Travel Planning: Flying to Tokyo
Flight times, airports, jet lag & JR Pass tips
⚡ Quick Answer
Narita (NRT) is the main international airport (60 min to city).Haneda (HND) is closer (30 min) and increasingly has international flights.JR Pass: Worth it if taking 2+ long Shinkansen trips. Jet lag from US is brutal — plan 3-5 days to adjust.
✈️ Flight Times
| From | Duration | Jet Lag | Time Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 14-15 hours | Severe | +14h (cross date line) |
| Los Angeles | 11-12 hours | Severe | +17h |
| London | 11-12 hours | Significant | +9h |
| Sydney | 9-10 hours | Moderate | -2h (varies) |
| Singapore | 7 hours | Minimal | +1h |
| Seoul | 2-2.5 hours | None | 0h |
🛬 Narita vs Haneda
Narita (NRT)
- • Distance: 60km from Tokyo center
- • To city: 60-90 min (Narita Express ¥3,070)
- • Best for: Most international flights
- • Budget: Access Express ¥1,270 (slower)
Haneda (HND)
- • Distance: 15km from Tokyo center
- • To city: 20-30 min (Keikyu/Monorail ~¥500)
- • Best for: Domestic + growing international
- • Tip: Pay more for Haneda if available
🚅 JR Pass Worth It?
The JR Pass (¥50,000 for 7 days) is worth it if you're taking multiple long-distance trips:
- ✅ Worth it: Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Tokyo loop
- ✅ Worth it: Multiple day trips (Nikko, Hakone, etc.)
- ❌ Not worth it: Staying only in Tokyo
- ❌ Not worth it: Just Tokyo → Kyoto round trip (buy individual tickets)
😴 Jet Lag Tips
From USA (hardest)
You're crossing the International Date Line. Arrive exhausted in morning Tokyo time. Force yourself to stay awake until 9-10 PM. Expect 4-5 days to fully adjust.
From Europe
Going east +9 hours. Morning flight arrives evening Tokyo time — good for sleep adjustment. Expect 2-3 days to adjust.
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Last updated: December 2024.