Getting to Japan from Europe is about to get easier. The Lufthansa Group, which takes in Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and ITA Airways, plans up to 50 flights a week to Japan in summer 2027, flying into Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka and Nagoya, according to Euronews.
For backpackers, that means more choice of where you land and better timing: the new routes start in late March 2027, right when cherry blossom season usually gets going. Here’s what’s new, which airport suits your route and how to plan a budget trip around it. If it’s your first trip, our Japan travel guides are a good place to start.
Which new Lufthansa flights to Japan are coming in 2027?
Three routes are new or returning for summer 2027, according to the group’s schedule as reported by Euronews:
- Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita (Lufthansa): a new daily seasonal service from 28 March 2027.
- Frankfurt to Nagoya (Lufthansa): back three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 29 March 2027.
- Zurich to Tokyo-Narita (SWISS): up to seven flights a week in summer 2027. Handy if you want a few days in Switzerland first: see our day trips from Zurich.
The new routes use the Boeing 787-9, with economy and premium economy cabins. The existing daily Frankfurt and Munich flights to Haneda carry on as before. Osaka is part of the network too, but its 2027 schedule hadn’t been detailed when we checked in October 2026.
No fares had been published for the new routes yet, so set a fare alert rather than trusting any early “from” prices.
Narita, Haneda or Nagoya: which airport suits your trip?
Haneda is the closest airport to central Tokyo, a short train or monorail ride from the city, so it’s the easiest landing if you’re flying Lufthansa’s existing Frankfurt or Munich routes.
Narita, where the new Frankfurt and Zurich flights land, is further out but well connected. The Keisei Skyliner reaches Nippori in as little as 36 minutes for 2,580 yen, and the slower Keisei trains cost 1,280 yen for the same trip without the express surcharge, according to Ekitan (checked October 2026). Our Tokyo neighbourhood guide helps you pick a base near the line you’ll use.
Nagoya sits between Tokyo and Kyoto, so it’s a smart start for a route through central Japan. The Meitetsu μ-SKY gets you from Centrair airport to Meitetsu Nagoya in about 28 minutes for 1,340 yen, Ekitan says.
Want to save backtracking? Book an open-jaw ticket: fly into Tokyo and home from Nagoya or Osaka.
When is the best time to visit Japan after the new flights start?
The new routes launch right at the start of Japan’s most famous season. Cherry blossom usually runs from late March to early April, according to On The Go Tours, which makes it beautiful but also the busiest and priciest time to visit. If you’re flying in for the blossoms, book beds as early as you book the flight.
Early summer is a different story. June is rainy season across much of the country, so expect grey skies and humid days, though it’s quieter.
For the best balance of weather, colour and crowds, aim for October or November, when autumn leaves turn the temples red and gold and there are fewer visitors than in spring. Check seasonal forecasts on Japan’s official tourism site before you fix dates, as bloom times shift a little each year.
Need ideas for where to go? Start with our best places to visit in Japan, or plan a later trip around our winter in Japan guide.
How do you plan a budget Japan trip around these routes?
Land in Tokyo, then head west. It’s the classic first-timer route, and the new Narita flights make it easy to start in the capital. Spend a few days there with our first-timer’s guide to Tokyo, and keep costs down with these free things to do in Tokyo.
Then take the train to Kyoto and Osaka. Both make good bases for side trips, and our day trips from Osaka show how far a rail pass or regional ticket can stretch. If you fly home from Nagoya or Osaka, you won’t waste a day travelling back to Tokyo.
Book beds early for cherry blossom season. Late March and early April are Japan’s busiest weeks, and the best-value dorms go first. For daily costs, transport passes and more routes, our backpacking Japan guide has the full picture.
Where should you stay when you land?
Flying into Narita or Haneda, base yourself in Tokyo for your first few nights, near a station on your airport line.
Heading west afterwards? Osaka is the cheaper base for the Kansai leg, and for Kyoto, our best hostels in Kyoto round-up has plenty of options. Nagoya has one hostel on Hostelworld (checked October 2026), shown in the airport section above, so book it early if you’re landing there.
Landing solo? City Chats in the Hostelworld app connect you with travellers across the city, hostels post Linkups such as food tours and bar nights from 14 days before check-in, and Social Pass opens the chats before you’ve booked. For festivals and what’s on, check the Tokyo Events page.
Conclusion: Should you plan your Japan trip around the new flights?
If you’re flying from Germany or Switzerland, yes. The new Lufthansa Japan flights give you more ways in from late March 2027: Narita for the classic Tokyo start, Nagoya for central Japan, and an easy open-jaw home from Osaka. Just remember that the launch lines up with cherry blossom season, the busiest weeks of the year, so set a fare alert, book your beds early and save the quieter months for a second trip.
Ready to start planning? Compare beds across the country.
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