Australia to Tokyo
Tokyo has the most flights from Australia, all nonstop from the east coast. It has two international airports. Haneda is close to the city centre and has the most domestic connections, including flights to Kumamoto. Narita is further out and is used mainly by Jetstar and some full-service flights.
| From | Arrives at | Airlines | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Haneda and Narita | Qantas, JAL, ANA, Jetstar | About 9.5–10 hrs |
| Melbourne | Haneda and Narita | Qantas, JAL, Jetstar | About 10.5–11 hrs |
| Brisbane | Narita | JAL, Jetstar | About 9 hrs |
From other cities such as Perth, Adelaide or Cairns, connect through Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, or through an Asian hub. Routes and frequencies change by season, so check with the airlines.
From the airport into Tokyo
Haneda
The Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail reaches central Tokyo in about 15–30 minutes, and Shinagawa, a Shinkansen station, is about 15 minutes away. Stark House Tokyo Haneda is a short ride from the airport, which makes it an easy first and last stop after a long flight.
Narita
The Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes, and the Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in about an hour. Airport limousine buses also run to Haneda (about 1–1.5 hours), handy for a Haneda domestic flight or a stay near Haneda.
More ideas: Where to stay near Haneda Airport · Places to visit from Haneda · Tokyo eating guide
Australia to Osaka
Osaka's international gateway is Kansai International Airport (KIX), built on an island in Osaka Bay. It's the best arrival point for Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop from Melbourne | Jetstar runs seasonal nonstop flights from Melbourne to Kansai, about 10.5–11 hrs. | Seasonal, so check which months it operates before you plan around it |
| Via an Asian hub | Connect in Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul or Taipei, which all have frequent flights to Kansai. | Works year-round from any Australian city, and a stopover adds an extra destination |
| Via Tokyo | Fly nonstop to Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (about 2.5 hrs) or a domestic flight. | The most flight choices, and you can add a few days in Tokyo |
From Kansai Airport into Osaka
JR Haruka to Shin-Osaka
The limited express Haruka runs directly to Shin-Osaka in about 50 minutes and continues to Kyoto. Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni is one subway stop from Shin-Osaka, so it's easy to reach on arrival and a good base for trips across Kansai.
Nankai to Namba
The Nankai Line, including the rapi:t limited express, runs to Namba in southern Osaka in about 35–45 minutes. Good if you're heading to Dotonbori and the Minami area.
More ideas: Where to stay near Shin-Osaka & Higashimikuni · Osaka eating guide · Kansai cultural experiences
Australia to Kumamoto: four ways to get there
There are no nonstop flights from Australia to Kumamoto, but one connection gets you there the same day. Kumamoto's airport is officially called Aso Kumamoto Airport (code KMJ). It sits east of the city, on the road towards Aso. These are the most practical routes from Australia:
| Route | How it works | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Tokyo Haneda or Narita | Nonstop from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Tokyo with Qantas, JAL, ANA or Jetstar, then a domestic flight to Kumamoto. | Haneda–Kumamoto: many flights a day with JAL and ANA, about 1 hr 45 min. Narita–Kumamoto: Jetstar Japan, about 2 hrs. | Most travellers. Easiest, with the most flight choices |
| Via Osaka Kansai | Seasonal Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Kansai, then the Shinkansen or a domestic flight. | Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kumamoto: about 3 hrs, no changes on the faster services. Flights also run from Osaka Itami. | Combining Kyoto or Osaka with Kyushu |
| Via Seoul or Taipei | Fly from Australia to Seoul (Incheon) or Taipei (Taoyuan), then take a direct international flight to Kumamoto. | Seoul–Kumamoto: Korean Air and Trinity Airlines, daily, about 1 hr 30 min. Taipei–Kumamoto: STARLUX and China Airlines, about 2 hrs. | Flying straight into Kumamoto, or adding a stopover |
| Via Fukuoka | Connect through an Asian hub to Fukuoka, then take the Kyushu Shinkansen. | Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station by subway: about 5 min. Hakata to Kumamoto by Shinkansen: about 35–40 min. | Pairing Fukuoka with Kumamoto on one trip |
Overview as of October 2026. Flight days, times and fares change by season. Check the airlines' websites for current schedules.
Tips for choosing your route
Book the domestic leg on the same ticket
If you fly Qantas or JAL to Tokyo, ask for the Kumamoto flight on the same booking. Your bags are usually checked through, and the airline will rebook you if the first flight is delayed.
Haneda is easier than Narita
Most Kumamoto flights leave from Haneda. If you land at Narita, either connect to Jetstar's Narita–Kumamoto flight or allow time to cross Tokyo, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Give yourself a buffer
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for an international-to-domestic connection in Japan. You clear immigration and customs at your first airport, collect your bags, and usually change terminals.
Overnight flights save a day
Several flights from Australia arrive in Tokyo early in the morning. Connect to a Kumamoto flight around midday and you'll still have the afternoon to settle in.
From Kumamoto Airport to your destination
There's no train line into the airport, so most visitors use the bus, the free shuttle or a rental car.
| Option | Goes to | Time and cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport limousine bus | Kumamoto city centre and Kumamoto Station | About 50–60 min. Around ¥840 to the Kumamoto Castle area | The most popular option. Runs frequently and accepts IC transit cards |
| Free airport shuttle Airport Liner | JR Higo-Ozu Station | About 15 min. Free | Change to the JR Hohi Line for the city or for Aso |
| Rental car | Aso, Amakusa, Kurokawa Onsen and other areas | Several rental companies near the airport, most with free shuttles | The best way to explore Aso, where public transport is limited |
| Taxi | Accommodation near the airport | Metered | Easiest after an evening arrival with luggage |
Times and fares are a guide only and may change.
Before you go: tips for Australian travellers
- Passport and visa-free entryAustralian passport holders can visit Japan as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay.
- Register on Visit Japan WebEnter your immigration and customs details on Visit Japan Web before you fly. On arrival you show a QR code, which speeds up processing.
- Bring an International Driving PermitTo rent a car you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your Australian licence and passport. Get the IDP before you leave from your state motoring club, such as NRMA, RACV or RACQ. You can't get one once you're in Japan. Japan drives on the left, so the road rules will feel familiar.
- Remember the seasons are reversedAustralia's summer holidays fall in Japan's winter. From December to February, Aso can be icy or snowy, so ask the rental company for winter tyres. June to July is the rainy season, and typhoons can disrupt flights from about July to October.
- Pack a plug adapterJapan uses two flat pins (Type A) at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers work fine, but you'll need an adapter for Australian plugs.
- Carry an IC card and some cashBuses and trains accept IC transit cards, but some country restaurants, small shops and car parks are still cash only. Carry some yen.
- Jet lag is minimalJapan is only 1 to 2 hours behind eastern Australia, depending on daylight saving, so you can start exploring from day one.
Make it a bigger trip: Tokyo, Osaka and Kumamoto
Coming all the way from Australia, it's worth seeing more than one side of Japan. These two sample itineraries combine Tokyo, the Kansai region and Kumamoto, with a Stark House home at every stop. You'll have room to unpack, cook and do laundry, and travel more like a local.
Book a multi-city ticket for both itineraries, and add the domestic flights or Shinkansen inside Japan. Many travellers send big suitcases ahead to the next city with a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) and travel with just a day bag. Check with your host before sending luggage to your stay.
Itinerary 1: Tokyo in, Tokyo out
About 14 nightsBest if you fly Qantas, JAL or ANA to Tokyo. You start and finish next to Haneda Airport, so the long-haul flights are stress-free.
- Arrive in Tokyo · 3 nightsAustralia → Haneda
Check in at Stark House Tokyo Haneda, a short ride from the airport, and get over the long flight. Spend your days in Tokyo, Kawasaki and Yokohama.
- Osaka and Kansai · 4 nightsShinkansen Tokyo/Shinagawa → Shin-Osaka · about 2.5 hrs
Board at Shinagawa, which is quick to reach from Haneda. Stay at Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni, one subway stop from Shin-Osaka, a handy base for Osaka food and day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
- Kumamoto and Aso · 4 nightsFly Osaka Itami → Kumamoto · about 1 hr 15 min
Itami Airport is about 25 minutes from Shin-Osaka by airport bus. Stay at Stark House Kumamoto Ozu, near Kumamoto Airport, then pick up a rental car for the Aso volcano country, hot springs and Kumamoto Castle.
Ideas: Kumamoto Airport to Aso road trip · Kumamoto eating guide
- Back to Tokyo · 2 nightsFly Kumamoto → Haneda · about 1 hr 45 min
Return to Stark House Tokyo Haneda for some last shopping and sightseeing, then pack at your own pace.
- Fly homeHaneda → Australia
Your stay is close to Haneda, so there's no early-morning dash across the city on departure day.
Itinerary 2: Osaka in, Osaka out
About 14 nightsBest if you fly into Kansai Airport, for example on Jetstar's seasonal Melbourne service or via an Asian hub. You see Kumamoto early in the trip and finish with Osaka's food scene.
- Arrive in Osaka · 3 nightsAustralia → Kansai Airport, then JR Haruka to Shin-Osaka · about 50 min
Stay at Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni and ease into Japan with Osaka's markets, street food and neighbourhoods.
Ideas: Osaka eating guide · Osaka & Kansai museums
- Kumamoto and Aso · 4 nightsFly Itami → Kumamoto · about 1 hr 15 min, or Shinkansen · about 3 hrs
Stay at Stark House Kumamoto Ozu and explore Aso, the hot springs and Kumamoto city by car.
- Tokyo · 4 nightsFly Kumamoto → Haneda · about 1 hr 45 min
Land at Haneda and check in nearby at Stark House Tokyo Haneda. Explore Tokyo and Yokohama, from museums and shrines to a night out.
Ideas: Tokyo cultural experiences · Tokyo & Yokohama anime and manga
- Back to Osaka · 2 nightsShinkansen Shinagawa → Shin-Osaka · about 2.5 hrs
Return to Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni for a last Kyoto day trip or a final round of Osaka eating.
- Fly homeShin-Osaka → Kansai Airport by JR Haruka · about 50 min, then → Australia
Shin-Osaka has direct trains to Kansai Airport, so getting to your flight is simple.
Nights and travel times are suggestions. Adjust them to your dates, and check flight and train timetables when you book. Fly-in cities depend on the international flights available from your home city.
Stay with STARK House in Tokyo, Osaka and Kumamoto
There's a STARK House at each of the three destinations: a private place of your own with room to cook, do laundry and settle in, ideal for families and longer stays. Stay at one, or follow the itineraries above and use all three.
STARK House Tokyo Haneda
A short ride from Haneda Airport; about 1–1.5 hrs from Narita
In Haneda, Ota Ward. Two studios (Rooms 202 and 401), built in 2026. Close to the airport, so it's perfect for your first and last nights, with quick access to central Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama and domestic flights to Kumamoto.
View Tokyo HanedaSTARK House Osaka Higashimikuni
One subway stop from Shin-Osaka; about 50 min from Kansai Airport by JR Haruka
In Higashimikuni, Yodogawa Ward. Two studios over 30㎡ (Rooms 101 and 103) with BALMUDA appliances, built in 2026. Easy access to the Shinkansen, Kansai and Itami airports: a great base for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and the trip to Kumamoto.
View Osaka HigashimikuniSTARK House Kumamoto Ozu
Close to Kumamoto Airport, on the way to Aso
In Ozu, on the road to Aso. An entire 80㎡ three-bedroom home for up to six guests, built in 2025, with a full kitchen, laundry and EV charger. Ideal for road trips to Aso and the hot springs.
View Kumamoto OzuKeep planning: