Transit in Japan? Important notes for transit

Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun", is a top Asian destination with a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern technology. From vibrant Tokyo with its neon and ramen, to ancient Kyoto with its temples and geishas, from the legendary Mount Fuji to the poetic cherry blossoms, Japan offers a unique cultural experience.There is now a direct flight from Vietnam, but layovers are still an option to save costs.

Current flight situation

Direct flights from Vietnam (Most optimal):

• Vietnam Airlines: HAN/SGN ↔ Tokyo NRT/HND, Osaka KIX (5.5-6 hours)
• VietJet Air: SGN/HAN ↔ Tokyo NRT, Osaka KIX (6 hours)
• Jetstar: HAN/SGN ↔ Tokyo NRT (6 hours)
• JAL, ANA: Regular flights

Advantages of direct flights: Save time, no layover risks, competitive prices $400-1.200$USD

Popular transit points (when saving is needed)

Asia (Closest, most convenient):

• Seoul ICN: Korean Air, Asiana – 2 hours to Tokyo, good price$350-800$USD
• Taipei TPE: China Airlines, EVA Air – 3 hours, good service
• Hong Kong HKG: Cathay Pacific – 4 hours, premium service
• Bangkok BKK: Thai Airways – reasonable price, pay attention to BKK vs DMK
• Singapore SIN: Singapore Airlines – great airport
• Kuala Lumpur KUL: AirAsia – cheapest, note KLIA vs KLIA2

Middle East/Europe (Less common):

• Doha DOH, Dubai DXB: Detour but premium service
• Frankfurt FRA, Amsterdam AMS: Connections from Europe

Suggested routes from Vietnam

Option 1: Direct flight (Recommended)

Vietnam → Tokyo NRT/HND or Osaka KIX

• Time: 5.5-6 hours
• Cost: $400-1.200$USD
• Advantages: Fastest, convenient, competitive price

Option 2: Via Seoul (Economical)

Vietnam → Seoul ICN → Tokyo/Osaka

• Time: 8-11 hours + waiting
• Cost: $350-800$USD
• Advantages: Cheapest, can combine with Korea tour

Option 3: Via Taipei/Hong Kong

Vietnam → TPE/HKG → Tokyo/Osaka

• Cost: $400-900$USD
• Advantages: Good service, modern airport

Visa and required documents

Japan Visa – Mandatory:

Vietnamese citizens need a visa to enter Japan:

• USD (15-90 days): $25-50$ USD (15-90 days)
• Documents: Passport 6 months, visa application, photo, round-trip ticket, financial proof
• Processing Time: 5-7 working days

Transit:

• No visa required if only staying in the airside (transit area) for under 24 hours
• Visa requiredif leaving the airport or transferring between airports NRT↔HND (requires 4-5 hours + visa)

Visit Japan Web:

Mandatory registration before trip to get QR code Immigration/Customs – saves significant processing time

Safe transit time

• With booked ticket: 1.5-2.5 hours at ICN/TPE/HKG/SIN
• Different ticket: 4-6 hours (low-cost carriers usually do not transfer luggage between flights)
• Change airport: BKK↔DMK, KLIA↔KLIA2 requires 6+ hours
• Tokyo NRT↔HND: Requires 4-5 hours + Japanese visa
• High season: Add 30-60 minutes contingency

Estimated cost for 10 days

• Flight Tickets: $350-1.200$USD
• Hotel: $50-300$USD/night
• Food: $20-80$USD/day
• JR Pass: $280-450$ USD (7-21 days) – mandatory if traveling to multiple cities
• Total: $1.500-4.000$ USD/person

Best time

• Spring (3-5): Cherry blossoms, most beautiful but expensive and crowded
• Autumn (9-11): Red leaves, pleasant weather, ideal
• Winter (12-2): Snow, few tourists, cold
• Summer (6-8): Hot and humid, festival season

Important note

Airports and technicals:

• Tokyo: NRT is farther (60km), HND is closer (30km)
• Hand Luggage: Japanese airlines are strict with weight (7-10kg)
• Outlets: Type A/B, 100V (can charge but slower)

Culture to know:

• Bowinginstead of shaking hands
• Remove shoeswhen entering a house/ryokan
• No tipping – considered offensive
• Silenceon the train
• Onsenhave strict rules

Transportation:

• JR Pass: Mandatory for city travel
• IC Card(Suica/Pasmo): Convenient for Tokyo
• Cash: Still dominant, prepare enough yen

Reality:

• Language: Few English speakers outside Tokyo
• Convenience stores: Available everywhere, very convenient
• Reservations: Shinkansen Green Car requires reservation

Conclusion

Japan is an ideal destination withconvenient direct flights from Vietnamonly 5.5-6 hours of flight time.The optimal choice is to fly directwith competitive prices$400-1.200$USD, avoiding transit risks. If you want to save money,transit via Seoulis the best option with prices starting from$350$USD.

The most important preparationis to apply for a Japanese visa (5-7 days), register for Visit Japan Web, and purchase a JR Pass if traveling to multiple cities.Ideal timeis autumn (September-November) for autumn leaves or spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms.

With a unique combination ofsamurai tradition and robot technology, fromfresh and delicious sushi to creative manga, Japan promises an unforgettable cultural experience.“Irasshaimase” (Welcome) to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on the season and conditions. Always check the latest information from airlines and the Japanese Consulate.