Travelling from Tokyo to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are Tokyo's main airports.
When it comes to landing in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are the chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Tokyo to Los Angeles flight is 10 hours.
Los Angeles is 16 hours behind Tokyo and follows the UTC-7 timezone.
With 49 flights a week between the two airports, Haneda Airport (HND) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles with ANA at 00:30. If you prefer to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest flight from HND to LAX is with ANA at 21:05.
Leave plenty of time to catch your Tokyo to Los Angeles flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a popular month like June? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Los Angeles
At the moment, R 3,826 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 8,246. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap Tokyo to Los Angeles flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Tokyo to Los Angeles. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Tokyo to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Tokyo to Los Angeles flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
You can book a direct flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles departing from Haneda Airport (HND). Start your trip at HND and come in for landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
There are plenty of airlines that offer direct Tokyo to Los Angeles plane tickets out of HND. Some of the most popular are:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Tokyo to Los Angeles flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Haneda Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
HND is about 14 kilometres from central Tokyo. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
After a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near Haneda Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the flights that depart from Haneda Airport, 73.52% touch down on time at their destination.
HND's address is 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
You can take a nonstop flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles out of Narita International Airport (NRT). Begin your travels at NRT and step off the plane at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
When departing from NRT, you can pick from plenty of airlines that fly nonstop to your destination. Book a direct Tokyo to Los Angeles plane ticket with one of these:
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Tokyo to Los Angeles flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these stops between Narita International Airport and Los Angeles:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
NRT is roughly 64 kilometres from central Tokyo. It takes 1 hour or so to reach the terminal when driving from the city centre.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles, take it easy in one of these hotels near Narita International Airport:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Narita International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 70%.
You'll find NRT at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 19 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Hit the road running by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and explore beyond Los Angeles's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport around one week in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is located around 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 35 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 40 minutes.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Tokyo to Los Angeles flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Van Nuys Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Get your ideal vehicle, not just what's available, by reserving your ride from VNY ahead of your arrival. You can also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
May is the quietest month for flights from Tokyo to Los Angeles, while July is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Tokyo to Los Angeles tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Los Angeles right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles:
Griffith Observatory and The Broad are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Los Angeles itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Explore more of United States
Los Angeles has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States you'll want to see. About 177 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles, a visit to San Diego will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading sights like San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in United States, consider San Jose, about 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art are among the biggest draws.