Few cities in the world can compare to the buzz of Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is the perfect blend of modern and traditional and is full of some of the world’s best culture, food, and shopping. Tokyo has so much to see and do, and it’s the perfect starting point for visiting the rest of Japan.
With more than 450 Perth to Tokyo flights each week, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to experience the magic of Japan. Several large airlines have cheap flights Perth to Tokyo, including Scoot, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. While there are currently no Perth to Tokyo direct flights available, there are options to make your stopover experience a good one. Several flights offer short stopovers, getting you from Perth to Tokyo in under 13 hours. Alternatively, you could book a flight with a long stopover, giving you the chance to see an extra city. Some common stopover cities for Perth to Tokyo flights are Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur.
Pack your bags and get your Perth to Tokyo flights booked. Webjet will help you find the best flights to Japan from Perth and get you on your way. Are you ready to experience the energy and excitement of Tokyo? Webjet has your ultimate guide to planning your Perth to Tokyo adventure.
Things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo has an amazing energy to it that’s not quite like anywhere else in the world. The city embraces both the modern and the traditional, giving it a unique culture. Tokyo has something to offer everyone—interesting history, great fashion, an exciting nightlife, and incredible restaurants. Fun fact: Tokyo actually has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world! No matter how long you visit, you’ll find it hard to run out of new things to do in Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace
Located right in the heart of Tokyo is a surprisingly peaceful park called Chiyoda. Within the park is the Imperial Palace—home to the Emperor of Japan. While the palace itself is only open to the public two days each year, guided tours of the grounds take place between Tuesdays and Saturdays. The palace grounds are gorgeous and full of some fascinating history. Chiyoda is also one of the best places in Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms if you are visiting during cherry blossom season in March and April.
Sumo Wrestling and Kabuki Shows
While in Tokyo, a must-do activity is to watch something authentically Japanese. If you are a fan of sports, you’ll have so much fun watching a traditional sumo wrestling match. If you love musical theatre, book a ticket to one of Tokyo’s many Kabuki shows. Kabuki actors wear elaborate clothing and makeup very different to what you’ll see in Australian theatre. Kabuki theatres can even provide you with English audio through headphones so you’ll understand everything that is happening in the show.
Asakusa District - Old Tokyo
To experience Old Tokyo, pay a visit to the Asakusa district. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find some of Tokyo’s beautiful temples and traditional architecture. The most popular temple to visit is Senso-ji. This temple dates all the way back to the year 628 AD and is the perfect representation of Japanese architectural style from that time. The temple is made up of a large red gate, a pagoda with five tiers, and several smaller buildings all built in the same style.
Shibuya District
Shibuya is one of the business hubs of Tokyo. The neighbourhood is full of great shops, restaurants, and nightlife and is especially popular with young people. While in Shibuya, you can visit the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park, but what the district is most known for is the Shibuya Crossing. It’s rumoured to be the busiest street crossing in the world. Once the lights turn, you can cross the intersection with thousands of other people walking in all directions.
Shinjuku District
Shinjuku is considered to be the entertainment centre of Tokyo. The neighbourhood is especially known for its exciting nightlife. Within Shinjuku is the Golden Gai—a series of narrow laneways lined with over 200 bars. The bars are tiny and some only have seating for a few customers at a time, but it’s a Tokyo experience that you can’t miss! Once you’ve visited a couple bars, Shinjuku is full of great late-night food options as well.
Harajuku District
Harajuku is considered to be the fashion capital of Tokyo and has some of the city’s best shopping. The neighbourhood is also a great spot for people watching, particularly “Harajuku girls” who wear creative styles in bright colours.
Disneyland
Yes, Tokyo has its own Disneyland! It’s located south of the city centre and is easily accessible on Tokyo’s metro system. Disneyland Tokyo is home to some Disney favourites, including Cinderella’s Castle, Splash Mountain, “It’s a Small World”, and of course lots of Disney characters that you can meet.
Tokyo Skytree
For the best view over the city, head up to the top of the Tokyo Skytree. The building is the second largest structure in the world and offers incredible views over the city with mountains in the background. For an extra special experience, visit the Skytree for sunrise or sunset.
Mount Fuji
One of the most well-known spots to visit on a trip to Tokyo is actually located outside the city itself. Mount Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707. Mount Fuji has some great hikes and national parks surrounding it, and if you visit in winter, there are some great ski resorts. Mount Fuji is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season when the whole region blooms in shades of pink.
Japanese Food
While visiting Tokyo, be sure to eat as much authentic Japanese food as you can. Tokyo has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world, some of which are very affordable. Theme cafes are also a popular trend for people visiting Tokyo. Some cafe themes include Hello Kitty, monsters, robots, and even hedgehogs. Some must-try foods during your time in Tokyo are ramen, sushi, tonkatsu, and some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste.
Departing from Perth
Perth Airport is conveniently located just 12 km east of the CBD. The airport is easy to get to and has departing flights from many major airlines. Airlines with cheap flights Perth to Tokyo include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Scoot, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. While there are currently no Perth to Tokyo direct flights, many flights include just one stopover, getting you from Perth to Tokyo in less than 13 hours. Perth Airport is separated into four different terminals. The T1/T2 precinct is where you will catch most international airlines and Virgin Australia flights. Qantas’s Perth to Tokyo flights depart from the T3/T4 precinct.
Getting to Perth Airport (PER)
The most affordable way to get to Perth Airport is on the city bus. If your flight departs from the T1/T2 precinct, catch the 380 bus. The bus starts at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and also makes stops at Victoria Park Transfer Station, Burswood Train Station, and Belmont Forum Shopping Centre. The 380 bus has plenty of space for luggage, runs every 30 minutes, and gets you to the airport in about a half hour. To get to the T3/T4 precinct, catch bus route 40 from the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. This bus departs every 20-30 minutes and gets you to Perth Airport in just over a half hour. Tickets for each bus route are $4.80 from the CBD to the airport.
If you would like to take a taxi or an Uber to the airport, you will arrive in less than 20 minutes from the CBD. Taxi fare from central Perth costs between $30-$45 to the airport. If you are heading to the airport from Fremantle, a taxi will get you to the airport in just over a half hour with fare between $50-$70.
Parking at Perth Airport
Perth Airport offers both Long Term and Short Term parking for all four airport terminals. By booking in advance through the Perth Airport website, you can save up to 30% on your parking. The Long Term car park is perfect for international flights to Japan from Perth. The car park is located just outside the airport, and a 24-hour shuttle bus comes every ten minutes to take you to the terminals. Parking costs about $27 per day, but if your Perth to Tokyo holiday is going to be seven days or more, the weekly rate is $95.
For the most convenient parking right outside your terminal, you may prefer the Short Term car park. It’s located just outside the airport terminals and takes only a few minutes to walk from your car into the airport. The Short Term car park costs about $49 per day and $129 per week when you book in advance online.
Arriving in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to two international airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Narita Airport is located 60 km east of Tokyo’s city centre and handles about half of all international flights entering and leaving the country. Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo, making it a great option for getting into the city in the shortest amount of time. Haneda Airport handles mostly domestic flights throughout Japan, but some international flights land here as well. Whichever airport you book your Perth to Tokyo flights into, you’ll have no trouble getting into the city and to your hotel.
Getting to Central Tokyo from Narita Airport (NRT)
Tokyo is efficient when it comes to public transport, and there are several options to get you from Narita Airport into central Tokyo.
JR Narita Express
The Narita Express is a fast and comfortable option to get from Narita Airport into Tokyo in about an hour. The train has plenty of luggage space and comfortable airplane-style seats. The train stops at many major stations around central Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, and Ikebukuro Station. Tickets into Tokyo Station cost ¥3,020 (about $36.75) for standard class and ¥4,560 for first class. Tickets to other central Tokyo stations cost ¥3,190 for standard class and ¥4,730 for first class. Trains depart Narita Airport every half hour into Tokyo.
JR Narita Line Rapid Train
This train also gets you to Tokyo Station, but takes a little longer than the Narita Express. The journey is an hour and a half, however tickets won’t cut into your travel budget as much. Tickets to Tokyo Station are ¥1,320. The Narita Line Rapid Train departs Narita Airport once every hour.
Keisei Electric Railway Skyliner
If you’re staying in the eastern neighbourhoods of Tokyo, the Keisei Electric Railway Skyliner is your best option. The train makes stops at both Nippori and Ueno stations in eastern Tokyo. This is one of the fastest trains in Tokyo and almost reaches the speed of Japan’s famous bullet trains. The train journey only takes between 40-45 minutes, and tickets cost ¥2,470.
Taxi
With the airport located quite a distance from the city centre, a taxi from Narita Airport to central Tokyo will definitely cut into your spending money. In perfect conditions, the journey from Narita Airport to central Tokyo takes about an hour. However, as one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo often has heavy traffic. If you do decide to go with a taxi, visit taxi stands 15, 29, 30, or 31A for taxis offering fixed rates into Tokyo. Fixed rates are based on which zone of the city you are travelling to. Much of central Tokyo falls into Zones C and D. A taxi to Zone C costs ¥20,000, and a taxi to Zone D costs ¥22,000.
Getting to Central Tokyo from Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport is only located 14 km from Tokyo Station, so there are several affordable options to get you into the Japanese capital quickly.
The Keikyu Line
Once you arrive to Haneda Airport, follow the signs to the Keikyu Line train. From there, catch a train going to Shinagawa Station, which is only 15 minutes away. From there, you will need to transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which will take you to the central areas of Tokyo in 10-20 minutes. Stops include Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station. Trains to these stations cost between ¥580 and ¥610.
Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail will get you into the city centre in a similar amount of time as the Keikyu Line, but offers nice city views during your ride as well. Take the 15 minute journey on the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. The ride from there is only 6 minutes to Tokyo Station and 25 minutes to Shinjuku Station. Tickets are between ¥650 and ¥690 from Haneda Airport to the stations around central Tokyo. However, if you book your ticket in advance you can pay just ¥500.
Taxi
With Haneda Airport located so close to the city centre, a taxi is a practical option to get you into Tokyo. The journey into the centre is just about a half hour without traffic. Taxis travelling from Haneda Airport into Tokyo offer fixed rates to 19 different areas of the city. A taxi to Shinjuku costs ¥7,100, a taxi to Shibuya costs ¥6,600, and a taxi to Chiyoda (where Tokyo Station is located) costs ¥5,900. If you are taking a taxi from the airport between 10PM-5AM, your taxi may add a surcharge of about ¥1,200 on top of the standard fare.
