LAX to Tokyo Narita: The Complete Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about flying LAX to NRT - jet lag tips, best flights, aircraft comparisons, and how to handle the 17+ hour journey to Japan.
LAX to Tokyo Narita: The Complete Travel Guide#
Flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo is a marathon—but with the right strategy, you can arrive ready to explore. Here's your complete guide to the Pacific crossing.
Quick Facts#
| Distance | 5,826 miles |
| Flight Time | 11-12 hours |
| Timezone Change | -18 hours (PST → JST) |
| Daily Flights | 10+ |
Understanding Your Jet Lag#
Flying to Tokyo means crossing the Pacific and 13-17 time zones. This is one of the most challenging jet lag routes.
Key Jet Lag Factors#
- Direction: Westbound initially, then date line crossing
- Time Shift: 18 hours ahead (you'll "lose" a day)
- Best Arrival: Morning (helps reset body clock)
- Recovery Time: 4-6 days typically
Best Flights for Minimal Jet Lag#
Morning Arrivals (Recommended)#
| Airline | Departure | Arrival | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Airlines | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM +1 | 787-9, 777 |
| ANA | 11:05 AM | 3:10 PM +1 | 787-9, 777 |
| United | 11:30 AM | 3:30 PM +1 | 777-300ER |
Why Morning Arrivals Work#
- Land in afternoon Tokyo time
- Stay awake through evening
- Sleep at normal Tokyo bedtime (10 PM)
- You'll "gain" a day but your body adjusts faster
Aircraft Comparison: Best for Sleep#
This is a long-haul flight—aircraft choice matters significantly.
Top Picks for LAX-NRT#
-
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - Best overall
- Cabin pressure: 6,000 ft (lowest available)
- Higher humidity: 16%
- Larger windows with electronic shading
- Quieter cabin (great for sleep)
- Jet Lag Score: 85/100
-
Boeing 777-300ER - Solid option
- Good lie-flat seats in business
- Lower humidity than 787
- Slightly noisier
- Jet Lag Score: 75/100
-
Airbus A350-900 - Excellent choice
- Modern cabin, great air quality
- Quiet engines
- Jet Lag Score: 82/100
Avoid#
- Older 767-300s (being phased out)
- Configurations with minimal seat recline
In-Flight Tips for LAX-NRT#
Before Flight#
- Start adjusting 3 days before: sleep 1-2 hours earlier each night
- Stay hydrated aggressively: start 48 hours before
- No alcohol 48 hours before
- Consider melatonin (0.5-3mg) for sleep
During Flight#
- Set watch to Tokyo time immediately
- Sleep as much as possible—aim for 6-8 hours
- Avoid alcohol completely on board
- Drink 8+ oz water every 2 hours
- Walk aisle every 2 hours
- Use eye mask and noise-canceling headphones
Upon Arrival#
- Don't check what day it is—just use local time
- Get outside for afternoon/evening light
- Eat dinner at normal Tokyo time (7-9 PM)
- Stay awake until 10 PM minimum
- First night: sleep aid recommended
Tokyo Jet Lag Recovery#
For a detailed 72-hour plan, see our Tokyo 72-Hour Recovery Guide.
Day 1 Schedule#
- 3:00 PM: Arrival at NRT
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Transfer to hotel
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Light dinner, stay awake
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Walk around neighborhood
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime (set alarm for 6 AM)
Day 2 Schedule#
- 6:00 AM: Wake up, get morning light
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at local restaurant
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Light exploration
- 2:00 PM: Brief rest (max 30 min)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at normal Tokyo time
More Route Guides#
Book Your Flight#
Use our tools to find the best flights:
- Flight Optimizer - Analyze your specific flight
- Jet Lag Calculator - Estimate recovery time
- Timezone Transition Planner - Pre-trip adjustment
Data based on 15,000+ LAX-NRT flights. Aircraft ratings based on cabin environment metrics.
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