Travelling from San Diego to Tokyo: what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with working out where you'll fly out of in San Diego. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the city's main base, so check out your options for reserving a flight from San Diego to Tokyo taking off from here.
Step off your plane in Tokyo at Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).
Hop on a direct San Diego to Tokyo flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 11 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Tokyo is UTC+9, which is 16 hours ahead of San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Narita International Airport (NRT) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are seven weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from San Diego to Tokyo is with JAL at 13:35. Go for the first SAN to NRT departure with JAL at 11:40 to fit in more activities on your first day in Tokyo.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your San Diego to Tokyo flight.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Tokyo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Tokyo is RM1,259. For a return flight on this route, the best price is RM2,529. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To score cheap San Diego to Tokyo flights, reserve your trip seven months before your departure date.
Schedule your trip for October. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on plane tickets from San Diego to Tokyo. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across every month.
Getting a cheap flight from San Diego to Tokyo is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' San Diego to Tokyo flights.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from San Diego to Tokyo, you can depart from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to Narita International Airport (NRT) in one seamless trip.
Secure your San Diego to Tokyo plane tickets with JAL. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from SAN.
We make it simple to find a San Diego to Tokyo flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from San Diego International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located around 3 kilometres from central San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 20 minutes.
Have an early flight from San Diego to Tokyo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to San Diego International Airport:
Of the departures from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% touch down on time at their destination.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND) to central Tokyo takes about 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 18 kilometres away.
Consider staying in a hotel close to HND if you have a late flight from San Diego to Tokyo. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Haneda Airport rental car and discover Tokyo and beyond with your own set of wheels. Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car and Times are leading providers you can book with here.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Haneda Airport about three weeks before your trip.
HND is situated at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
After your flight from San Diego to Tokyo has arrived, you can get to the city centre in about 1 hour by car. Central Tokyo is roughly 56 kilometres from Narita International Airport (NRT).
After your flight from San Diego to Tokyo, kick back at a hotel near NRT. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Airport Car Hire, JDM Rent a car and Miki Car Hire make collecting a Narita International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at NRT will help you stay within budget.
The address for Narita International Airport is 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Best time to go to Tokyo
April is the busiest month for flights from San Diego to Tokyo. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Tokyo in February.
When booking your San Diego to Tokyo tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Tokyo, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC (79ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from San Diego to Tokyo in February when temperatures average between 15ºC (59ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Tokyo
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Tokyo, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Tokyo:
Tokyo Tower and Senso-ji Temple Yogodo are just the start of the leading attractions to add to your Tokyo to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing.
Explore more of Japan
Tokyo has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Japan just waiting to be explored. Around 31 kilometres south-west of Tokyo, a visit to Yokohama will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like Teishoin, Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji.
Around 402 kilometres west of Tokyo, Osaka is another essential stop in Japan. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan.