Tokyo is a big cosmopolitan city and great to visit at any time of the year. Well known seasonal highlights include Hanami, the cherry blossom festival in April. Less well known is the plum blossom in February. Many other festivities are scattered throughout the year.
Main sites/attractions: there are numerous parks. temples and shrines throughout the city. Due to the diversity of this vast city, it is worthwhile visiting a range of districts to get a good overall feel for the place.
Climate: the city has 4 distinct seasons. Summers are humid and hot and winters mild. The time of the cherry blossom in March and April is probably the most picturesque time to visit but can also be very busy. February tends to be the coldest month of the year. The rainy season is at the beginning of July.
Practical advice for visitors to Tokyo
Entry requirements: those with a British passport currently do not need a visa to visit Japan for up to 90 days. Evidence of onward travel might, however. be needed. Please refer to the Foreign Office website for requirements regarding longer visits.
Language: most signs are also in English so visitors do not have to worry about the language barrier, but it is obviously polite to learn at least the rudimentary pleasantries in Japanese.
Prices and payment: most places in Tokyo will accept major credit cards but it is advisable to carry some cash just in case.
Airport arrival and onward travel options
The two main airports Narita Airport and Haneda Airport are both well connected to the city centre by public transport. The cheapest onward travel option from Narita airport is by train which takes over an hour. For a great scenic experience after arriving at Haneda Airport take the monorail to the city centre. Train services do not run between midnight and 5 am.
Public transport within Tokyo: The public transport system in Tokyo city is efficient, clean and fast but difficult to navigate due to the various public transport systems. Purchasing a Suica or PASMO card allows passengers to change freely between the systems.
Important flight information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the flight from London to Tokyo?
A direct flight from London to Tokyo typically takes around 13 hours 55 minutes. If you choose a connecting flight, you should allow more time. Typical one-stop journeys take around 31 hours 20 minutes. For the quickest journey, a direct flight is usually the most comfortable choice.
Are there direct flights from London to Tokyo?
Yes, there are direct flights from London to Tokyo, with an average of around 16 to 17 flights per day, operated by, among others, Japan Airlines, British Airways and ANA. If you want to travel without a stopover, it is worth filtering specifically for direct flights when searching.
Which airlines fly from London to Tokyo?
Direct flights from London to Tokyo are operated by, among others, Japan Airlines, British Airways and ANA. There are also connecting flights with one stop, for example with Asiana Airlines (via Seoul Incheon), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi). If a short travel time matters to you, a direct flight is usually the most convenient option. Connecting flights often give you more choice of departure times and airlines.
On which days are there direct flights from London to Tokyo?
Direct flights from London to Tokyo operate daily. The schedule may vary by season, so it is worth comparing several travel dates. If your preferred day has no direct service, nearby departure days or short connecting flights may be a good alternative.
How many flights are there per day from London to Tokyo?
From London to Tokyo there are on average around 16 to 17 flights per day. This usually means you have a good choice of departure times. Particularly if you are flexible, you can easily compare times, prices and airlines.
How many flights per week are there from London to Tokyo?
From London to Tokyo there are around 114 to 115 flights per week. This means you usually have suitable connections to choose from on several days and at various times. As well as price, it is worth comparing flight duration, airline and any potential additional charges.
When does the first flight from London to Tokyo depart?
The earliest direct flight from London to Tokyo usually departs at 08:40. The exact departure time may vary by day of the week and airline. Early flights are particularly useful if you want to make the most of your arrival day in Tokyo.
When does the last flight from London to Tokyo depart?
The last direct flight from London to Tokyo usually departs at 19:00. Late flights can be convenient if you want to travel after work or in the evening. Do check whether it is a direct flight, as a connecting service could push the arrival time significantly later.
Which airline is most commonly chosen for flights from London to Tokyo?
For flights from London to Tokyo, offers from Air China, China Southern and Air India are chosen most frequently. This reflects which airlines have been particularly popular with users on this route over the past year. Whether an airline suits you also depends on price, flight times, baggage and possible stopovers.
In which months do idealo users most frequently search for flights from London to Tokyo?
Flights from London to Tokyo are most frequently searched for travel in March, September and February. If you are planning to fly in one of these months, it may be worth comparing offers early. Outside the most popular months, you may find more choice or cheaper connections.
Which departure days are most popular for flights from London to Tokyo?
For flights from London to Tokyo, departures on Wednesday, Friday and Monday are particularly in demand. Demand can be higher on popular travel days, so it is worth checking alternative departure days. You may find more suitable flight times or cheaper offers.
How long is the typical stay on trips from London to Tokyo?
For trips from London to Tokyo, stays of 14, 13 and 6 days are most commonly searched. These trip lengths are particularly popular with idealo users on this route.
In which months are flights from London to Tokyo cheapest?
Based on analysed offers, September, March and February tend to be among the cheaper travel months for flights from London to Tokyo. This does not mean every flight in these months is automatically cheap. It is best to compare different departure days to find suitable offers.