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Buy Now, Pay Later Flights to Japan from Australia
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Flights to Japan from Australia
G’day to all our travellers down under, are you looking for a new place to explore? Well, you're in the right place! Travelling from one destination to another has never been easier when you book with us!
Trying to decide what route to take and which airline to pick can be difficult, so let us break it down for you. If you are hoping to catch a direct flight, we recommend flying from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE) and Cairns (CNS).
Using airlines such as Qantas, Japan Airlines and Virgin Australia. However, if you are wanting to stretch your legs and grab a coffee in one of our luxurious tropical airports we recommend flying from Perth (PER) and Gold Coast (OOL) and using airlines such as; Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Finnair.
But that’s not all - we'll show you how to book, which airports will kickstart your journey, how to spread the cost with flexible ways to pay and, of course introduce you to the gorgeous place that is Japan.
Pay later for flights to Japan
At Alternative Airlines we offer a wide range of ways to pay that makes travelling with us accessible to everyone. Here are our Buy Now Pay Later partners available to Australian travellers🦘
Afterpay:
- Available to suit your budget, split your flight cost into 4 interest free payments over 6 weeks. It is flexible, you have more time to pay and it is personalised to you.
Klarna:
- Available for Australian residents, pay in 4 interest free instalments, with the first payment at booking and then monthly payments thereafter.
Zip:
- Divide your flight costs into 4 equal instalments, pay upfront at the time of booking and continue repayment of the last 3 every 2 weeks.
- Once the first payment has been made, your flight tickets are confirmed and an e-ticket will be sent to you right away.
- You can use Zip Pay and Zip Money to pay for any of your flights from Australia. To find out more please read our dedicated Zip page.
Major Australian airports with flights to Japan
All major Australian airports provide passengers with a wide range of shopping, dining and lounge opportunities as well as free Wifi and family services.
Sydney (SYD) 🐨
- Australia’s largest international airport serves both international and domestic flights with connectivity between terminals.
- Enables all passengers access to a large range of airlines, routes and departure times.
Perth (PER) 🪃
- Direct flights from this airport are limited, therefore travelling provides passengers the option to get a connecting flight to their final destination at a fellow airport further into their journey.
- Perth is known as the gateway for leisure travellers, exploring destinations such as Margaret River and Rottnest island
Other Airports 🌎
Airports like Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Adelaide all offer direct and connecting flights to Japan with ease.
Did you know? 💭
- Melbourne Airport has won its fair share of awards. It was voted the top Australian Airport by travellers for the 3rd consecutive year. And Skyrax World Airport Awards ranked it in the top 20 worldwide airports for outstanding quality!
Airlines operating Australia to Japan routes
Direct flight options ✈️
There are many different options for you to take when booking your flight, below are some examples of airlines that travel direct to Tokyo Haneda, Narita and Osaka. These are our top picks!
Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND & NRT)
- Fly with either Qantas, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.
- These airlines fly multiple daily flights each approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes long.
Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT)
- Operates both Qantas and Japan Airline daily with a flight time of 9 hours and 55 minutes.
Brisbane (BNE) to Tokyo (HND)
- Fly both Qantas and Jetstar, offering weekly flights. Travelling direct for 9 hours and 20 minutes
Cairns (CNS) to Osaka (KIX)
- Operates Jetstar airline with multiple weekly flights, travelling direct for 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Connecting carriers 🛬
While direct flights are known to be chosen more frequently due to their faster speed and convenience, connecting flights do provide many advantages. Explore a new city, relax and unwind in our airports, grab a coffee, stretch your legs and shop duty free.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- A popular choice made by travellers, this airline has an extensive list of airports they fly within Japan and are renowned for their excellent customer service and comfort.
Qatar Airways via Doha
- Award winning excellence in providing a luxury experience when you fly with them; spacious seating, high quality meals and for premium flyers branded sleepwear.
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
- Offering a wide selection of connections for Australian travellers, making the journey more flexible and personalised to you.
European alternatives 🗺️
Rather travel with an European airline? These are some of the European airlines offering connecting flights from Australia to Japan.
Finnair via Helsinki
- Renowned for its efficiency and flight connections between Europe and Japan.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines via Amsterdam
- A reliable service travelling to over 160 destinations including South Asia.
British Airways via London
- A respectable airline that places every passenger's needs first, carrying the highest amount of professionalism from start to finish.
Flight durations and layover options
Direct flight times 🛫:
Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND & NRT): 9 hours and 30 minutes (HND) 9 hours and 50 minutes (NRT)
Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT): 10 hours (HND) 10 hours and 30 minutes (NRT)
Brisbane (BNE) to Tokyo (HND): 8 hours and 30 minutes (HND) 9 hours (NRT)
Cairns (CNS) to Osaka (KIX): 7 hours and 30 minutes (KIX)
One stop flight times: Flying from Sydney Airport (SYD) 🛫
Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Tokyo (HND / NRT): 16.5 to 18 hours including layover
Qatar Airways via Doha to Tokyo (HND / NRT): 22 to 23 hours including layover
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Tokyo (HND / NRT): 14 to 15 hours including layover
One stop flight times - EU Airlines: Flying from Sydney Airport (SYD) 🛫
Finnair via Helsinki to Japan (HND / NRT): 23 to 25 hours including layover
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines via Amsterdam to Japan (HND / NRT): 22.5 to 24 hours including layover
British Airways via London to Japan (HND / NRT): 23.5 to 25 hours including layover
Best layover airports for Australia to Japan flights
Layovers can be something to look forward to especially when planning for a smoother and more comfortable journey ✨
Singapore Changi Airport:
- 1.5 - 2 hour layover, stress free customs and transport process, variety of food and drink outlets and excellent lounge options
Doha Hamad International Airport:
- 1.5 - 2 hour layover, a well designed airport for short connections, modern and bright environment with premium services.
Hong Kong International Airport:
- 1.5 - 2 hour layover, quick and very straightforward to navigate with shuttle services if required.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport:
- 1.5 - 2 hour layover, a much quieter airport with efficient security checks approximately 15 - 30 minutes.
If you are travelling with the intention of having a short layover, it can be stressful with narrower time constraints. We have plenty of tips and tricks to support you to navigate through the airport to the correct gate on time and even have some time to spare to relax before boarding your next flight.
Travel Insights and booking trends
To achieve the best outcome when booking your flights, it is recommended to purchase your tickets 2-4 months in advance for international flights. The cheapest fares are often discovered during the 8-12 week mark before departure and then increases 2-4 weeks prior to the flight.
Prime holiday booking periods for Japan 🌸
- Looking to travel at the start of the year (January and February) the best time to book is September - December the year before.
- Looking to travel during the middle of year (March, April and May) book between the winter months of the year before into the New Year
- Travelling during the summer months (June, July and August) will be impacted by school holidays so booking during the Easter period will make the journey a little easier with cheaper tickets.
- Exploring during the autumn and winter months (September - December) predicting good deals, quieter flights and low moderate demand for tickets. The best time to book is during the summer period.
Most popular travel periods in Japan 🪭
Throughout the year Japan will continue to be crowded and in high demand to visit due to seasonal changes and popular attractions.
Here is a summary of their most popular times:
- Late March - Early April is where cherry blossom trees will make an appearance, renowned to be beautiful and iconic for photographs.
- Late April - Early May is known for its ‘Golden Week’, festival celebrations and public holidays
- Mid July - Mid August is summer holiday chaos, festivals, fireworks and busy beaches.
- September - November is where a new season occurs, the autumn scenery making everything feel cold, cosy and comfortable.
- December - February is the time of winter sports and new year, busy with ski and snow enthusiasts.
Tips & tricks when travelling
- Prepare your luggage and documents the night before
- Get a good night sleep prior to your flight
- Before leaving have a cup of coffee or water to calm your nerves or to help with stress
- Weigh your luggage before you leave to reduce stress when checking in at the airport
- Arrive at the airport at least 2/3 hours before your flight for domestic and international flights
- An airport can be daunting so don’t rush and take a breather
- Use airport apps, download specific apps for the airline you are travelling with so you can track your flight, receive updates and have your boarding pass easy to access.
- Recharge your devices during layovers or while waiting to board, pack a portable charger with you for an easy, stress free charge.
- Don’t forget your headphones, it can be loud and chaotic in the airport, switch off and relax before your flight
Why book flights to Japan?
Allow us to bring you peace of mind while being in awe of the neon lights of Tokyo, the elegant fortress of the Himeji Castle and the icy dreamscape of Hokkaido. Japan is an Island nation located in East Asia, captivating travellers by its intense ancient history, magnificent beauty and a unique blend into modern life.
Being the home of the Shinto and Buddhist culture, it focuses on nature, ancestors, purity and inner peace. The Island’s religion shines through their social etiquette to be harmonious and polite. Taking pride in themselves for being respectful to both nature and mankind.
Discover the musical stylings of Noh and Kabuki, a theatre performance with elaborate costumes and dynamic storytelling. Transporting audiences with historical tales, love affairs and soulful dilemmas. Kabuki is a great place to start for all newcomers to Japanese performing arts.
Lastly, to learn about Japan’s take on modern life, cities like Tokyo and Osaka are the hotspots for young life and pop culture. Take a leap into digital art and tech innovation through their global phenomenons in anime, manga, video games, J-pop and fashion.
When to book flights from Australia to Japan
Australian travellers should aim to book long haul flights earlier 🍜
- For Asia: Around 2-5 months in advance
- For Europe: Around 3-6 months in advance
On long haul flights, comfort matters most and passengers have been more inclined to purchase premium economy, meaning wider seats, improved meal options, more legroom and priority boarding. Making the journey easier and more enjoyable.
Did you know you can pay later for flights to Japan? ⛩️
- Splitting the cost and paying in instalments have become more efficient and flexible for passengers moving forward when planning their finances.
- It helps you better manage your travel budget and allows you to go away feeling more confident in what you are spending.
- Data shows that 40% of Australian long haul passengers are using Buy Now, Pay Later due to the rapid growth in travel costs and popularity in services.
How to find and book cheap flights from Australia to Japan
No need to commit to anything, explore a few different avenues first.
If your travel dates are flexible, start by looking at the bigger picture:
- Firstly our Best Fare Finder calendar is here to help you find cheaper days to fly Secondly, compare departure flights from Australia to Japan, find the best flight price for you.
- Thinking of flying to a different city first? We recommend budget airlines for short haul stops.
We can walk you through the process, from booking to landing 🛬
At Alternative Airlines we have built a reliable, straightforward and personalised service that allows you to discover what is available to you on your schedule. Explore over 600 airlines, filter the flights you want and choose from over 40 different payment options, all secured in one place. No more getting lost. Just search for Alternative Airlines.
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FAQs
What do airlines provide on a long haul flight from Australia to Japan?
On long haul flights that are typically 6 hours or more, the airline will provide a variety of services.
Did you know that Singapore Airlines offer the best comfort and seating? We recommend trying their cosy blankets, pillows, amenity kits such as toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, eye mask and headphones.
Qatar Airlines have been known for excellent food and drink options, the airline will provide at least one hot meal plus a light snack or even a second meal depending on the flight duration.
Thirdly, Cathay Pacific Airways entertainment options feature movies, tv shows and music. Allowing you to connect to free or paid wifi depending on the airline, as well as power outlets and USB ports for charging your devices.
Can I request special meals on long-haul flights from Australia to Japan?
Airlines offer a wide range of meals for all dietary and religious requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, diabetic friendly, halal, kosher, and child/baby meals.
You can still pre order your meals while using a Buy Now Pay Later platform, continue to checkout and the option to add features to your booking will appear.
If the option does not appear, we suggest going to your airline's manage my booking page and enter your reference number, call the airline directly or contact Alternative Airline's customer service team or our 'Book a special meal' page for more.
Are Buy Now Pay Later flights safe?
All our Buy Now Pay Later partners here at Alternative Airlines are secured, well established, continuously regulated and are reliable financial services providers.
Our Australian passengers have access to our main partners; Afterpay, Klarna and Zip, all globally well known payment methods and have been successfully used many times by our customers around the world.
- Afterpay is ASX listed
- Zip is a big Australian Fintech company that is accessible in New Zealand, the US and UK
- Paypal is a globally used method and has proven to be reliable
Your flight booking is protected and processed normally like any other booking, the pay later provider you have chosen organises your payment schedule on your behalf. You will still receive your booking confirmation, tickets and customer support like any other passenger.
Are there any current health or vaccination requirements for Japan?
Still proceeding with the current advice from July 2025, Japan can continue to proceed with normal safety precautions.
All Australian passengers are eligible for a visa for short-stay tourism and business travel, however you do not a visa if you are travelling to Japan up to 90 days. Entry and exist requirements can change at short notice which may require you to get one or provide further documentation.
We advise you should clarify the visa requirements before they travel with the closest embassy or consulate of Japan.
Travel Insurance:
- You should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers overseas medical costs including medical evacuation.
- If you or someone else is travelling while pregnant, making sure their policy covers their pregnancy and the baby incase of a premature birth. Medical services require payment when looking after premature babies, seek advice for pregnant travellers.
Please visit smartraveller for more detailed information specific to your desired travel plans.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
There are no required vaccinations that travellers need to have when entering Japan from Australia however it is recommended to confirm each passenger is up to date on their routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella and polio. Visit your doctor or health clinic 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date for clarification and next steps.
What if I miss a payment while travelling?
While missed payments won't affect your actual flight or tickets, there may still be repercussions:
- Late Fees: Typically $10-25 per missed payment
- Account Suspension: Your Buy Now Pay Later account will be paused until further notice
- Credit Impact: Repeated miss payments could impact your credit score
To prevent this, set up scheduled payments before you go away or contact your provider if you have any concerns.
What happens if I need to cancel or change my flight?
Your payment plan is separate to your booking, if you need to make any changes, read the following steps:
- Flight changes: Proceed to follow the airline's policy and pay for any charge fees that may be required.
- Cancellations: You can cancel your flight aligning to the airline's rules, however your scheduled payments with your Buy Now, Pay Later provider will still continue as agreed.
- Refunds: Once your refund has been confirmed by the airline, it will passed back to your Buy Now Pay Later provider who will rearrange your payment plan accordingly.
- Travel Insurance: To protect you from unexpected cancellations, it is important to have valid travel insurance. You can buy this through your bank, post office or supermarket.
What is the currency in Japan and when should I collect my travel money?
The official currency of Japan is Japanese Yen (JPY)
As of the 15th September 2025 AUD $1 equals 98.03 Yen
At Alternative Airlines you can pay for flights in over 160 currencies , allowing you to be organised and feeling more confident knowing you got the best rate for you!
Top Tips when planning to exchange currency:
- Plan ahead
- Stay up to date when the exchange rate changes
- Avoid exchanging currency at the airport, rates are known to be poor and fees are expensive
- Exchange in small instalments to minimise the risk of getting a poor rate in one go
Can students or people without a credit history use Buy Now Pay Later?
Yes. Students and individuals with little to no credit history can proceed to use Buy Now Pay Later platforms however depending on which BNPL process you choose credit checks will be taken.
- Deposit + Instalments with no credit check: Alternative Airlines provide a payment option via Slice Pay where you can pay a small deposit from 10% or 20% for US customers to secure your flight then pay the rest in weekly amounts.
- Soft credit checks: Many BNPL providers will use a soft credit check, this will not affect your credit score, if you haven't got any credit history a soft check may still approve you.
What may prevent you from using BNPL platform?
- Certain providers may conduct eligibility checks, this includes credit history, income and repayment ability. If you continue to not have a credit history they may not approve you.
- Country restrictions: Availability to use specific platforms or plans may depend on where you live. For example, Slice Pay is only accessible to customers in Australia, New Zealand, US, UK and Canada.
- Age: Typically students need to be 18 years old and over to use BNPL.
Who do I contact If I have an issue with my Buy Now, Pay Later payments?
If you have come across an issue with your Buy Now Pay Later payments we strongly recommend contacting the direct provider you set up your payments with for example; Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay and many more.
We cannot amend or cancel your repayment plan once it has been set up, it is organised by the provider.
Please refer back to the confirmation email from Alternative Airlines that would specify the BNPL option you chose. You should also have received a separate email from the provider confirming your details.
Will I need a visa to enter Japan if I am going for leisure purposes?
For all Australian citizens, if you are travelling for either work, tourism or seeing friends and family you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However if you are planning on staying further to the 90 day limit for work or study you will need to get the most suitable visa for your stay.