$276 Find Cheap Flights from Japan to California

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to California

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to California
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to California
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Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to California

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to California?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.

The cheapest ticket to California from Japan found in the last 72 hours was to Los Angeles, at $355 round-trip. The most popular route is Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $355.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Japan to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from Japan to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Japan to California is November, when tickets cost $811 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are August and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,164 and $988 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Japan to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Japan to California, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 31% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in California?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in California is San Jose Airport (SJC), with an average flight price of $424.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$276
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 13% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 19% lower on average.
Flight from Tokyo Narita Airport to San Francisco

Flights from Japan to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Japan to California 
Verified travelerFlew with ANA
NRT
-
SFO
May 2025
Bring your own meals like sandwich, nuts, fruit, or protein bar, because the food not only smells fowl but tastes even more so. Jesus, I’d rather just eat a protein bar.
Verified travelerFlew with Japan Airlines
NRT
-
SFO
Nov 2024
This trip seemed shorter than I thought. Sleeping helps pass the time. Also take an aspirin and wear compression socks
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
NRT
-
SFO
Oct 2024
Procedures in Tokyo Narita airport are very efficient. Transportation to and from Tokyo is also efficient, economical, and available.
Verified travelerFlew with Japan Airlines
NRT
-
SFO
Oct 2024
Get a butt pillow for the long flight and a neck pillow to sleep comfortably
VictorFlew with American Airlines
HND
-
LAX
Oct 2024
Make sure to eat before you get on, as the food options aren’t the most appetizing.
JohnjimyFlew with ANA
NRT
-
SFO
Aug 2024
If you have multiple carry-on. You may be subjected to have tags or have to pay, due to limited spaces. I was fortunate to have my bag under seat for take off. Other passengers decided to bring the whole room with them without me having space to put my backpack carry on.
Verified travelerFlew with ANA
NRT
-
SFO
May 2024
Haneda airport now handles most of the international traffic. It's much closer to downtown Tokyo. Narita is 45-55 minutes out of town. Do online and complete you immigration documentation before your flight. Print the QR code and the machine will scan it along with your passport. Much faster.

FAQs for booking flights from Japan to California

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Japan to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Japan to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Japan to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Japan to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Japan to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Japan to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Japan to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Japan to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Monday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $919. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $1,070 on average.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Japan to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from Japan to California. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Japan to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.3
Japan AirlinesOverall score based on 1709 reviews
8.7Crew
7.7Food
8.2Comfort
7.8Entertainment
8.4Boarding
Airline reviews

American Airlines Business Class does not meet the standard it should when compared with Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Air France. The flight attendants often appear disengaged and fatigued, with forced smiles, noticeable attitude, and occasional rudeness. Food options are subpar, the overall ambiance feels cheap and outdated, and the cabin design reflects a past era rather than current premium expectations. Lastly, the aircraft itself felt old and uncomfortable. Overall, the experience is not competitive with what peer airlines are offering today.

4.0 OkayFrancisco, Feb 2026
HND - LAX
Read more Japan Airlines reviews

American Airlines Business Class does not meet the standard it should when compared with Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Air France. The flight attendants often appear disengaged and fatigued, with forced smiles, noticeable attitude, and occasional rudeness. Food options are subpar, the overall ambiance feels cheap and outdated, and the cabin design reflects a past era rather than current premium expectations. Lastly, the aircraft itself felt old and uncomfortable. Overall, the experience is not competitive with what peer airlines are offering today.

I really love their services! From checking-in to deplaning, superb! Highly recommended!

The flights were on time and the cabin crew were very nice. The only downside was that the food was not good

I like the intention and service of the flight crew. Japanese values were observed and appreciated as a customer.

First time flying. Very comfortable, plenty of leg room in economy. The food was good, as well as the snacks. Quick flight back from Kansai to HNL.

Excellent service, excellent food and beverage options, plenty of legroom

I fell asleep, and the crew kindly left some snacks for me

Underpricer is a terrible third party service that couldn’t change three letters on my boarding pass in time to make a flight. It cost me tons of money to have to buy a new ticket with JAL. I’m extremely let down with Kayak using such a sketchy company with horrific customer service.

Check in procedure is harder than with other airlines, infotainment system is outdated

I liked- timely took the take off I disliked- food for ANML was not served even after request, ASVML was really bad, the cleanliness of seats were not up to satisfactory level and I had to use my own sanitizer. Even basic sanitizer packs were not served, cabin crew could be more friendly as I noticed their behavior against other fellow passangers who were not speaking English well.

Delta continues to set the benchmark for traveler-friendly service with minimal disruption and clear communication within the mainland US (coast to coast). I am consistently pleased to be a Delta customer, and this experience once again met my expectations. There was a brief delay departing from MIA due to a technical issue that required the aircraft to return to the gate. However, the situation was handled professionally and transparently. Fortunately, my planned layover allowed ample buffer time, so the adjustment caused no stress. Overall, another smooth and reassuring experience.

Awful - both legs. The check in was awful, getting on the plane required walking down a spiral staircase (dangerous), then taking a bus about 5 miles out from the terminal. The seat was broken (I was in business), there was no internet during the flight (both legs). The aircraft was very old. I saw rust in some place, tape holding things up in the bathroom. This was an unacceptable experience for such a long haul flight.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Was forced to check in my small carry on, even though I informed the crew it has very fragile items inside

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

I really liked the legroom. I am 6’4”.a at For some reason our seats were not together and using the app to fix it didn’t work. Passengers were nice enough to move for us but you should absolutely ensure a parent sits with their child.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

Flight was too crowded and seats are too small, especially since passengrs are getting larger. Having a middle seat is ALWAYS tough! Woman on my left was large & kept creeping in to my space. Flight personnel were great! Have more savory rather than sweet snacks please.

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Good flight. However, when booked flight with United, assumed the layover included by United in San Francisco of 1 hr and 40 minutes was sufficient . Not so and would recommend at least 2 hours or more. Needed to go through US immigration (very long lineups), then pick up bags, take all the way to another terminal, running because we did not have sufficient time. We made the flight because they held the door for us but luggage didn’t follow.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Flight delayed. WiFi connectivity very poor if not existant. Last minute arrival forced me to run to catch my connection.

The power at the seat didn't work and the seat itself was difficult to adjust - this was a business class seat. Flight attendant gave me miles to compensate. The attendant was very professional and on top of his game the entire flight.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

Very poor. The flight was delayed from Toronto because some forget to do there job . I got to my connecting gate in San Francisco 10 minutes before the departure.but this didn’t let me board even though the flight was still there for an other 30 minutes. The the gentleman at the unite airline desk told me that they usually wait for passengers but air Canada called and told them not to we I been rerouted to Manila instead of Hong Kong . In San Francisco they mad me check in my carryon bag . I was told the it will directly go yo ho chi minn cuyt but I was told that by the Vietnams airline desk that’s not there I’m 10 hours behind my scheduled flight and looks like I I’m going without baggage. I don’t have a chance of catching ..

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Mean flight attendant. I wanted to reuse my plastic cup, but he (Matthew) said he can't for safety. I then said "I don't want water then" and he poured me a glass. I hope Matthew gets herpes and spends the rest of his life poor, lonely, and homeless.

Wifi never really worked. Flight attendants were generally fine except when they were not very helpful when my wife accidentally spilled a soda (they chastised her to apologize to the people sitting behind when it was dark and we couldn't see anything and they brought one tiny napkin to help clean it up). Seats were uncomfortable for all four of us. Otherwise a typical flight.

Seats in economy might too narrow. people sitting next to each other is always hitting shoulders.

Easy to board and fly, no frills. Yummy ramen on board.

It was for the most part a 10/10 they said they had entertainment options but all they had was old movies for streaming from the mid 2010’s so like 10 years ago

all good for a very budget flight - well priced and excellent service. Will fly again

Couple of the crew members were really nice and the rest are really rude and didn't help when we needed help, food was not worth it at all and most importantly there's no even entertainment system other than a very interruptive and slow internet and some movies.

I appreciate the economy price of the tickets. The long flight made the comfort level on the lower average side. Wi-Fi connection was not consistent but working. Overall, I would fly again with zip air but next time get the flat, premium seats with the amount of money I would save otherwise.

Comfortable seats and lucky no one was in middle seat. No water on the plane. Plane was on time and staff was fast.

You get what you pay for and nothing more. Wanted a cheap flight and that’s exactly what I got, though it’s human nature to wanting to feel like you got a good deal as well. There was none of that here. I was cheap and they were too. Got to my destination safely and that’s all that really matters.

Nice service. I wish it could provide hot water on the flight.

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

We were upgraded to Business Class. So comfortable with great service and food options

The flight was completely full. Crew was not happy. Everyone was rude and brusque. Travelling with an arm in a cast and seating in the first row of economy cabin (in front of the separation) I needed help retrieving my tray for the meal. A staff member literally threw the tray on my lap, without helping to take out the tray. Boarding was messy, with 300 people waiting in an encloses space with low ceiling. I will try to avoid AA next time I have a long flight.

The comfort of Business Class made this trip far more comfortable. I was indeed surprised when I asked one of the flight attendant to help me set up my "bed", she responded that "We don't make beds in Business Class any longer...only First Class" I believe her name was Giselle, but I'm not certain. She did instruct me how to adjust the seat, place the hooded cover and I clearly understood how to place the blanket and the cover. Additionally, the meal I was served (a beef dish) was almost inedible. The beef was tough and odd tasting. I didn't mention it as I was hoping to quickly settle down and try to get some sleep.

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to California

Cabin classes available on flights to California. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.