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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Japan

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Tokyo
Tokyo2 stops$1,060
Osaka
Osaka1 stop$858
Okinawa
Okinawa2 stops$873
Fukuoka
Fukuoka2 stops$862
Hiroshima
Hiroshima2 stops$910
Iwakuni
Iwakuni2 stops$906
Sendai
Sendai2 stops$1,164
Takamatsu
Takamatsu2 stops$1,082
Matsuyama
Matsuyama2 stops$1,065
Tokyo
Tokyo2 stops$1,060
Osaka
Osaka1 stop$858
Okinawa
Okinawa2 stops$873
Fukuoka
Fukuoka2 stops$862
Hiroshima
Hiroshima2 stops$910
Iwakuni
Iwakuni2 stops$906
Sendai
Sendai2 stops$1,164
Takamatsu
Takamatsu2 stops$1,082
Matsuyama
Matsuyama2 stops$1,065
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Diego to Japan flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Diego to Japan to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest San Diego to Japan flight route?

The cheapest ticket to Japan from San Diego found in the last 5 days was to Tokyo, at $1,039 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Diego (SAN) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $1,039.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Japan?

The cheapest time of day to fly to Japan is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $1,248 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Japan is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,266.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San Diego to Japan?

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 2 stops layover the cheapest option at $1,289 on average.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Japan?

The cheapest month for flights from San Diego to Japan is February, when tickets cost $874 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,418 and $1,400 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Japan?

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Japan on a Thursday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Saturday is the most expensive day to fly from San Diego to Japan. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Tuesday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

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

To get a below average price on the flight from San Diego to Japan, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 18% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 13 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

$386
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 6% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 6% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Tokyo Haneda

FAQs - booking Japan flights

  • Are there direct flights from San Diego, California, to Japan?

    Yes, there are non-stop flight options between the city of San Diego and the country of Japan. The direct flights are operated out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Narita International Airport (NRT), just outside of Tokyo. The airline offering these daily flights is Japan Airlines.

  • Is a visa required for travelers going to Japan from San Diego?

    No, U.S. citizens are not required to have a tourist visa to travel to Japan as long as they don’t plan on staying in the country for more than 90 days. Passengers must arrive with proof of a departing flight out of Japan within that time frame, as well as a valid passport with a free page for an entry stamp.

  • Which is the best airport to fly into to visit Mount Fuji?

    Mount Fuji is probably one of the most iconic Japanese attractions. The closest airport to this famous mountain and its national park, Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, is Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). This airport is located south of the center of Tokyo, from where you can get to the national park in just over an hour or so.

  • Is there public transportation from the main airport in Tokyo to the city center?

    The largest airport in Tokyo is Narita International Airport (NRT). There are a few train lines via Japan Rail connecting the airport to the city center. Depending on whether you take an express rail or not, you can expect to pay about ¥1340-3000 ($19-27). The closest international airport to Tokyo is Haneda International Airport (HND). The public transportation available from here is the monorail or train, costing about ¥410 ($4).

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

    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 San Diego to Japan.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Diego to Japan 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 San Diego to Japan?

    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 San Diego to Japan 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 San Diego to Japan?

    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 San Diego to Japan up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Japan

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from San Diego to the following destinations at these prices or less: Tokyo $564 one-way - $1,179 round-trip
  • The best airport to fly to in the center of Japan, with access to both northern and southern areas, is Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX). From here, you will be near top attractions such as the Osaka Castle, the Kofuku-ji Temples of Nara, and the historic city of Kyoto with its Imperial Palace and bamboo forest.
  • Even though there are possible non-stop flights between San Diego and Japan, you will most likely find more options with at least one layover, especially if you wish to fly into cities apart from Tokyo. The layovers are generally in airports like Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), if you’re connecting to a different city in Japan.
  • Both of the two main airports in Japan, Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX), have hotels onsite as well as conference rooms, lounges with Wi-Fi and work stations. This is ideal for business travelers with early flights or those visiting on a tight schedule.
  • If you’re a traveler that gets a bit anxious prior to flying, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has a few services available to help you relax before your overseas flight to Japan. For instance, in Terminal 2, you’ll find a spa and wellness center to relax.
  • For those planning on traveling to Japan with infants who would like to rent a car or use taxis, rear-facing child car seats are mandatory from ages 0-6. Check if you need to bring one along or if your car rental agency has any available.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Diego to Japan

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Diego to Japan? 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 1910 reviews
8.4Boarding
8.2Comfort
7.8Entertainment
8.7Crew
7.7Food
Airline reviews

They didn't tell me they changed my flight. So I got confused on what happened to my flight.

6.0 GoodDade, Jun 2026
Read more Japan Airlines reviews

They didn't tell me they changed my flight. So I got confused on what happened to my flight.

The flight was delightful overall. The check-in and boarding were on smooth and on time. Amenities and staffs were elevated. However, if glasses were served instead of cups, there should be a complete premium.

Sure I would’ve liked a little more space, but it was better than economy. I bring my own food because I have food allergies it would be nice if they offered larger salads or more vegetables instead of starch it was really a good flight. I don’t wanna complain. I’m grateful to fly at all safely. Thank you to the pilots.

American Airlines food is horrible. Also, paid to fly JAL on all segments, but received a much lower quality. I was disappointed to learn that we would be using American Airlines on this flight, which has less comfort, entertainment, choices, and lower standard of service. Overall not satisfied.

Food was very mediocre. Economy is pretty uncomfortable. Crew was excellent and responsive.

My plans changed and I tried to cancel or change the flight for credit but was giving the run around and denied . Not great

Good experience for economy transpacific. Reasonable comfortable seats. Food was not as good as I expected or had on other prior transpacific flights but likely attribute that to rising cost of supplies. Staff is courteous. Overall, very good.

We booked business class round trip from Delhi to San Diego and back. On our last leg from Bangalore to Delhi we were down graded to economy class which was big disappointment other than that everything was great.

Truly impressive service in the air. After the main meal, they have a delicious a la carte menu that you can order anytime until 1.5 hrs prior to landing. Flight crew were so pleasant and very efficient. Wish I could fly JAL more often!

It was an outstanding flight and service. The only thing is the seat cushion for economy could be a little more comfortable. More cushion.

I’ve always had pleasant experiences with ANA and that has made me a loyal customer.

UA discouraged people to choose seat on economy class by charging about three times of another airlines. For example, ANA will charge USD60 to choose an aisle seat but UA is charging USD 219.

Roomy airlines. Friendly staff. Timely service. Temp was warm during the flight.

The food was terrible and totally inedible. If you are flying with ANA/United bring your own food it was a long flight to be hingry

I thought I bought the ticket directly through Kayak not a 3rd party

When I checked in, it printed two bag tags. The helper said they would cancel the other. They canceled both and my bag was left behind

The ladies are great seats should be a little bigger!

Couple of hours delayed, we had to re-booked our Shinkansen reservation twice. United Aiines need to improve their time!

I originally thought I was booking with ANA airlines and didn't see "operated by United" until the day of. I even thought the United check-in update was a scam so ended up checking in 3 hours before the flight, causing separate seating and uncomfortable middle seats.

Very disappointing. Our flight was delayed for almost 6 hours with the lost time disrupting our travel plans. United should have known that any delay (approximately and hour) triggered a no-fly/work because according to the FAA they had to many flight hours. After the mechanical delay (approximately an hour) we had to wait for a fresh crew change. Seems to me that United could have anticipated this incident. Again, a very disappointing travel experience.

My first leg was canceled 3 hr before leaving. My return trip left late. I leave it to Alaska higher ups to figure out what can be improved. Just put yourself in the passengers position.

This flight was miserable. Initially delayed due to weather in Las Vegas. Gate staff did not explain it was due to weather, blamed air traffic control which is harder to understand as it was a scheduled flight- ATC should know we were coming and the landing slot should have been secured. Airplane on the ground for 3 hours in San Diego. Then when the pilots got on, it required maintenance. Could have figured that out hours ago. Then when we got on the plan, pilots had to switch out which further delayed us. New pilot spent some time talking on the PA- wish he would have just gone up and flew the plane. Got in the air (finally). Then they canceled in flight service (they had time to serve, it was just an ERJ). Southwest serves a whole 737 on this route pretty much every time.

Several gate changes and then the plane kept getting delayed. The delay is understandable but this constant gate change I think twice or three times is just ridiculous.

We got in the plane late we still got to our destination on time. I wished Airlines would make people that put their luggage above were smaller maybe they would all fit and get them out easier customers like myself pay for her luggage in the back when your in a hurry to go to another destination it’s very frustrating for everyone to take their time to get their luggage down and wait because they don’t want to pay.

The plane smelled like an aquarium. Many passengers noted it smelled like fish. We then sat on the plane for over 2 hours before taking off

The flight was very late departing the gate, for unknown reasons.

Now that Spirit is not around Alaska took over the title of cheap and worse airlines with high prices for garbage cheap planes. Seats recline the entire 2”. What’s the purpose? Just make the stationary. Crew is on steroids. Food is like McDonald’s happy meal. Only happy in the name rest is garbage

Loved being about to check my carry on for free then getting to board earlier ( Group c rather than F) Crew was very nice and accommodating. Enjoyed the beverage and pretzels - I'll fly Alaska again if given the opportunity

Only issue is that when you board last they make you check your carry on due to lack of space. Did not care for that.

delay was longer than the entire flight. I didn’t stop flying with delta for this.

The internet on these planes stinks. Need to get starlink

Very good flight. Crew was great. No issues and we even arrived early.

Loved the crew! Sucks that we went from 1 hour and 8 minute layover to a 3 hour layover. But weather sucks like that.

Delayed flight (1hour) plus a long layover after an overnight flight with no backup plane available.

Crew was excellent. Comfort seats not as nice as other kinds of planes.

Most aspects were good however if they assign boarding zones they ought to enforce them or why bother? My luggage from SAN-JFK-MAD was lost in NY so I without my main bag for two days upon arrival in Spain. They were helpful in tracking it and eventually delivered it to my hotel. The flub was because of a delay upon arrival in NYC. I had booked 2 1/2 hours between flights but we had to hold on the taxiway for an hour after landing while waiting for a clear gate which likely caused the baggage error.

Delta flight was great from the check in all the way to arrival. However, I had a very bad experience. I requested a wheelchair and the wheelchair employee that went to pick me up from the plane in Boston to bring me to the baggage claims told me I have to pay him. I was under the impression that it was a free service and I usually give tips but the person forced me to pay and since I said no because I was upset with his demand when my daughter walked in to pick me up he demanded payment from my daughter who paid him thinking maybe now it is a charged service.

There was a loud squeaky sound the whole time we were flying.

The landing was bad and the hostess came two times and i was sleeping but when she served the person that nexts to me I woke up and she didn’t even asked me if I need any drink or snacks two times!!!!

Waited 3 hours on a plane to de-ice due to manpower issues. Waited another hour and a half once we landed because of a gate issue. Missed my connections. Created. A total of 13 hours of delay.

The back to back mechanical delays from Denver to San Diego and then on my return flight from Denver to Great Falls it added extra time both ways

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Over 2.5 hour maintenance delay on first morning flight with no acknowledgement, compensation or even gesture of good will. Aircraft had overnighted at airport so issue should have been addressed prior to boarding. Over 3.5 hours before first slow and deliberate beverage service.

Complimentary light meal would be appreciated. But great flight crew service on all legs

The food was terrible this time. Otherwise pleasant, quiet, on-time.

I was in first class. The outlets at my seat did not work. The plane was shabby and run down. I had prepurchsed a day subscription for internet that was not redeemable. I had to repurchase the internet for my flight and then it didn’t work anyway. Quite disappointed in what was supposed to be the launch of a great vacation.

As usual, United scheduling is completely misleading. A 54-minute layover at O’Hare is too short to make a lot of connections, especially since the flight landed “on time” but had to wait on the taxiway 15 minutes for a gate to open up. Then it takes another 10 minutes to exit the plane before one can run to another concourse to catch a connecting flight.

Flight was ok. Unfortunately it was a Boeing 737, which is a cramped / tight airplane. I prefer the Airbus as they are a more comfortable flight experience.

We were traveling as a family of 5 and they refused to seat us together. There were entire rows open, and my 13 year old daughter had to sit alone. Ridiculous!

More options for your flight from San Diego to Japan

Complete your trip to Japan with a hotel stay or car rental