Cheapest time to fly to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport are the most expensive during the summer months. Therefore, if you can travel outside this time, between the months of November and March, you can find fantastic deals on return flights. To see Japan and at its most spectacular, book Tokyo Haneda flights for early April when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom and the country celebrates the arrival of spring.
Flying to Haneda Airport
After serving only domestic routes for several years, flights to Haneda Airport are once again open to international traffic. British Airways and Japan Airways are the only two airlines operating direct flights from London's Heathrow Airport. Many other airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates and Korean Air, serve the UK – Haneda route, but they do require a layover. The airport is located close to the city centre, just eight miles south of Tokyo's central station.
On arrival and getting around HND
Following recent investment and expansion, Haneda flights can now accommodate an impressive 90 million passengers a year, making it the fifth busiest in the world. Cheap flights to Haneda from international destinations will land at the airport's international terminal, where passengers can continue their onward journey by public transport or taxi. The airport is used by the Japanese Air Force One and has a special designation of jets for Heads of State and dignitaries.
Getting to the city from the airport
After arriving on your direct flight to Haneda Airport, the most convenient way of getting to central Tokyo is by taking the Keikyū Express. The non-stop journey takes just 11 minutes to reach Shinagawa and 16 minutes to reach Hamamatsuchō. The Tokyo Monorail also runs between the airport and downtown, and while it is slightly slower, it is also cheaper than taking the express services. Taxis are available but are quite expensive and can cost anywhere between 30 and 70 GBP.
Don't forget before you fly
Visitors to Japan don't need to obtain a visa in advance and can enter the country for three months for the purposes of tourism. However, it is important that you check that your passport has at least six months validity from the day you will be travelling to Tokyo on last-minute flights.
