Bangkok to Tokyo northbound - Thai and Japanese carrier competition, cherry blossom calendar, and Narita.
Cherry blossom season drives massive Thai tourist demand for Tokyo - late March through mid-April sees Bangkok to Tokyo fares spike 30 to 50 percent as Thai travellers chase sakura. Thai Airways, ANA, and JAL all run daily nonstops, competing heavily on price during peak months. Scoot operates a budget nonstop to Narita that appeals to younger Thai travellers.
Outside cherry season, the cheapest periods are mid-May through June and November. Golden Week (late April to early May) creates a secondary outbound spike from Japan, which paradoxically makes inbound seats to Japan easier to find. Year-end (December through January) is expensive on both directions. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead provides the widest fare class access on ANA and JAL. With Bangkok - Tokyo, small time shifts often unlock better fares and smoother airport transfers.
Haneda (HND) arrivals connect faster to central Tokyo - the monorail reaches Hamamatsucho in 15 minutes. Narita (NRT) requires 55 to 90 minutes via train. Thai Airways and ANA offer both airports depending on schedule, while Scoot only flies to Narita. If your priority is reaching Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza quickly after landing, target a Haneda arrival. Bangkok - Tokyo timing usually sits around 6 - 6.5 hours, so departure windows matter.
Peak bloom in Tokyo typically falls in late March to early April, but it shifts by a week or two each year. Fares from Bangkok climb steeply from mid-March onward. For the best value, aim for the last week of March and book 10 to 12 weeks ahead. After mid-April, prices normalize.
Thai Airways offers familiar Thai cuisine and service. ANA and JAL offer Japanese precision and connectivity to domestic Japan flights via NRT or HND. For onward travel within Japan - Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu - ANA or JAL codeshare itineraries can save money versus separate tickets.
If you travel light, absolutely. Scoot BKK-NRT fares can be half the Thai Airways price. The trade-off is no meal, tight luggage limits, and Narita arrival (farther from central Tokyo). For a 6-hour flight, bringing your own food and entertainment makes the savings worth it for many travellers.
