Flying From Vancouver To Tokyo: Insider Tips, Best Flights & Seat Hacks

I frequently fly between Vancouver (YVR) and Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), and small choices can make a significant difference in comfort on both ends and in the air. Read on for airport hacks, the best flights and seats, and hotel recommendations.

Why YVR → Tokyo Is A Great Route

With the exception of Hawaii and Alaska, Vancouver is the closest place in the US or Canada with a direct flight to Tokyo. For years, I usually flew between the east coast of the States and Tokyo, which was 14 hours east to west. Now, I usually fly via Vancouver, which is only 10 hours east to west (and only 8 hours west to east), so it almost feels fast and easy.

And let’s face it: Vancouver International (YVR) is way more pleasant than most American airports: security is chill, food is better, and the scale is humane. So, if you’re coming from within Canada or can get a good flight up to YVR from the States, definitely consider flying via Vancouver.

Choosing HND Vs NRT

Okay, let’s cover the main issue on the Tokyo end first. Tokyo is served by two airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). If you have the choice, Haneda is the better airport to fly into. Why?

• Haneda is closer to Tokyo than Narita.
• Haneda is a nicer airport and has better restaurants and shops.
• Haneda has three in-terminal hotels. Narita has none (hotels are outside the airport proper).
• It’s easier and faster to get into Tokyo from Haneda.

That said, both airports are perfectly acceptable and you shouldn’t fixate on Haneda if you get a great deal into Narita.

So, which airlines fly to which airport on the YVR-Tokyo route?

• ANA flies to/from Haneda.
• Japan Airlines (JAL) flies to/from Narita.
• Air Canada flies to/from Narita.
• ZipAir flies to/from Narita.

Best Airlines On This Route

As mentioned above, four airlines fly direct between Vancouver and Tokyo: ANA, JAL, Air Canada and Zipair. I’ve flown each of them at least once between Vancouver and Tokyo. I’ll rank them here and describe which is best for each kind of traveler.

1. ANA: ANA is my favorite airline to fly between North America and Japan (and within Japan). From YVR, ANA flies to Haneda, which is a big plus. And, let’s be honest: No North American airline can compete with a Japanese airline in terms of service. The premium economy section is small but probably the best value for money of any seat between North America and Japan.
2. JAL: As noted above, in terms of service, Japanese airlines outperform North American airlines. JAL goes into Narita, which is not ideal, but far from a deal breaker. And JAL is the only airline on the Vancouver-Tokyo route that has a 2-4-2 layout in economy, meaning that the seats in the 2-seat rows feel much more spacious than normal economy seats on other airlines.
3. Air Canada: Canadians make a habit of complaining about Air Canada, but I’ve found AC to be perfectly acceptable between Vancouver and Tokyo. I find their site very easy to use and the cabins are comfortable. The only problem is that they fly via Narita, but again, that’s not a deal breaker.
4. Zipair: This is JAL’s budget brand. They offer a no-frills experience but they do have lie-flat seats in business class which cost about the same as premium economy on other airlines. For me, the lack of amenities, the curt service and the lack of inflight entertainment do not justify the savings, but if you just want to save money, Zipair is the way to go.

Which is the best airline for you? Here is my breakdown:

• ANA: those who like Japanese service, business travelers, couples, those who prefer a Japanese airline, those who insist on Haneda.
• JAL: those who like Japanese service, business travelers, economy fliers who want space.
• AC: families, Aeroplan members.
• Zipair: budget travelers, backpackers.

YVR-Specific Tips & Hacks

Fastest Security Gates

Departures are on level 3. Asia-bound flights leave from D gates. On level 3, the security checkpoint for D gates often has a horrendous line.

Here’s my trick: If the line is long for the D gates security checkpoint, go through the ABC North checkpoint, which is almost always faster. From the ABC north checkpoint, take a right and follow the signs for D gates. You’ll have to show your boarding pass and passport again, but there is no additional security check. This can save you at least 30 minutes waiting in line.

There another security checkpoint called Security Checkpoint 3. It’s on level 4 (follow the signs for “trains to city”). This is supposed to be just for trusted travelers (Nexus etc), but they also have a line for regular travelers. Almost no one knows about this and it can save you even more time if the security checkpoints on level 3 are crowded. Note that this checkpoint is only open during busy travel periods.

Where To Eat Before Boarding: Land Side

There are two food courts on the land side (before security check) on level 3. The biggest one is near D gates security and it’s got a few fast-food options.

Nearby, you’ll find Purebread Café, which is my choice for coffee and pastries.

The other food court is hidden just past the ABC North security checkpoint.

Obviously, there are many restaurants on the other side of the security gates (air side), but these can often be crowded.

If you want something nicer before going through security and don’t mind spending a bit more, I strongly recommend going up to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel restaurant which is at the far end of the terminal: follow signs for flights to USA and the E Gates security checkpoint and take the escalators up to the hotel lobby, from which you can see the restaurant.

The Killer YVR Airport Hack: Spend The Night At The Airport Before Flying Or After Arriving

Most flights from YVR to Tokyo leave in the mid- to late afternoon. That allows most people to take their time getting to the airport. But, if you need to take a ferry or a floatplane to YVR, you have to worry about cancellations due to weather, particularly in the winter. To avoid stressing, I often stay the night before my flight at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel.

The Fairmont is located right in the terminal, near the check-in counters for flights to the United States.

Let’s be honest, the Fairmont is a pretty big spend and with taxes thrown in it can approach CA$500, but it’s a lot better than missing a Japan flight due to transport delays getting to YVR. So, traveling to the airport the day before my flight and staying at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport has become part of my Japan travel ritual. I sleep late, I grab a coffee and some croissants at Purebread Café and I enjoy them in my room before checking out at noon and slowly strolling over to the ANA check in counters.

Arrival In Tokyo — What Actually Helps

First, for both Narita and Haneda, you don’t have use the Visit Japan Web app. You can use paper forms, which are available in the arrivals hall. For more details, see our Visit Japan Web Guide.

Haneda Hacks

• Don’t pick up a Japan Rail Pass at the airport.
• Take a taxi or the Tokyo Monorail into Tokyo. See my Haneda Airport Transport page.
• Stay at the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport after a late arrival or before an early departure.
• Eat at one of the great restaurants in Terminal 3. See my Haneda International Terminal page.

Narita Hacks

• Don’t pick up your Japan Rail Pass at the airport.
• Take the Narita Express train into Tokyo. See my full Narita Transport Guide.
• Eat at the great restaurants at Narita. See my full Narita Airport Guide.

Who This Route Is Best (And Not Best) For

The Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo route is best for Canadians who live on the west side of Canada or those who can get a good flight to YVR. It’s also good for Americans who live on the west coast of the States and who can get a good flight to Vancouver (and don’t mind changing planes in Vancouver).

This route is not ideal if you live in Canada close to either Montreal or Toronto, both of which have direct flights to Tokyo. Likewise, if you live in the States near an airport with a direct flight to Japan, there’s no reason to fly this route.

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation