Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackLos Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) typically refers to the region's main gateways: Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), Bob Hope/ Burbank (BUR), and other nearby airports used for onward connections. For direct international departures to Tokyo in January, LAX is the primary airport with nonstop service. Check each airline's airport listing before you book.
For international flights to Tokyo in January, arrive at least 3 hours before departure to allow time for check-in, TSA screening, and potential winter morning congestion. Peak times are early morning and late evening; allow extra time if traveling during holiday weekends or major events in Los Angeles.
January in Southern California is generally mild, but rainstorms can cause traffic and occasional ground delays. Southern California fog or morning low clouds may affect schedules early in the day. Monitor airline status and sign up for flight alerts; plan ground transfers with buffer time.
Top options include rideshare, airport shuttles, and the LAX FlyAway bus service from Union Station and other hubs. In January, allow extra travel time for rain or roadworks; consider FlyAway for a predictable schedule and fewer parking hassles.
Yes — January (outside of New Year’s holiday week) often has lower fares for Los Angeles to Tokyo travel. Use fare alerts, book 2–8 weeks ahead for the best economy deals, and compare nonstop versus one-stop itineraries. Sign up for airline newsletters and check midweek departures for lower prices.
Popular nearby US add-ons include Anaheim (Disneyland), San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and San Francisco for extended itineraries. Many travelers combine California sightseeing before flying to Tokyo to maximize a single international departure from LAXA.
Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) covers Haneda (HND), Narita (NRT), and smaller nearby airports used for domestic connections. For arrivals from Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), Haneda offers closest access to central Tokyo while Narita is commonly used for some international carriers; both operate efficiently in January.
From Haneda expect 20–40 minutes to central Tokyo by train or 30–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. From Narita, allocate 60–90 minutes by Narita Express or airport limousine bus. January typically has light traffic, but allow buffer time in your itinerary for luggage and immigration processing.
Tokyo in January is cool to cold, with daytime highs around 7–10°C (45–50°F) and colder mornings. Snow is rare in central Tokyo but possible in nearby mountains like Mount Fuji and Nikko. Travelers should pack warm layers and plan for crisp clear days ideal for sightseeing.
As of January, regular immigration procedures apply; verify current visa, passport validity and any temporary health advisories before travel. Airlines often provide up-to-date arrival guidance — check with the carrier and Japan’s official entry pages for last-minute changes.
Tokyo: January hosts traditional New Year shrine visits (hatsumode), Kagami-biraki ceremonies, and winter illumination wrap-ups in early January. The first week can see high local travel volume for shrine visits, so plan transfers accordingly. Nearby Nikko and Hakone may be quieter and offer scenic winter vistas of Mount Fuji. Los Angeles: January has cultural events, sports fixtures and post-holiday sales that can increase airport traffic early in the month. Plan your departure time around major local events and reserve ground transport in advance. CTA: Check event calendars for Tokyo and Los Angeles and adjust bookings to avoid peak local travel days.
The best time to fly for both price and convenience in January is mid- to late-January after the New Year travel rush. Book 2–8 weeks in advance for the best economy fares; book earlier for premium cabins. Midweek departures (Tuesday through Thursday) often yield lower prices and less crowded airports. For the most comfortable trips, choose a red-eye westbound flight to maximize daylight in Tokyo upon arrival or an afternoon departure from Tokyo to arrive in Los Angeles in the morning. CTA: Use flexible-date searches and set alerts to find the best January departure.
Nonstop flights from LAX to Tokyo save time (roughly 11–12.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections in January weather, making them ideal for business travelers and those with tight schedules. Connecting flights via West Coast or Pacific hubs can be cheaper — especially with carriers offering competitive one-stop fares — but increase total travel time and the chance of delays. If you prioritize cost, search for one-stop itineraries with reliable layover times; if you prioritize time and convenience, book nonstop service from LAX. CTA: Compare nonstop vs connecting flight fares and select the option that balances price and travel time for your January trip.
Top carriers on the Los Angeles to Tokyo corridor include ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Japan Airlines for Japanese flag carrier nonstop service (full-service, strong onboard service, and access to Japan’s airport lounges). Major U.S. carriers like Delta, American and United also operate nonstop or one-stop services with competitive schedules and alliances. Compare primary features: seat comfort in economy and premium cabins, baggage allowances, meal service and Wi-Fi availability. Use airline-specific filters for January to check for promotional fares, seat sale windows and loyalty program benefits. CTA: Compare airline options now and select by price, nonstop availability, and in-flight amenities for your January trip.
Prepare for jet lag with pre-flight sleep adjustments and plan light activity upon arrival in Tokyo. Pack layers — Tokyo mornings in January can be chilly while Los Angeles departures are milder — and bring a compact umbrella for occasional rain in LA or cold drizzle in Tokyo. Allow extra connection time for baggage and immigration; consider travel insurance for winter disruptions. Keep copies of hotel reservations and local contacts, and prebook airport transfers when arriving at Haneda or Narita to streamline your January arrival. CTA: Use these seasonal tips to smooth your January trip from Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) and book transfers and travel insurance before departure.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) generally take about 11 to 12.5 hours eastbound depending on winds and the exact Tokyo airport (Haneda vs Narita). Typical schedule patterns include overnight red-eye departures from LAX arriving in Tokyo the next day and return afternoon or evening flights from Tokyo. Time difference in January: Tokyo is UTC+9 and Los Angeles is UTC−8 (Pacific Standard Time), a 17-hour difference; plan for jet lag recovery and schedule meetings accordingly. CTA: Check carrier schedules for exact January flight times and book a seat that matches your arrival preferences.
January often yields some of the lowest international fares after the New Year peak. Primary tactics include setting price alerts for Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA), searching flexible dates (±3 days), and considering alternative departure days like Tuesday or Wednesday. Secondary strategies: use nearby airport searches within the Los Angeles metro, combine one-way tickets or mix airlines for savings, and monitor flash sales from carriers for winter routes. LSI phrases to search: 'January flight deals LAX to Tokyo', 'discount Tokyo flights from Los Angeles', and 'LAXA TYOA airfare sale'. CTA: Sign up for fare alerts now to lock in cheap January fares.
Popular day trips from Tokyo in January include Yokohama, Hakone (for hot springs and Mount Fuji views), Nikko (temple sites), and the Fuji Five Lakes area. These destinations are accessible by train or bus and are ideal for winter scenery and cultural experiences.
If you plan multiple regional trips (e.g., Hakone, Nikko, Kyoto), a Japan Rail Pass or regional passes may save money. For city-only travel within Tokyo and Yokohama, prepaid IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and single JR tickets are usually more convenient in January.
