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Thailand and Japan share one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant bilateral travel relationships. Japan is consistently among the top destinations for Thai tourists, and Thailand attracts large numbers of Japanese visitors — particularly retirees, long-stay travelers, and business travelers. Bangkok is one of Asia's busiest aviation hubs, and its Thailand–Japan routes reflect both the depth of bilateral demand and a competitive LCC market that has expanded the market beyond the full-service carriers.
The 2023–2026 period sees Thai Airways complete its network restoration following its business rehabilitation process, while Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air compete aggressively on Bangkok–Japan routes. The addition of Thai Vietjet Air to the Japan market in 2026 brings yet another LCC into an already competitive corridor, potentially driving fares lower and frequencies higher.
This page covers routes to Japan launched or resumed from 2023 onwards.
The 2023–2026 period sees Thai Airways complete its network restoration following its business rehabilitation process, while Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air compete aggressively on Bangkok–Japan routes. The addition of Thai Vietjet Air to the Japan market in 2026 brings yet another LCC into an already competitive corridor, potentially driving fares lower and frequencies higher.
This page covers routes to Japan launched or resumed from 2023 onwards.
Jump to departure city:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) |
Chiang Mai (CNX)
From Bangkok — Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK), opened in 2006 and named after the mythological "Golden Land," is Thailand's main international gateway. It handles full-service carriers while Don Mueang (DMK) handles most LCC operations — though some LCCs also use BKK. Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air all operate Japan routes from the Bangkok area.
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | Thai Vietjet Air (タイ・ベトジェット) | Feb 2026 — new service |
|---|---|---|
| Kansai / Osaka (KIX) | Thai Vietjet Air | Feb 2026 — new service |
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | Thai Airways (タイ国際航空) | Resumed 2022–2023 — multiple daily |
| Haneda / Tokyo (HND) | Thai Airways | Resumed 2023 |
| Kansai / Osaka (KIX) | Thai Airways | Resumed 2022–2023 |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | Thai Airways | Resumed 2023 |
| Sapporo / New Chitose (CTS) | Thai Airways | Resumed seasonal 2023 |
| Nagoya (NGO) | Thai Airways | Resumed 2023 |
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | Thai AirAsia X (タイ・エアアジアX) | Resumed 2022–2023 |
| Kansai / Osaka (KIX) | Thai AirAsia X | Resumed 2022–2023 |
| Nagoya (NGO) | Thai AirAsia X | Resumed 2023 |
| Sapporo / New Chitose (CTS) | Thai AirAsia X | Resumed seasonal 2023 |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | Thai AirAsia X | Resumed 2023 |
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | Thai Lion Air (タイ・ライオンエア) | Resumed 2023 |
| Kansai / Osaka (KIX) | Thai Lion Air | Resumed 2023 |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | Thai Lion Air | Resumed 2023–2024 |
Airlines to Japan
- Thai Airways (タイ国際航空 / THAI)
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Thailand's national carrier, a Star Alliance member. Thai Airways emerged from a business rehabilitation process in 2021 and has been systematically restoring its international network. Japan is among its most important markets — Thailand's Royal Family has historically had warm ties with Japan, and Japanese corporations (Toyota, Honda, Canon and others have major Thai manufacturing operations) create substantial business travel demand.
Thai Airways restored its key Japan routes progressively in 2022–2023: Narita (multiple daily), Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and seasonal Sapporo. The airline offers Royal Silk Business Class and Economy cabins, with Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program ties to Star Alliance partners including ANA. Thai Airways typically operates Boeing 777 or 787 aircraft on Japan routes. - Thai AirAsia X (タイ・エアアジアX)
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The long-haul LCC arm of the AirAsia Group operating from Thailand, with the Don Mueang Airport (DMK) as its Bangkok base. Thai AirAsia X has been one of the most consistent LCC operators on Thailand–Japan routes, offering budget fares on Airbus A330 aircraft to Narita, Kansai, Nagoya, Sapporo (seasonal), and Fukuoka.
Thai AirAsia X's Japan routes resumed in 2022–2023, restoring the full pre-COVID network that had positioned AirAsia X as a major force in Thai–Japan budget travel. The airline offers Premium Flatbed (business equivalent) and Economy cabins, with frequent promotions making Japan accessible to Thai budget travelers who drive extraordinary leisure demand to Japan especially during cherry blossom and autumn-leaves seasons. - Thai Lion Air (タイ・ライオンエア)
- Part of the Lion Air Group, Thai Lion Air operates medium and long-haul routes from Don Mueang. Its Japan services — Narita, Kansai, and Fukuoka — provide additional budget capacity on the Bangkok–Japan corridor, competing with Thai AirAsia X. Thai Lion Air operates Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (for medium-haul) and was expanding its widebody capacity for Japan operations post-COVID.
- Thai Vietjet Air (タイ・ベトジェット・エア)
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VietJet Air's Thai subsidiary, operating domestic Thai routes and some international services. Thai Vietjet Air launched new Japan services in February 2026 — Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai) — marking its entry into the Thailand–Japan corridor as a new LCC competitor.
Thai Vietjet Air brings additional low-cost capacity to the Bangkok–Japan routes, competing with Thai AirAsia X and Thai Lion Air. The entry of another LCC is expected to intensify price competition and benefit Thai travelers seeking affordable Japan options. VietJet is known for its youth-oriented marketing, ancillary revenue model (a la carte pricing), and competitive base fares.
From Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Chiang Mai is Thailand's largest northern city and cultural capital, known for its ancient temples, night markets, and proximity to hill tribes and nature areas. Chiang Mai Airport (IATA: CNX) operates some Japan charter and seasonal services driven by the strong Japanese tourist interest in northern Thailand — Chiang Mai attracts significant numbers of Japanese travelers and has a Japanese community including retirees and long-stay visitors.
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | Thai AirAsia X | Seasonal service — check airline for current schedule |
|---|
Note: Chiang Mai–Japan services are typically operated seasonally (peak seasons) rather than year-round. Check individual airline websites for current schedules.
Japanese Airports Now Served from Thailand (2023–2026 New/Resumed)
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | From Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air (resumed 2023), Thai Vietjet Air (new Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda / Tokyo (HND) | From Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways (resumed 2023) |
| Kansai / Osaka (KIX) | From Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air (resumed 2022–2023), Thai Vietjet Air (new Feb 2026) |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | From Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air (resumed 2023) |
| Nagoya (NGO) | From Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X (resumed 2023) |
| Sapporo / New Chitose (CTS) | From Bangkok (BKK/DMK) | Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia X (seasonal, resumed 2023) |
| Narita / Tokyo (NRT) | From Chiang Mai (CNX) | Thai AirAsia X (seasonal) |
Getting Around Japan
From the airport to your hotel, and beyond:
Rail / Shinkansen — Bullet trains, local rail and rail passes in Japan (trip.com)
Car Rental — Self-drive travel around Japan (trip.com)
Airport Transfer — Private and shared transfers from major Japanese airports (Klook)
Car Rental — Self-drive travel around Japan (trip.com)
Airport Transfer — Private and shared transfers from major Japanese airports (Klook)
Hotels in Japan
Find accommodation near your arrival airport. Select a city to see available hotels.
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Prices via Agoda — indicative rates for 1 night, 2 adults.
Klook.com
