Do I need a visa in Tokyo?

Nope—you’ll just need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your trip and a return ticket home to visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. If you’re staying for longer than 90 days or are planning to work while you’re in Japan, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

What's the currency in Japan and how does it compare to the USD?

Japan uses the Japanese yen and, at the time of writing, the conversion rate is about $1 = 104 yen. The average meal costs between 1000-2000 yen, so about $10-$20 USD.

Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Best student & youth fares right now to Tokyo

Check out some of our current best deals below (updated daily) or just use the search box above to find exactly what you need.

Student flights from the USA to Tokyo

The dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city, is a bucket list destination in its own right, and our special discounts and deals will ensure you can fly there from the US for less. Whether you’re visiting for the futuristic skyscrapers, the world-famous cherry blossoms or the weird and wonderful fashion districts, this is a city experience you will never, ever forget. Curious about some of the best things to do in Tokyo? Don’t miss the Tokyo Skytree, an enormous observation tower from which you can get your bearings on the city, the temple of Senso-ji, the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. And don’t miss Harajuku, the district famed for its awesome street art and super-quirky youth fashion shops.

StudentUniverse has partnered with top airlines, including Japan Air, to create unbeatable discounts on flights from the US to Tokyo, so get searching today to find your perfect ticket.

What are the main Tokyo airport hubs?

Tokyo has two major international airports—Haneda and Narita. Most flights from the US land in Narita, but if you’re on a connecting flight, you might land in Haneda.

Narita International Airport / NRT: Narita International Airport is further away from the city than Haneda, but is served more frequently by international airlines. It’s located around 40 miles from the centre of the city. Taking public transportation is the easiest way to get into the city—you can opt for the Keisei Skyliner or the JR Narita Express Train (NEX). The train also takes about an hour and costs about $30. A taxi is also an option, although it’s a bit more expensive and still takes around an hour.

Japan is a year-round destination, with no extreme weather on either side of its seasons. January tends to be the coldest month, with average lows of around 35°F and some snowy days. While this might not make for good picnic weather, it is perfect for skiing and Japan has some awesome slopes. One of the best times to visit is in April, when the world-famous cherry blossoms saturate the city’s parks in pinks and reds. Tokyo is also particularly beautiful in the fall, and you’ll experience fewer crowds then as well.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to Tokyo?

Prices based on bookings made 60-90 days prior to departure.

Why do students love visiting Tokyo?

Tokyo is really popular with students and young travelers, because of it’s incredible (but quite different from home!) culture, food and diverse things to see and do. Japan is an incredibly safe country to explore, with very low crime rates and beautiful cities and scenery. Plus, English translations on signs are common in touristy areas (including that all-important public transport), making it easy to get around even if you’re familiar with Japanese.

Tokyo universities and campuses

Tokyo has two major universities that offer fantastic placements for international students. The University of Tokyo is the most well-known and has a variety of programs taught in English, with subjects ranging from biochemical engineering to urban planning. Another good option is Sophia University, which similarly to the above has several English-language courses, including engineering, science and linguistics. Your home university may already have study abroad or exchange programs in Tokyo available, so check in with your school’s study abroad office first to see what may be offered.

Tokyo lifestyle and culture

Tokyo has an incredibly energetic and robust culture that is completely different from what you’ll be used to from the US! Fashion and food are both big parts of life in Tokyo. While the city itself might appear chaotic at first glance, this is an illusion: the reality is that it’s possibly the most well-ordered metropolis anywhere in the world, with impeccably timed public transport and litter is almost unheard of. Districts like Harajuku show a dazzlingly quirky side to the city and are definitely worth a wander. Locals in Tokyo are well used to foreign visitors, and you’ll quickly find they are incredibly polite and courteous.

Exploring Tokyo on a student budget

While Tokyo might not be the cheapest city in Asia, it’s a myth that it's unaffordable for young travelers and students. For a start, there are tons of free attractions, including the public parks (which cover almost half the city’s surface area) and of course the iconic cherry blossoms. Student discounts can also be snagged on major attractions like the Tokyo Skytree. The delicious street food can also help you taste the local culture without spending a fortune at fancy restaurants. Super clean (and safe!) hostels or futuristic capsule hotels will help you save on accommodations too.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to Tokyo

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and may even be considered rude. Generally speaking, in restaurants, you pay for your meal and drinks at the cash register at the front (rather than request a bill), and you’re not expected to add anything. It will cause confusion if you try. The same goes for other types of service, including bars and cafes and taxis and hotel services.

Tokyo is a large and sprawling city, but is home to one of the best public transportation systems in the world—clean, on-time and efficient. By far the easiest way to get around is on the trains and subways. If you’re not used to taking public transportation at home, don’t worry! Many signs in Tokyo will be in English. A prepaid Suica card is the easiest way to pay for your tickets, and you can buy one (or top it off) at any ticket machine in the Japan Rail stations.

Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Best student & youth fares right now to Tokyo

Student flights from the USA to Tokyo

What are the main Tokyo airport hubs?

How to fly from the USA to Tokyo