Book cheap flights to Tokyo

Each of Tokyo’s four seasons offers a completely distinct experience, and the city rewards visitors year-round. Spring (March to May) is the most magical time to visit — cherry blossom season (Hanami) transforms the city’s parks and riverbanks into seas of pink and white. Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi are among the most beloved spots. Book flights and accommodation well in advance as this is peak season. Summer (June to August) brings heat, humidity, and vibrant festivals including Sumida River Fireworks (July) and Obon (August). Autumn (September to November) is spectacular — vivid foliage turns the city golden and crimson, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than spring. Winter (December to February) is the quietest and most affordable season, with crisp clear days, illumination festivals, and the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji on the horizon. For the cheapest flights to Tokyo, winter is the ideal time to book.

South African passport holders require a visa to travel to Japan. For tourism, travellers generally apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa for a short-term stay. Japan also offers an online eVisa system for eligible South African residents travelling for tourism purposes.

Visa processing may take several working days or longer during busy periods, so travellers should apply well in advance of departure.

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and preferably for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Visa applications can be submitted through the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria or the Consular Office of Japan in Cape Town.

Cape Town: 21st Floor Office, The Towers, 2 Heerengracht Corner Hertzog Blvd, Cape Town 8001

Phone: ( 27) 021 425 1695

Pretoria: 259 Baines Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria 0181

Phone: ( 27) 012 452 1500

No specific vaccinations are required to enter Japan. However, the following are recommended before travelling to Tokyo: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (particularly if visiting rural areas or during summer), and Rabies. Routine vaccinations including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza should be up to date. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling from a yellow fever endemic area.

Japan has an exceptional standard of healthcare and medical facilities in Tokyo are world-class. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly given Japan’s location in a major earthquake and typhoon zone.

Although Tokyo is considered one of the safest major cities in the world, standard travel precautions apply. Keep luggage and valuables secure at all times, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and remain vigilant in crowded areas. Women can generally move around safely at all hours, though standard awareness is always advisable. In the event of a natural disaster — earthquake or typhoon — follow emergency broadcast channels and adhere strictly to emergency protocol.

Accommodation in Tokyo ranges from Western-style hotels and hostels to Japanese-style ryokan (traditional inns) and minshuku (bed and breakfasts), as well as the more unconventional shukubo (temple lodgings), manga cafés, and love hotels — each offering a genuinely unique experience.

For location, Shinjuku and Shibuya are ideal for first-time visitors — central, well-connected, and close to major attractions. Asakusa offers a more traditional atmosphere with a slower pace and proximity to Senso-ji Temple. Ginza is Tokyo’s luxury district, home to flagship boutiques and five-star hotels including the Palace Hotel Tokyo and The Ritz-Carlton. For a boutique experience, the backstreets of Shimokitazawa and Yanaka offer charming guesthouses far from the tourist crowds.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Tokyo at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Tokyo is served by one of the finest public transport systems in the world — punctual, extensive, clean, and remarkably easy to navigate even without Japanese language skills. Trains are the gold standard for getting around the city.

The Shinkansen bullet train — capable of speeds up to 320km/h — connects Tokyo to the rest of Japan with breathtaking efficiency. For city travel, the extensive metro and JR train network covers virtually every corner of Tokyo. Buses are comprehensive but less tourist-friendly. Taxis are available but expensive, particularly during rush hour.

The easiest way to pay for all transport is with a prepaid Suica or Pasmo IC card, which can be purchased at airport and station kiosks on arrival and used on trains, subways, buses, and even at many convenience stores and vending machines.

Driving in central Tokyo is not recommended due to congestion and complex road systems. However, if you plan to explore rural Japan, Mount Fuji, or the Japanese countryside beyond the bullet train network, search, compare, and book a car hire in Japan at Travelstart. An International Driving Permit is required to drive in Japan.