Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
In December, use the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line for Heathrow, Gatwick Express or Southern trains for Gatwick, and the Stansted Express for Stansted. Account for longer security lines and potential weather delays during peak holiday days; allow at least 3 hours for international departures. Consider booking advance airport transfer or checking night service timetables when travelling early or late in winter.
Most international full-service carriers include a checked baggage allowance, but low-cost carriers may charge per bag. Pack bulky winter coats in checked luggage if possible and use compression bags to save space; keep essential medicines and a light layer in carry-on due to possible delays. Always verify your airline's baggage policy before departure to avoid excess-fee surprises during the holiday season.
December sees higher delay risk due to winter weather and heavy holiday traffic, particularly around Dec 20–26. Major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick have contingency plans, but travellers should monitor airline notifications and consider flight insurance or flexible tickets. Book earlier flights where possible — morning departures historically have fewer weather-related disruptions.
London (LOND) departures to Tokyo (All Airports) are typically routed from Heathrow (LHR) and occasionally from Gatwick (LGW) with connecting itineraries. Direct services most commonly operate from Heathrow with carriers like British Airways; connections via European or Middle Eastern hubs depart from other London-area airports. Check flight schedules and book early to secure direct services in December.
Early December (first two weeks) and midweek departures — Tuesdays and Wednesdays — often yield the lowest fares before the Christmas surge. Avoid peak travel windows (Dec 20–31) when prices rise sharply. Set fare alerts and compare midweek itineraries to find the best December deals from London to Tokyo.
Major terminals at Heathrow and Gatwick maintain services and lounges through the holidays, though some retail shops may have reduced hours on Christmas Day. Airlines and lounges typically post seasonal opening times; contact your carrier or the airport website ahead of travel. If you rely on ground services, confirm availability to avoid surprises on key December travel dates.
Immigration and customs procedures are efficient but can have longer lines during December holidays as many international flights arrive in clustering windows. Have your passport, eVisa/visa documents (if required), and customs declaration forms readily available; use automated gates if eligible to speed processing. If arriving during New Year peak days, allow extra time for queues and consider filling out digital arrival forms in advance when possible.
Tokyo in December is cool and dry with daytime highs around 10–13°C (50–55°F) and cooler nights near 3–6°C (37–43°F). Pack layered clothing, a warm coat, and a light waterproof as occasional rain and brisk winds are possible. If you plan day trips to nearby mountains or Hokkaido (Sapporo), prepare for significantly colder, snowy conditions.
From Narita, the Narita Express (N'EX) and Keisei Skyliner are fast options; buses and airport taxis are available but can take longer. From Haneda, use the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line to central Tokyo; taxis are quicker but pricier. During December, daytime services are regular, but book or check schedules for late-night arrivals near holiday dates when some services may have different timetables.
Yokohama is an easy day trip from Tokyo year-round and especially appealing in December for harbor views and illumination events. Osaka and Kyoto are best reached by shinkansen (bullet train) with travel times around 2.5–3 hours; consider overnight stays for a more relaxed schedule. Winter schedules are regular, but reserve shinkansen seats during the holiday week when demand spikes.
Yes — December is peak illumination season in Tokyo with sites like Roppongi Hills, Marunouchi, and Caretta Shiodome showcasing major light displays. Most attractions remain open with holiday hours; some smaller museums or attractions may close on specific New Year’s holidays. Check attraction websites for exact opening times and consider booking popular spots in advance.
December features festive events in both London and Tokyo. In London, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and seasonal markets (Southbank, South Kensington) attract international travelers. Tokyo stages spectacular illumination events across Roppongi, Marunouchi, Omotesando, and Caretta Shiodome, creating attractive evening itineraries for visitors. New Year (Oshogatsu) is a major holiday in Japan with shrine visits and limited business hours on Jan 1; plan travel to avoid the tightest transit windows. Use event schedules to time your arrival or departure around key displays and markets.
For London-to-Tokyo travel, the best times to fly balance weather, cost, and crowd levels. Early December (first two weeks) offers lower fares and fewer crowds compared with the late-December holiday surge. If you must travel around Christmas and New Year, consider flying on less popular days (Dec 23–24 mornings or Dec 27–29 midweek) to reduce costs; however, expect higher demand and possibly limited seat selection. Shoulder seasons such as March–April (cherry blossom) and October–November (autumn foliage) offer more temperate conditions and competitive pricing outside December.
Direct flights from London (LOND) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) are faster (around 11–13 hours) and more convenient but often cost more, especially during December holiday demand. Connecting flights can save money — sometimes substantially — and provide more flexible routing via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Doha, or Dubai, but they add layover time and an increased risk of missed connections in winter weather. For December travel, weigh the value of a nonstop if you prioritize time and comfort, or select a well-timed connection if cost savings are the priority.
British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL), and ANA typically offer direct service between London and Tokyo with premium seat options and full-service amenities; these carriers are ideal for travelers prioritizing nonstop convenience and consistent service in December. Emirates and Qatar provide competitive one-stop itineraries via Dubai and Doha with high-quality cabins and excellent connectivity; they can be cheaper outside peak days. Low-cost carriers generally do not operate nonstop on this long-haul route, so expect full-service policies for baggage and meals. Compare fare bundles, seat pitch, and lounge access when booking December travel to get the most value.
Prepare for December travel from London (LOND) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) by packing layered clothing, a warm coat, and travel essentials in your carry-on. Anticipate holiday crowds and potential weather delays; carry digital copies of travel documents and buy flexible or refundable fare options if your plans can change. Combat jet lag by adapting meal and sleep schedules to Tokyo time before departure and stay hydrated in-flight. Secure travel insurance that covers winter weather disruptions and confirm airport transfer times around New Year when services may be limited.
Direct flights from London (LOND) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) generally take about 11 to 13 hours nonstop. One-stop itineraries adding a European or Middle Eastern connection typically take 15–22 hours including layovers. Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of London (GMT to JST) in December, so factor the time difference when selecting arrival times; arriving in the evening local time can help with jet lag adjustment. Airlines often schedule morning departures from London and late-evening arrivals in Tokyo to align with passenger preferences.
To find cheap flights from London (LOND) to Tokyo (All Airports) (TYOA) in December, search early — ideally 8–12 weeks ahead — and target midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) outside the Dec 20–31 window. Use flexible-date search tools and subscribe to price alerts; consider one-stop itineraries via Amsterdam, Doha, or Dubai for savings. LSI and long-tail phrases to target: 'budget Tokyo flights from London December', 'discounted LOND to TYOA fares', and 'holiday flight deals to Tokyo'. Compare round-trip vs multi-city pricing, and watch for flash sales from carriers offering seasonal promotions.
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