrow) to Tokyo (Haneda), 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, three 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?
These items will help make your trip more enjoyable for a long flight:
- Pack things that make you comfy.
- Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs.
- Don’t forget entertainment, snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
Can flight duration vary significantly depending on the airline?
Flight times can change a bit depending on 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 direct flight time is approximately 14 hours from JFK airport to Tokyo’s HND airport.
How long is a flight to Japan from Los Angeles?
The direct flight time is approximately 11 to 12 hours from LAX airport to HND (Haneda) airport.
How long is a flight to Japan from Canada?
The direct flight time is approximately 13 to 14 hours from Toronto to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Australia?
The direct flight time is approximately 10 hours from Sydney to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Singapore?
The direct flight time is approximately 7 hours from SIN to HND Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from Hong Kong?
The direct flight time is approximately 4 hours from HKG to Tokyo.
How long is a flight to Japan from the Philippines?
The direct flight time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from MNL to HND 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.
Disclaimer: All information is correct at the time of publishing. However, we would recommend checking each airline and relevant websites for the latest information.
