Seoul to Tokyo: Complete 2026 Flight Guide — Prices, Airlines & Tips

📅 Last updated: September 2026

✍️ By PlanRouteAI Editorial Team — Researched, written and verified by our travel editors • About us

Seoul to Tokyo is one of the busiest international flight routes in the world, connecting South Korea's capital with Japan's — two of Asia's most visited cities. Flights from Incheon Airport (ICN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND) take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Fares range from around ₩150,000 to ₩400,000 (approximately $110–$295 USD) one-way depending on airline, booking timing, and season. This guide covers every aspect of the Seoul–Tokyo flight, including which airport to choose, the best airlines, how to get to and from each airport, visa requirements, and the best things to do once you arrive in Tokyo.

Quick Facts: Seoul to Tokyo

Seoul to Tokyo: All Transport Options

Airlines Flying Seoul to Tokyo in 2026

Dozens of daily flights connect Seoul and Tokyo across multiple carriers:

• Korean Air (KE): Full-service carrier, multiple daily flights from Incheon to Narita and Haneda. Reliable and well-regarded for service quality. Business class available.
• Asiana Airlines (OZ): Korean full-service carrier, strong in-flight experience, Incheon to Narita and Haneda.
• Japan Airlines (JL): Full-service Japanese carrier, competitive on Incheon–Haneda and Incheon–Narita. Often rated best for punctuality.
• ANA (NH): All Nippon Airways, Japan's other major full-service carrier. Strong punctuality record, good service.
• Jeju Air (7C): Korean low-cost carrier, significant savings vs full-service. Less legroom and strict baggage allowances.
• Jin Air (LJ): Another Korean LCC, competitive prices, operates Incheon–Narita and Gimpo–Haneda routes.
• Peach Aviation (MM): Japanese LCC, Incheon to Narita and Kansai. Very competitive fares.
• Air Busan (BX): Korean LCC operating from Gimpo, budget option.

With so many carriers competing on this route, price competition is fierce — especially on LCC routes. Comparing across all carriers via Google Flights or Skyscanner typically reveals the best available fares. Note that LCC baggage allowances are often very restrictive (7kg cabin bag only with no checked bag) — the advertised fare can rise significantly once you add a checked suitcase.

When to Book for the Best Prices

Seoul–Tokyo is a high-demand route with significant seasonal price swings:

• Cheapest periods: January–February (except Lunar New Year), June (rainy season in both countries), September (after summer holidays end)
• Most expensive periods: Cherry blossom season (late March–early April), Golden Week Japan (late April–early May), Lunar New Year (January/February — dates vary), summer school holidays (July–August), autumn foliage (late October–November)
• Book ahead: 4–8 weeks out is typically enough for good fares on standard dates. For cherry blossom and Golden Week, book 3+ months ahead.
• Avoid Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, late September/early October) — flights out of Korea are very expensive and sell out fast during this period.

Getting to Incheon Airport from Seoul

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located approximately 52 km west of central Seoul. Options:

• AREX Express Train: ₩9,500, 43–51 minutes from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (stopping at T2 first). Direct, no stops, runs every 30 minutes from around 5:20 AM to midnight. Recommended for most travellers.
• AREX All-Stop Train: ₩4,750, 55–65 minutes, cheaper but stops at multiple stations including Gimpo Airport. Good for budget travellers.
• Airport Limousine Bus: ₩9,000–18,000 depending on route. Connects directly from multiple Seoul districts (Hongdae, Gangnam, Myeongdong etc.) to the airport. More convenient if you are not near Seoul Station — no need to get to Seoul Station first.
• Taxi/Kakao T: Around ₩80,000–120,000 from central Seoul depending on traffic. Convenient with luggage but expensive.

Allow 90 minutes minimum from central Seoul to reach Incheon and clear security for international flights. Many travellers allow 2 hours to be safe.

Getting from Tokyo Airports to the City

From Haneda Airport (HND)

• Tokyo Monorail: ¥500, approximately 18 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station in central Tokyo. Simple and reliable.
• Keikyu Airport Line: ¥600–¥700, direct to Shinagawa (13 min), Shibuya, and Shinjuku with train changes. Faster for west/central Tokyo destinations.
• Taxi: ¥3,000–¥7,000 to central Tokyo (30–45 min without traffic). Only worthwhile with luggage and a group.

From Narita Airport (NRT)

• Narita Express (N'EX): ¥3,070, approximately 60 minutes to Shinjuku or 53 minutes to Tokyo Station. Most comfortable and reliable option. Baggage space built in.
• Keisei Skyliner: ¥2,520, 41 minutes to Ueno Station, 51 minutes to Nippori. Fastest option to east-central Tokyo. Requires transfer if heading to Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Bus to Tokyo: ¥1,000–¥2,800, around 75–90 minutes (without traffic). Budget option.
• Taxi: ¥20,000–¥30,000 to central Tokyo — rarely sensible.

Visa and Entry Requirements 2026

South Korean passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists or business visitors. Other nationalities have different rules:

• EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia: Visa-free for up to 90 days (within 6 months). No advance application needed.
• Indian, Chinese, and many other passport holders: Require a valid Japan tourist visa before travel. Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing typically takes 3–5 working days.
• Visit Japan Web: Japan's official pre-registration platform allows all visitors (including visa-free nationalities) to pre-register their passport for fast-track arrival — recommended to reduce queuing at immigration.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of relentless variety — ancient temples beside neon-lit electronics districts, formal kaiseki dinners a short walk from vending machine ramen. Key highlights:

• Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa: Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, free to visit, best experienced before 9 AM before crowds arrive. The Nakamise shopping street leading to the gate is packed with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Shibuya Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch from the Shibuya Sky observation deck or the Mag's Park overlooking area for an aerial view, or simply join the flow of up to 3,000 pedestrians crossing simultaneously.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: One of Japan's finest national gardens — 58 hectares combining Japanese, French formal, and English landscape garden styles. Cherry blossom here is spectacular. ¥500 entry.
• Tsukiji Outer Market: The famous fish market's outer section still operates with sushi stalls, fresh seafood, and street food. Arrive before 10 AM for the freshest selection.
• teamLab Planets / teamLab Borderless: World-renowned digital art museums offering immersive, photography-friendly experiences. Book tickets at least 1–2 weeks ahead — both sell out regularly.
• Tokyo Skytree: At 634m, the world's tallest broadcasting tower and second-tallest structure. Observation decks at 350m and 450m with extraordinary views. ¥2,100–¥3,400 depending on deck and booking time.
• Harajuku and Takeshita Street: Tokyo's youth fashion epicentre. Free to wander, best on weekends when the street is at peak colour and creativity. Adjacent Omotesando is Tokyo's Champs-Élysées equivalent for luxury shopping.

Seoul to Tokyo: Frequently Asked Questions