This fall, Japan will likely be the most popular destination among travelers from the United States taking off-season trips, according to new data.
According to flight deal site Going.com, Tokyo is now the No. 1 most watched city for fall flight alerts in the company’s app. The Japanese capital has edged out European cities, which are typically among the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers during the shoulder season.
Japan’s popularity for autumn vacations follows an ongoing trend of U.S. travelers becoming increasingly interested in “The Land of the Rising Sun.” In April 2025, for instance, the nation saw a 28.5% increase in U.S. visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
The interest in Japan has even weathered recent economic headwinds, which have led to fewer travelers booking airline tickets in recent months. “While [air travel] demand has flattened overall, we’re seeing clear pockets of rising interest, with Japan leading the charge,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going.com. “Some legacy carriers are trimming their schedules to match the flat demand, but that doesn’t mean we will automatically see higher fares in response. The savviest travelers know to head to key destinations during this window of opportunity, and this fall is already delivering.”
Indeed, there are plenty of deals on Japan-bound flights. Recent affordable fares that Going has found include flights to Los Angeles to Tokyo for $532, from San Diego to Tokyo for $710, and Boise to Osaka for $779.
Once in Japan, travelers can also find deals on domestic flights throughout the country. Japan Airlines offers free domestic flight add-ons when booked with a roundtrip international flight. “All segments must be on the same itinerary, and stopovers over 24 hours may trigger a $100 fee,” advises Nastro. “Value varies by route, so it’s worth comparing total costs.”
Travelers can also take advantage of new routes that airlines have recently launched from the U.S. to Japan. Alaska Airlines just started a new daily nonstop route from Seattle to Tokyo Narita (NRT) in May, which is operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Fares on that route start at $936 roundtrip in September. In June, Japan Airlines also launched a second nonstop route from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Tokyo, this time to Narita airport. The airline now serves both of Tokyo’s airports—Narita and Haneda (HND)—from O’Hare.
If you’re planning a fall getaway—to Japan or elsewhere—there are a few booking tips to keep in mind if you want to find the lowest possible fare. First of all, you’ll want to book your flights sooner rather than later. The best time to book is “one to three months out for domestic [flights] and two to eight for international [flights] to find the best deals,” according to Nastro. “And with airlines adjusting their pricing strategies, now’s the time to act for fall travel.”
The day and month you travel can also make a big difference in terms of savings. For the most affordable trips, aim to travel in September. Going’s data shows that September offers the best value for autumn air travel. Compared to November, domestic flights in September are 19% cheaper, and international routes are 8% less expensive.
Travelers should also plan to fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which offer the cheapest fares, according to Nastro. Sunday flights should be avoided, as they are among the most expensive.
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