How to find cheap flights from Shanghai to Japan
The cheapest return flight from Shanghai to Japan is currently R 3,668.
That fare gets you from Shanghai to Fukuoka in Fukuoka.
A one-way ticket starts at R 1,690.
Not fixed on a destination? Let the lowest fares decide. Select 'Japan' in the 'To' field to find the cheapest deals by city.
There's no shortage of ways to arrive in Japan, with around 35 airports to pick from.
To compare a wider range of prices, select 'Add nearby airports' to include all airports close to where you're departing from and heading to.
Book as early as possible. You'll have more routes, times and airlines to pick from. Leave it too late and you could be left with limited options and higher costs.
Get notified when fares change by creating a Price Alert. Download the Skyscanner app to have updates sent straight to your phone.
Best time to fly from Shanghai to Japan
If you're trying to keep costs low, December is usually the cheapest month to hop on a flight from Shanghai to Japan.
Travelling midweek can often be a smart move. Prices are generally cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays than at the weekend.
The height of the travel season in Japan runs through April, May and August. April is the busiest month and a good time to visit if you want to experience things at their liveliest.
Alternatively, skip the peak season crowds by checking out flights in January, February and March. Out of these low season months, March is the quietest.
Flights from Shanghai to Japan: what to expect
Catch a flight out of Shanghai from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Around 20 airports throughout Japan can be reached on a nonstop flight from Shanghai.
Roughly 370 direct flights link Shanghai with destinations across Japan every week.
The top airlines operating on this route include:
Osaka, Tokyo and Fukuoka-shi are among the most popular routes from Shanghai to Japan.
Fukuoka-shi is the quickest destination to fly to at around 1 hour 40 minutes, while Sapporo-shi has the longest flight time at roughly 3 hours 20 minutes.
The average journey on this route comes in at around 2 hours 35 minutes.
Popular places to visit in Japan
Tokyo
Located in Kantō, this city is a top destination for Shanghai to Japan flights. TOKYO SKYTREE, Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street are key stops for first-time visitors.
Tokyo's major airports are Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). You'll discover some competitive flight deals between the two.
Explore the lineup of hotels in Tokyo and round out your trip with a stay that suits your plans.
Osaka
The biggest draws in this Kansai city include Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan.
You can arrive through Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX), Itami Domestic (Osaka) Airport (ITM) and Kobe Airport (UKB).
The same magic that powers our flight search can also help you find the best-value stays around. Use it to compare prices and availability across hotels in Osaka.
Fukuoka
Swing by well-known attractions like Itsukushima Shrine, Momochi Seaside Park and Ohori Park while you're in this part of Kyushu-Okinawa.
Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is the main airport to plan your flight around.
Find a deal on where you'll stay by checking out the list of hotels in Fukuoka.
Visiting Japan for the first time? Here's what you need to know
Entry rules can vary, so check in advance whether you'll need a visa or any other kind of documentation before you travel. Your travel agent, airline or the local consulate or embassy should have the latest details.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for all your purchases. Debit and credit cards are only accepted at larger businesses, so you may need a backup payment option at times.
The population of Japan is around 120 million. Tokyo is the capital.
This destination has one standard time zone of UTC+9.
Weather can have a real impact on your trip, so travel when the forecast suits your plans. August is Japan's warmest month.
Visit sometime around January if you prefer to be there when it's cooler.
January is typically the wettest time of year, while May is the driest.
The Kyoto Gion Matsuri grand procession, Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Season and the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri parade are some of the major events here. Consider booking your Shanghai to Japan flight around moments like these for a different travel experience.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car rental
A cheap flight from Shanghai to Japan gets you there. The next move is booking your stay. Discover great prices and exclusive rates for hotels in Japan. For the freedom to get around on your own terms, also check out the range of car rental options in Japan.