Cheap flights from Vancouver International to Tokyo

Cheap Flights from Vancouver International to Tokyo

When flying from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Tokyo you'll most likely land at one of two major airports, Tokyo Haneda International (HND) or Tokyo Narita International (NRT). The flight choices are almost endless, so why not use the Skyscanner online program to make your search easier? Find the most convenient route, at the cheapest rate. Take care of your hotel accommodations and even rent a car if needed. Then just sit back and look forward to that dream trip.

Best Time to Book a Flight to Tokyo

One of the most popular times to visit Tokyo is during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or in late fall to enjoy the changing colors. If you like the heat, head over in the summer, especially in August when daytime temps average 28 degrees Celsius and nights a not-so-cool 23 degrees Celsius. Tokyo also gets a lot of year-round business travel. No matter when you go, try and fly midweek and book that trip as far out as possible. To get the cheapest price, use the Skyscanner Whole Month Search program to compare rates. Find a great fare? Book it, because it's not likely to last.

Airlines That Fly to Tokyo

More flights are available from Vancouver International to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) than to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Many carriers fly into both locations, including Air Canada, China Eastern, ANA, Air China and Japan Airlines. Most flights have one or two stops, but Air Canada, China Eastern and Japan Airlines all have direct service into Narita. China Eastern also has a direct flight into Haneda. International flights from Vancouver to Tokyo usually depart from the main terminal, Section C and D. Shops, restaurants, ATMs and Wi-Fi are available throughout the airport.

It's a 15-kilometre drive from downtown Vancouver. That's not so bad, but parking at the airport can run up to $32.00 CAD per day at the premium lots. A value parking space can run $21.00 CAD per day. Taxis can get you there for an average of $35.00 CAD, depending on time and distance.A less expensive option is using the Canada Line which runs from downtown directly into the airport. It only costs about $7.50 CAD.

What to Expect When Arriving at Tokyo Airports

International flights from Canada to Narita International Airport usually use Terminals 1 or 2. The terminals, about 1.7 kilometres apart, are connected via a complimentary shuttle service that runs about every 10 minutes. Shops, restaurants, currency exchanges, ATMs and Wi-Fi are available in both terminals. You can also purchase international cell phones and SIM cards in both locations. To get to Tokyo, about 66 kilometres away, take the JR Narita Express. The express takes about 70 minutes to make the trip and costs about $40.00 CAD. Stops are on the lower levels of each airline terminal. Taxis are available, but it can run you up to $184.00 CAD. Accepted currency is the Japanese Yen.

Tokyo Haneda Airport has a dedicated International Terminal which is connected to the two main terminals via underground walkways or by the free shuttle service. Occasionally international flights use Terminal 2. Customs and immigration are on the ground level. Ground transportation is outside of baggage claim. Haneda airport is roughly 21 kilometres from downtown Tokyo, about a $65.00 CAD taxi ride. Another option is the Tokyo Monorail, which has stations at Terminals 1 and 2 as well as at the International Terminal. It takes about 16 minutes to get to Hamamatsucho Station, and costs roughly $5.00 CAD.

What to See and Do in Tokyo

• Visit the lush forests and tranquil gardens at the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto faith. You'll find it in the Shibuya district. A Buddhist temple, called Senso-Je, reveres the goddess of mercy, Kannon. This tranquil temple, one of Japan's most famous, was completed in 645. Head to the Roppongi district for non-stop nightlife, shopping and to visit the many art galleries. This is also known as "Embassy Row" because of all the foreign embassies in the area.
• To experience Tokyo like a local, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market and watch the fast-paced tuna auctions. Tuna is a popular fish to use in sashimi and those oversized fish are pretty pricey. Visit the Ueno Park Zoo, the Shinjuku Garden and stretch your legs on the grounds of the impressive Imperial Palace.

Special Notes for Tokyo

Upon arrival at either airport, use one of their currency exchange counters, banks or ATMs to convert your Canadian cash into Yen. Some of the banks in Tokyo are more familiar with US Dollar currency exchanges. At the airport, you tend to get a better rate.

If you want to save money on meals in Tokyo, try out the local vendors that sell things like bento boxes, ramen or beef bowls. A bento box is a sectioned platter filled with various items such as rice, tempura, teriyaki and an assortment of vegetables. Ramen is a noodle dish garnished with fish, pork or beef and assorted vegetables. Both are favourite Japanese dishes. You'll get a tasty, filling meal for about $12.00 CAD. That's about 3,200 Yen. For a splurge, visit one of the local restaurants, where an average meal runs about $70.00 CAD, or 15,000 Yen.