How we know: Sources are listed at the end. Airline facts come from the cited airport and airline pages, weather from WeatherSpark's climate summary, booking guidance from Hopper as quoted by The Points Guy. Live fares are on the LAX to Tokyo route page.
Los Angeles is the busiest US gateway to Japan, with two Tokyo airports, four full-service carriers and a low-cost option. The main decisions are which airport, whether the low-cost fare is really cheaper once bags are added, and when to go.
Who flies it
To Haneda (HND): All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, American and Delta (Los Angeles International Airport). Haneda is close to central Tokyo (about 30 minutes by monorail or train), which is why the full-service carriers have shifted flights there.
To Narita (NRT): ANA, JAL and Singapore Airlines (as a continuation of its Singapore service), plus ZIPAIR (Los Angeles International Airport). Narita is about an hour from the city by Narita Express or Skyliner.
The low-cost option: ZIPAIR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines flying Boeing 787s from Narita to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Honolulu and Houston (ZIPAIR Tokyo). Base fares exclude checked bags, meals and seat selection; add what you need before comparing.
Joint ventures matter here too: ANA with United, JAL with American, and Delta on its own. Search "LAX" to "TYO" (all Tokyo airports).
Flight time
About 11.5–12 hours westbound, 9.5–10.5 eastbound with the jet stream. Most departures leave LAX late morning to early afternoon and arrive the following afternoon or evening local time.
Best seasons, by weather and crowds
WeatherSpark's climate summary for Tokyo gives average highs of about 49–55°F (9–13°C) from December to March, 65–72°F (18–22°C) in April–May, 84–86°F (29–30°C) in July–August, and 61–70°F (16–21°C) in October–November. June has the most wet days (the tsuyu rainy season) and September is the wettest month overall, coinciding with typhoon season (WeatherSpark: Tokyo).
- Peak demand: late March–mid-April (cherry blossom), Golden Week (late April–early May), the August Obon holiday, and the Christmas–New Year period. Fares and hotels are highest; book early.
- Best value with good weather: mid-May to early June (before the rains) and mid-October to November (autumn colour, dry and mild).
- Cheapest: mid-January to February (cold, clear, ski season in the Alps) and the June–July rainy season.
When to book
Long-haul Pacific routes discount less close to departure than transatlantic ones. Hopper's guidance, quoted by The Points Guy, is to book Asia and Oceania trips five to seven months before departure, especially for peak dates (The Points Guy). For cherry-blossom season that means booking in the autumn.
How to get the best fare
- Search all Tokyo airports and compare Haneda's convenience against any Narita saving.
- Price ZIPAIR's fare plus a checked bag against ANA, JAL, American and Delta.
- Check San Francisco and San Jose as alternative gateways: SFO to Tokyo and San Jose to Tokyo.
- Anchor to the current fare on LAX to Narita or LAX to Haneda, then set a price alert months ahead with flexible dates.
- For Japan beyond Tokyo, see best time to visit Japan.
FAQ
Which airlines fly LAX to Tokyo nonstop? ANA, JAL, American and Delta to Haneda; ANA, JAL, Singapore Airlines and ZIPAIR to Narita.
Is ZIPAIR worth it? For a traveller with one carry-on who does not need a meal, often yes. Add bags and seat selection before comparing.
How far in advance should I book flights to Japan? Hopper suggests five to seven months for Asia; earlier for cherry-blossom and Golden Week dates.