How to Reach Japan From India: Routes, Airports and Things to Know
Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers, whether for cherry blossom season, food, shopping, technology, anime or traditional culture. Reaching Japan from India is relatively straightforward, with direct flights available from major Indian cities and several connecting options.
Before booking your ticket, however, it is important to understand which Japanese airport is most convenient for your itinerary, whether you need a visa and how much time you should keep for the journey.
Delhi has particularly strong connectivity. Air India operates daily Delhi-Tokyo Haneda services, while Japan Airlines also operates flights between Delhi and Tokyo. Air India began four-times-weekly Mumbai-Tokyo Haneda services in June 2026.
Travellers from Bengaluru can also find direct connectivity. Japan Airlines currently operates a daily Bengaluru-Tokyo Narita service.
Flight schedules can change by season and airline, so check the exact dates before making a booking.
Haneda is therefore worth considering when comparing otherwise similar flight options.
Do not confuse Narita with Haneda when booking accommodation or airport transfers. They are separate airports serving the Tokyo region.
KIX is well connected to Osaka. The JR Limited Express Haruka and Nankai Railway services provide convenient connections into the city.
JNTO also notes that travellers can visit Japan without entering Tokyo at all, making Kansai a useful gateway for western Japan.
However, connecting flights can offer more choices depending on your departure city, travel dates and budget. Common itineraries may involve a stop in another Asian hub before continuing to Japan.
When comparing tickets, do not look only at the fare. Check the total travel time, layover duration, baggage allowance and whether you need to change terminals or airports during the connection.
Delhi: One of the strongest choices for direct Tokyo connectivity, with services to Haneda from airlines including Air India and Japan Airlines.
Mumbai:Air India operates a non-stop Mumbai-Tokyo Haneda service, introduced in June 2026.
Bengaluru:Japan Airlines operates a daily Bengaluru-Tokyo Narita service as of September 2026.
Travellers from other Indian cities may need to connect through one of these Indian gateways or choose an international connecting itinerary.
For a short-term tourist visit, the eVISA is a single-entry visa for tourism for up to 90 days, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Visa rules and fees can change, so check the latest requirements before applying. The Japanese Embassy also advises travellers to plan ahead because processing times can vary.
For Tokyo, Haneda is closer to the city, while Narita requires a longer journey. JNTO lists trains and buses as the main options from both airports.
If you are arriving at Narita and travelling onwards to Tokyo, the Narita Express and other railway services are among the main options.
For Osaka, KIX has direct rail links towards central Osaka, making it a practical arrival point for a Kansai-focused holiday.
If your trip is mainly Tokyo, compare Haneda and Narita fares, but remember that Haneda offers a shorter journey into central Tokyo.
If you are planning Osaka and Kyoto, check flights to Kansai International Airport before automatically booking a Tokyo flight.
For a wider Japan itinerary, consider an open-jaw trip, where you fly into one city and leave from another. This can reduce unnecessary backtracking, although the fare should be compared with a conventional return ticket.
Disclaimer: Flight schedules, fares, visa requirements and entry rules can change. Travellers should verify the latest information with the airline and official Japanese government sources before booking or travelling.
Before booking your ticket, however, it is important to understand which Japanese airport is most convenient for your itinerary, whether you need a visa and how much time you should keep for the journey.
Flights from India to Japan
The simplest option is a non-stop flight from India to Japan. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), direct flights from major Indian cities to Japan operate to Tokyo'sHaneda Airport (HND) and NaritaInternational Airport (NRT).Delhi has particularly strong connectivity. Air India operates daily Delhi-Tokyo Haneda services, while Japan Airlines also operates flights between Delhi and Tokyo. Air India began four-times-weekly Mumbai-Tokyo Haneda services in June 2026.
Travellers from Bengaluru can also find direct connectivity. Japan Airlines currently operates a daily Bengaluru-Tokyo Narita service.
Flight schedules can change by season and airline, so check the exact dates before making a booking.
The Main Airports You Can Fly Into
Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Haneda Airport is usually the more convenient choice if Tokyo is your main destination. It is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita and is connected to the city by trains, the Tokyo Monorail and buses. JNTO says the journey to central Tokyo can take around 30 minutes by train, depending on the destination.Haneda is therefore worth considering when comparing otherwise similar flight options.
Narita International Airport, Tokyo
Narita is located in Chiba Prefecture, around 60 km east of central Tokyo. Despite being outside Tokyo, it has frequent rail and bus connections to the city. The Narita Express, for example, connects the airport with major stations including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa.Do not confuse Narita with Haneda when booking accommodation or airport transfers. They are separate airports serving the Tokyo region.
Kansai International Airport, Osaka
If your itinerary focuses on Osaka, Kyoto or the Kansai region, flying directly or connecting to Kansai International Airport (KIX) can make more sense than landing in Tokyo.KIX is well connected to Osaka. The JR Limited Express Haruka and Nankai Railway services provide convenient connections into the city.
JNTO also notes that travellers can visit Japan without entering Tokyo at all, making Kansai a useful gateway for western Japan.
Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya
Another option is Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), which serves Nagoya and the surrounding region. It can be useful for travellers whose plans include Nagoya or central Japan rather than Tokyo or Osaka.Direct Flight or Connecting Flight?
A direct flight is generally the easiest option because there is no need to change aircraft or go through another country during the journey.However, connecting flights can offer more choices depending on your departure city, travel dates and budget. Common itineraries may involve a stop in another Asian hub before continuing to Japan.
When comparing tickets, do not look only at the fare. Check the total travel time, layover duration, baggage allowance and whether you need to change terminals or airports during the connection.
Which Indian City Should You Fly From?
Your departure city can make a significant difference to the available options.Delhi: One of the strongest choices for direct Tokyo connectivity, with services to Haneda from airlines including Air India and Japan Airlines.
Mumbai:Air India operates a non-stop Mumbai-Tokyo Haneda service, introduced in June 2026.
Bengaluru:Japan Airlines operates a daily Bengaluru-Tokyo Narita service as of September 2026.
Travellers from other Indian cities may need to connect through one of these Indian gateways or choose an international connecting itinerary.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Japan?
Yes, Indian ordinary passport holders generally need a visa for a tourist visit to Japan. Japan's Embassy in India says tourist visa applications can be submitted through VFS, while the Japan eVISA system is also available for eligible applicants residing in India.For a short-term tourist visit, the eVISA is a single-entry visa for tourism for up to 90 days, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Visa rules and fees can change, so check the latest requirements before applying. The Japanese Embassy also advises travellers to plan ahead because processing times can vary.
What Documents Should You Check Before Flying?
Before leaving India, make sure your travel documents are in order. These may include:- A valid passport
- Valid Japanese visa or eVISA, where applicable
- Flight tickets
- Hotel or accommodation details
- Travel itinerary
- Other supporting documents required for your visa or entry process
What to Know About Your Japanese Airport
Japan's major airports are well connected to their respective cities, but the airport you choose can affect your first and last day.For Tokyo, Haneda is closer to the city, while Narita requires a longer journey. JNTO lists trains and buses as the main options from both airports.
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If you are arriving at Narita and travelling onwards to Tokyo, the Narita Express and other railway services are among the main options.
For Osaka, KIX has direct rail links towards central Osaka, making it a practical arrival point for a Kansai-focused holiday.
A Smart Way to Plan Your Japan Trip
The best airport depends on your itinerary rather than simply choosing the cheapest ticket.If your trip is mainly Tokyo, compare Haneda and Narita fares, but remember that Haneda offers a shorter journey into central Tokyo.
If you are planning Osaka and Kyoto, check flights to Kansai International Airport before automatically booking a Tokyo flight.
For a wider Japan itinerary, consider an open-jaw trip, where you fly into one city and leave from another. This can reduce unnecessary backtracking, although the fare should be compared with a conventional return ticket.
Final Checklist Before Booking
Before confirming your Japan trip from India, check:- Departure airport: Is a direct flight available from your city?
- Arrival airport: Haneda, Narita, KIX or another Japanese airport?
- Total journey time: Is a cheaper connecting flight worth the extra hours?
- Visa: Have you checked the latest requirements for Indian passport holders?
- Baggage: What is included in your fare?
- Airport transfer: How will you reach your hotel after landing?
- Onward travel: Does your airport match the cities on your itinerary?
Disclaimer: Flight schedules, fares, visa requirements and entry rules can change. Travellers should verify the latest information with the airline and official Japanese government sources before booking or travelling.
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