Tokyo is one of those destinations people dream about for years before finally booking. Incredible food, neon‑lit streets, ancient temples, spotless transport and a culture that feels completely different to home. But before you get lost planning sushi crawls and sightseeing, there’s one big question most travellers ask first: when is the cheapest time to fly from London to Tokyo?
Flights to Japan are rarely what you’d call cheap, but prices fluctuate far more than people expect. Knowing when to go can save you hundreds of pounds, sometimes without changing your plans all that much. Below is a realistic, month‑by‑month breakdown to help you decide when to book – and when to avoid.
If you want to check current prices while you’re reading, you can compare flights from London to Tokyo here.
If you’re still planning your wider trip and haven’t settled on specific dates or cities yet, it’s worth starting with an overview of flights to Japan more broadly. Our Japan guide covers major routes, popular entry points and useful travel planning tips across the country.
January – February
Generally the cheapest time to fly
If price is your top priority, winter is your friend. January and February are usually the cheapest months to fly from London to Tokyo.
These months come straight after the Christmas and New Year travel rush. Tourist numbers drop, hotels relax their prices, and airlines lower fares to keep seats filled. You’ll still see people around, but far fewer than during cherry blossom season.
The weather is cold but dry, and Tokyo is well set up for winter. If you don’t mind wrapping up, this is one of the best times to grab a bargain flight.
👉 Tip: Search flexible dates on London to Tokyo flights during late January for some of the lowest fares of the year.
March
Prices rise as cherry blossom season approaches
March is when things start to change. Early March can still be reasonably priced, but as soon as cherry blossom forecasts are released, flight prices tend to jump.
Late March marks the start of peak season in Japan. Everyone wants to see the blossoms, and airlines know it. Prices rise quickly and availability tightens, especially on direct flights from London.
If cherry blossom season is a must, booking well in advance is essential.
April
One of the most expensive months
April is peak season, mainly due to cherry blossom season and school holidays. Flights from London to Tokyo are usually at their highest during this period.
Hotels fill up, attractions are busy, and flight prices stay stubbornly high. Even indirect routes don’t always offer much relief.
Unless there’s a specific reason to travel in April, this month rarely represents good value.
May
Prices ease slightly after peak season
Once cherry blossom season ends and Golden Week finishes (usually early May), prices begin to settle down.
Late May can be a good middle ground, especially if you’re flexible with mid‑week departures. The weather is comfortable and crowds feel more manageable.
At this point, it’s worth checking prices regularly on flights from London to Tokyo, as deals can appear without much notice.
June
An underrated bargain month
June is often overlooked, which works in your favour. It’s part of Japan’s rainy season, but rainfall tends to come in short bursts rather than all‑day downpours.
Flights during June are often cheaper than late spring or summer, and the city feels noticeably less crowded.
If your travel dates are flexible and you’re comfortable with warmer, more humid weather, June can offer strong value.
July – August
Higher demand, higher prices
Summer brings school holidays, festivals and a surge in long‑haul travel. July and August typically mean higher prices on London to Tokyo routes.
Flights are still available, but cheaper fares become harder to find, especially for non‑stop services. The weather is also hot and humid, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
If you’re travelling in summer, booking as early as possible makes a big difference.
September
One of the best overall months
September is often a sweet spot. Summer crowds fade, temperatures become more comfortable, and flight prices tend to drop again.
Airfares from London to Tokyo are often significantly cheaper than in August, and availability improves across multiple airlines.
Many frequent travellers quietly consider September one of the best times to visit Japan without paying peak prices.
October
Comfortable weather, steady prices
October brings pleasant temperatures and the start of autumn colours in some regions. Prices sit in the middle range – not bargain‑basement, but rarely excessive.
This is a solid option if you value weather and sightseeing comfort just as much as price.
November
Another budget‑friendly choice
November often sees prices dip again. Tourist numbers fall, autumn colours peak, and flights become easier on the wallet.
For travellers looking to explore Tokyo without crowds or premium pricing, November is a very good option.
December
Prices rise closer to Christmas
Early December can still be affordable, but prices climb sharply as Christmas and New Year approach. Late December flights from London to Tokyo are among the most expensive of the year.
If you are travelling over the festive period, book early and keep an eye on availability.
When should you book flights from London to Tokyo?
As a general guideline:
- Book 2 to 4 months in advance for the best fares
- Avoid last‑minute bookings, especially in spring and summer
- Mid‑week departures are often cheaper than weekends
Checking prices regularly on London to Tokyo flights can help you spot short‑term drops.
Flight prices to Japan don’t just vary by month, but also by departure airport and destination within the country. If you’re flexible beyond Tokyo, comparing routes across Japan can reveal noticeably cheaper options at certain times of year. You can explore alternative cities and seasonal patterns on our Japan travel hub here.
Flying back to London?
Return fares don’t always mirror outbound pricing. If you’re planning a round trip or one‑way return, it’s worth checking flights from Tokyo to London separately, as prices and airline availability can vary.
So, when is the cheapest time overall?
If the goal is spending as little as possible, the cheapest months to fly from London to Tokyo are usually:
- January
- February
- November
- Early December (before the Christmas rush)
For the best balance of price, weather and crowd levels, September and late May are hard to beat.
What about another Japanese city?
If Tokyo isn’t your only stop, or you’re flexible on where you fly into, why not consider another city in Japan? Cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo each offer something completely different, and flight prices can sometimes be lower depending on season and availability. It’s worth exploring alternatives such as Kyoto, Osaka or Sapporo if you’re open to mixing up your itinerary.
Ready to compare prices?
You can see today’s fares and filter by airline, stops and dates using flights from London to Tokyo.