£61 Cheap Flights to Tokyo

Tokyo has several airports, but most people choose to touch down at Haneda Airport (HND).

If you're staying in central Tokyo, it's a smart idea to organise how you'll get into the city before you touchdown. The downtown area is 14 kms (9 miles) from Tokyo International Airport.

Step off the plane at Tokyo Haneda Airport and you'll be sitting 14 kms (9 miles) from downtown. NRT is another major airport in Tokyo. It sits 56 kms (35 miles) from the city centre.

Tokyo is serviced by 96 air carriers from 160 worldwide airports.

In general, travellers opt to fly with Japan Airlines, ANA and Air Do when going to Tokyo. The largest number of these flights come from Sapporo, with Japan Airlines flying this route the most frequently.

With roughly 6,584 nonstop flights operating every week, you'll be landing in Tokyo before you have time to say, "Are we there yet?"

The most popular flights to Tokyo depart from Sapporo, Fukuoka and Osaka airports.

Which airport you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you'll get to enjoy. From Sapporo to Tokyo, the average flight time is 1 hour and 44 minutes. From Fukuoka it's more or less 1 hour and 43 minutes, and from Osaka it's 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Don't leave locking in your flight to Tokyo until the last minute. That's one trick frequent jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking well in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Another good way to nab the most affordable fare is to research all options. If your destination has more than one airport, research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, don't forget that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals never last long.

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of top travel tips that will get your Tokyo holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Tokyo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.