Flying from Chicago to Tokyo: what you need to know
Chicago has a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Tokyo flying out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
When landing in Tokyo, Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) are the primary gateways.
Around 13 hours 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Chicago to Tokyo flight.
Tokyo is 15 hours ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC+9 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Tokyo is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Take your pick of 21 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to HND is the 01:05 JAL service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 17:45 with ANA.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Chicago to Tokyo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a popular month such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Tokyo
To find cheap Chicago to Tokyo flights, book in advance. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Tokyo is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to see the best prices throughout the month and snap up a great deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from Chicago to Tokyo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Lock in a cheap Chicago to Tokyo flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can find a direct flight from Chicago to Tokyo taking off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Set out from ORD and then hit the runway at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct Chicago to Tokyo plane tickets out of ORD. Book your seat with one of these:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even tour another city. When searching for Chicago to Tokyo flights leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Detroit Wayne County Airport (DTW)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Tokyo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
70% of flights that depart Chicago O'Hare International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Break up your Chicago to Tokyo flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Chicago Midway Airport and Tokyo include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
MDW is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It takes 25 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an additional night away? Consider kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Tokyo:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Tokyo
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is approximately 16 kilometres from central Tokyo. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 25 minutes.
It usually takes 30 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to HND if you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Tokyo. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Tokyo Haneda Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car or Times and experience the lesser-explored corners of Tokyo and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Tokyo Haneda Airport about three weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
HND is situated at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
Central Tokyo is around 64 kilometres from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Tokyo has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour.
After your flight from Chicago to Tokyo, kick back at a hotel close to NRT. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Tokyo Narita Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Airport Car Rental, JDM Rent a car or Miki Car Rental and make a speedy getaway.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from NRT four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
The address for Tokyo Narita Airport is 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Best time to go to Tokyo
March is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Tokyo, while April is the most popular. Figure out the best time to visit Tokyo based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Chicago to Tokyo tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Tokyo, with temperatures ranging from 23ºC (73ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Tokyo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 9ºC (48ºF) and 15ºC (59ºF) on average.
More about Tokyo
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Tokyo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Tokyo:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. TOKYO SKYTREE, Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street are must-visits when exploring Tokyo.
Explore more of Japan
Osaka is just one of the many places in Japan waiting to be explored after you've seen Tokyo. Around 402 kilometres to the west, its top attractions include Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan.
Around 257 kilometres west of Tokyo, Nagoya is another essential stop in Japan. Experience major highlights starting with Nagoya Castle, Sky Promenade and Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium.