Flights from Chicago to Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends ultramodern and traditional elements. As one of the world’s largest and most populous cities, Tokyo offers an unparalleled urban experience. Known for its cutting-edge technology, efficient public transportation, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage, Tokyo presents visitors with an exciting mix of futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples, and everything in between. The city is famous for its cuisine, fashion, pop culture, and technological innovations.

Flight prices for a month from Chicago to Tokyo, one way

Departure atStopsFind tickets
17 April 20251 Stop 439
9 April 2025Direct 444
10 April 2025Direct 444
11 April 2025Direct 444
12 April 2025Direct 444
13 April 2025Direct 444
14 April 2025Direct 444
15 April 2025Direct 444
16 April 2025Direct 444
8 April 20251 Stop 449
18 April 20251 Stop 489
6 April 2025Direct 547
7 April 2025Direct 547
5 April 20253 Stops 645

Airlines, Frequency, and Prices

Several airlines operate direct flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo:

  1. United Airlines: Daily flights to Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND)
  2. All Nippon Airways (ANA): Daily flights to Tokyo Haneda (HND)
  3. Japan Airlines (JAL): Daily flights to Tokyo Narita (NRT)

Prices can vary significantly depending on the season, with peak times being during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and around New Year. Generally, flights to Tokyo are among the more expensive international routes from Chicago. It’s advisable to book well in advance and compare prices across different airlines for the best deals.

Festivals in Tokyo

Tokyo hosts numerous festivals throughout the year:

  1. Sanja Matsuri (May)
  2. Tokyo International Film Festival (October/November)
  3. Sumida River Fireworks Festival (July)
  4. Tokyo Rainbow Pride (April/May)
  5. Kanda Matsuri (May, every odd-numbered year)
  6. Koenji Awa Odori (August)
  7. Tokyo Game Show (September)

Shopping and Prices

Tokyo offers diverse shopping experiences:

  1. Ginza: Upscale shopping district with luxury brands
  2. Shibuya: Trendy area popular with young people
  3. Akihabara: Electronics and anime/manga merchandise
  4. Tsukiji Outer Market: Famous for fresh seafood and kitchen supplies

Prices in Tokyo can be higher than in Chicago, especially for accommodation and some consumer goods. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost ¥2000-4000 ($18-36) per person, while a coffee typically ranges from ¥300-600 ($2.70-5.40).

Employment Comparison

Both Chicago and Tokyo have large, diverse job markets, but they differ significantly:

Chicago:

  • Finance
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Healthcare

Tokyo:

  • Finance and Banking
  • Technology and Electronics
  • Automotive Industry
  • Media and Entertainment

While Chicago offers a more diverse range of industries, Tokyo is a global financial center and a hub for many multinational corporations. However, language barriers can be significant for non-Japanese speakers seeking employment in Tokyo.

Tokyo Airports and Public Transportation

Tokyo is served by two major airports:

  1. Narita International Airport (NRT): Located about 60 km east of central Tokyo
  2. Haneda Airport (HND): Closer to the city center, about 14 km south of Tokyo Station

Public transportation options:

  1. Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway: Extensive subway network (fares vary by distance, typically ¥170-310)
  2. JR East trains: Including the famous Yamanote Line circling central Tokyo
  3. Buses: Covering areas not served by trains

Tokyo’s public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency and punctuality.

Distance and Flight Duration

The distance between Chicago and Tokyo is approximately 6,300 miles (10,140 km). A direct flight typically takes around 13 hours to 14 hours, depending on wind conditions and the specific route taken.

Interesting Facts:

  1. The flight path often crosses the Arctic region, offering views of Alaska and the Bering Strait.
  2. There’s a 14-hour time difference between Chicago and Tokyo (when it’s noon in Chicago, it’s 2 AM the next day in Tokyo).
  3. The flight crosses the International Date Line, meaning you’ll “lose” a day when flying to Tokyo and “gain” a day when returning to Chicago.
  4. Both Narita and Haneda airports offer unique cultural experiences, including traditional Japanese architecture and cuisine.

This guide provides comprehensive information about flights from Chicago to Tokyo, including key details about the destination city. Whether you’re traveling for business or to explore Japanese culture, understanding these aspects can help you plan a more enjoyable and efficient trip to one of the world’s most exciting metropolises.