Best airline to fly to Japan? That depends on where you’re starting your journey! And if you’re planning a trip, you’re far from alone—Japan welcomed a record-breaking 36.8 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. With global travelers flocking back to the Land of the Rising Sun, choosing the right airline is more important than ever.
Japan continues to be a dream destination, whether you’re wandering through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Kyoto’s ancient temples, or Hokkaido’s snow-covered slopes. And in 2025, it’s only going to get busier—Japan ranks as one of the most sought-after holiday destinations, according to the Global Hotel Alliance’s latest travel trends. Osaka is set to steal the spotlight, playing host to Expo 2025 from April to October, drawing even more visitors to this cultural and culinary hotspot.
With flights to Japan departing from cities all over the world, picking the best airline isn’t just about comfort—it’s about finding the perfect balance of service, price, and convenience based on where you’re flying from. So buckle up as we break down the best airlines to fly to Japan from your region—and help you plan the smoothest start to your adventure!
✈️ Best Airlines to Fly to Japan from U.S & North America
🏆 Japan Airlines (JAL) – Best for Japanese Hospitality & Comfort
If you’re flying from the U.S. or Canada, Japan Airlines (JAL) is a top-notch choice. With direct flights from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Vancouver, JAL brings Japanese hospitality to the skies.
Why We Love It:
✅ Extra spacious economy seating (seriously, it’s roomy!)
✅ Premium economy with larger seats and better meal options
✅ Business class that turns into fully flat beds with kaiseki-style dining
✅ Free Wi-Fi on select routes
💡 Pro Tip: Order the Japanese meal in business or first class—it’s crafted by renowned chefs and is way better than your average airplane food.
🏆 ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Best for Modern Luxury
ANA is another fantastic option, offering direct flights from San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Toronto. It frequently ranks as one of the best airlines in the world, and for good reason.
Why We Love It:
✅ Excellent service, with ultra-polite staff
✅ A Michelin-star-inspired menu in business class
✅ The Suite – one of the most private first-class cabins in the sky
✅ Exceptional in-flight entertainment
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a light sleeper, ANA’s business class cabins have sliding doors—giving you that extra bit of privacy on a long-haul flight.
🏆 Delta, United, and American Airlines – Best for Frequent Flyers
If you’re loyal to a U.S. airline, Delta, United, and American Airlines, all offer direct flights to Japan. While they might not match JAL or ANA in service, their mileage programs and premium cabin upgrades can make them worthwhile.
Why We Love Them:
✅ Direct flights from major U.S. hubs
✅ Frequent flyer program benefits
✅ Upgraded international cabins with premium economy options
💡 Pro Tip: Delta’s Premium Select is a good middle ground if you want extra legroom and better meals without paying for business class.
✈️ Best Airlines to Fly to Japan from Europe
🏆 Finnair – Best for a Quick and Easy Connection
Flying to Japan from Europe? Finnair is a secret weapon. Thanks to its efficient Helsinki hub, the airline offers some of the shortest routes between Europe and Japan.
Why We Love It:
✅ One of the fastest connections to Japan from Europe
✅ Scandinavian-inspired in-flight service
✅ Business class with ultra-modern AirLounge seats
✅ Direct flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and even Sapporo
💡 Pro Tip: Finnair’s business class seats don’t recline—they’re designed like lounge chairs. If you love stretching out sideways, this might be your perfect fit.
🏆 British Airways – Best for Premium Travelers
British Airways (BA) offers non-stop flights to Tokyo from London Heathrow, making it a solid choice if you’re flying from the UK. The airline’s new Club Suite in business class adds much-needed privacy to long-haul flights.
Why We Love It:
✅ Direct flights from London Heathrow
✅ Club Suite’s sliding doors for extra privacy
✅ Partnerships with JAL for onward connections in Japan
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re flying economy, consider an exit row seat—BA’s standard economy seats can feel a bit snug on long-haul routes.
🏆 Lufthansa – Best for German Efficiency
Lufthansa connects major European cities to Japan via Frankfurt and Munich. With solid premium cabins and smooth transfers, it’s a dependable option.
Why We Love It:
✅ German-engineered efficiency
✅ Smooth connections via Frankfurt and Munich
✅ Business class with lie-flat beds and lounge access
💡 Pro Tip: Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is an experience. If you can splurge, it includes a private car transfer directly to your plane!
🏆 Turkish Airlines – Best for Comfort & Global Connections
Flying from Europe or beyond? Turkish Airlines offers one of the most comfortable and well-connected routes to Japan, with flights from Istanbul to Tokyo, Osaka, and even Nagoya. With its award-winning service and exceptional catering, Turkish Airlines makes long-haul flights feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Why We Love It:
✅ Spacious cabins in all classes, with some of the best economy seat pitch in Europe
✅ Gourmet meals designed by top chefs, even in economy class
✅ Istanbul Airport’s luxurious lounges, perfect for a long layover
✅ Seamless connections from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a long layover in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers a free stopover program with complimentary hotel stays—turning a layover into an extra mini-trip!
✈️ Best Airlines to Fly to Japan from Asia & the Middle East
🏆 Singapore Airlines – Best for Luxury & Stopovers
Singapore Airlines doesn’t just fly to Japan—it makes the journey an event. If you’re traveling from Southeast Asia or connecting through Singapore, this airline is hard to beat.
Why We Love It:
✅ Award-winning service with ultra-friendly cabin crew
✅ Top-tier business class and Book the Cook meal service
✅ Excellent in-flight entertainment
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a long layover, Changi Airport has one of the best airport wifi in the world, free city tours, rooftop pools, and even a butterfly garden to explore.
🏆 Qatar Airways – Best for Long-Haul Luxury
Flying from the Middle East? Qatar Airways offers seamless connections to Japan with its world-famous Qsuite—one of the best business-class seats in the world.
Why We Love It:
✅ The private, enclosed Qsuite is like a mini hotel room
✅ Top-rated in-flight meals and service
✅ Doha’s Hamad International Airport is a five-star layover experience
💡 Pro Tip: Flying economy? Qatar Airways still offers some of the best legroom and service compared to other airlines.
🏆 Emirates – Best for Premium Comfort & Connectivity
Flying to Japan from the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia? Emirates offers a top-tier flying experience with multiple daily flights to Tokyo and Osaka via its hub in Dubai. Known for its luxurious service, spacious cabins, and excellent in-flight entertainment, Emirates is a fantastic option for those looking for comfort on long-haul routes.
Why We Love It:
✅ Spacious economy class with excellent meal options
✅ World-class business and first-class cabins, featuring private suites and an onboard bar
✅ Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a top-tier hub with world-class lounges and duty-free shopping
✅ Strong connectivity for travelers coming from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a long layover in Dubai, Emirates offers a Dubai Stopover package, including visa arrangements and hotel stays—perfect for turning a layover into a mini vacation!
🏆 EVA Air – Best for a Fun, Comfortable Flight
If you’re traveling from Taiwan or nearby regions, EVA Air is a great option. Plus, their Hello Kitty flights add a quirky, fun touch to your trip.
Why We Love It:
✅ Themed flights with Hello Kitty EVERYTHING
✅ Excellent premium economy cabin
✅ High safety ratings and clean cabins
💡 Pro Tip: Book a Hello Kitty flight early if you want the full experience—these themed flights sell out fast!
Final Verdict: Which Airline Should You Choose?
The best airline to fly to Japan depends on where you’re starting your journey and what you prioritize—comfort, speed, price, or premium service. Here’s a breakdown of the top choices by region:
🌍 North America
• Best Overall: Japan Airlines (JAL) or ANA for authentic Japanese hospitality
• Best for Frequent Flyers: Delta, United, and American Airlines for loyalty program perks and direct routes
🌍 Europe
• Best for Speed: Finnair, with its quick connections via Helsinki
• Best for UK Travelers: British Airways, offering direct flights from London
• Best for Reliability: Lufthansa, with smooth transfers through Frankfurt and Munich
• Best for Comfort & Global Reach: Turkish Airlines, with spacious seating and top-tier onboard dining
🌍 Asia & Middle East
• Best for Luxury & Service: Singapore Airlines, known for top-tier cabins and gourmet dining
• Best for Long-Haul Comfort: Qatar Airways, featuring the world-renowned Qsuite
• Best for a Fun & Unique Experience: EVA Air, famous for its Hello Kitty-themed flights and excellent premium economy
• Best for Premium Comfort & Connectivity: Emirates, offers world-class service and seamless connections through Dubai
No matter which airline you choose, Japan is calling! From its vibrant cities to its serene countryside, the adventure of a lifetime awaits. So book that flight, start planning, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
🛫 Which airline is your go-to for flying to Japan? Let us know in the comments!
