Travelling from Seoul to Tokyo: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Seoul to Tokyo. Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are Seoul's main airports.
When landing in Tokyo, Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are the chief entry points.
A direct flight from Seoul to Tokyo takes an average of 2 hours 19 minutes. Tokyo's timezone is UTC+9 — the same as Seoul.
With 247 flights a week between the two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Narita International Airport (NRT) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Seoul to Tokyo with Jin Air at 06:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before leaving, the last flight from ICN to NRT is with Korean Air at 18:45.
To ensure you get on your flight from Seoul to Tokyo, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months like July and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
If you hold a passport from South Korea and plan to travel to Japan for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may vary based on the length of your trip and are subject to change. For the latest rules, contact your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before booking a cheap flight from Seoul to Tokyo.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Direct flights from Seoul to Tokyo can be booked from Incheon International Airport (ICN). ICN offers nonstop journeys to two Tokyo terminals, Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT).
A number of airlines at ICN offer direct flights from Seoul to Tokyo. Some of the most popular are:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight from Seoul to Tokyo. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Incheon International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Incheon International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Seoul to Tokyo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
You can take a direct flight from Seoul to Tokyo leaving from Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Begin your travels at GMP and touch down at Haneda Airport (HND).
You have a choice of airlines that offer direct flights from Seoul to Tokyo departing from GMP. Set off with any of these carriers and head straight to your destination:
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Seoul to Tokyo, check out these options when leaving from Incheon International Airport:
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
It's your holiday, so why not spend another night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Tokyo:
Arriving in Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND) is around 16 kilometres from central Tokyo. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to HND if you're catching a late flight from Seoul to Tokyo. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Once your flight from Seoul to Tokyo has landed, you can reach the city centre in around 58 minutes by car. Central Tokyo is approximately 64 kilometres from Narita International Airport (NRT).
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to NRT. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Seoul to Tokyo:
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Tokyo
R 805 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Tokyo. A return flight starts at R 1,696. These prices can change depending on demand.
To snag cheap tickets from Seoul to Tokyo, book your trip 8 months ahead of your planned departure.
April is the cheapest month for tickets from Seoul to Tokyo. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Seoul to Tokyo. You don't need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped. We'll update you as soon as the price changes.
Take advantage of filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Seoul to Tokyo, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Tokyo
February is the quietest month for flights from Seoul to Tokyo, while June is the most popular. Find the best time to go to Tokyo based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your flight from Seoul to Tokyo, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Tokyo, with the temperature ranging from 26ºC to 29ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Seoul to Tokyo in February when temperatures average between 15ºC and 20ºC.
More about Tokyo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Tokyo right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Seoul to Tokyo:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple Yogodo and Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing are must-visits when exploring Tokyo.
Complete your Tokyo trip with a car rental
Discover our lineup of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Seoul to Tokyo. Whether you're looking for an SUV, a compact ride or something more luxurious, you can compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.