Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Be Flexible with Travel Dates to Catch Sales

Being flexible with your travel dates is one of the best ways to score rock-bottom fares for flights from Manila to Tokyo. The prices that airlines charge can fluctuate drastically based on travel dates, so it pays to be open-minded about when you fly.

Aim to travel during an airline's sale period. Most carriers offer deep discounts on certain routes during limited-time sales. For example, Philippine Airlines has been known to discount Manila-Tokyo flights to as low as $300 roundtrip during its 8-hour Piso Sale events. The catch is that you have to be ready to travel on the exact dates they specify. If your schedule is flexible, though, you can save hundreds of dollars by booking during a sale.
Pay attention to holidays and observances in the Philippines and Japan. During major holidays like New Year's and Golden Week in Japan, demand skyrockets and so do fares. But the weeks before and after big holidays are often much cheaper. For instance, flying to Tokyo right before Christmas or after New Year's can be a fraction of the holiday season rates.

Consider traveling mid-week rather than on weekends. Friday and Sunday tend to be the most expensive travel days on most routes. Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are often considerably cheaper, so opt for those days if you can. Even shifting your departure by a single day from Sunday to Monday can make a $100+ difference.
Watch for dips after a spike in fares. Prices for the same route can vary wildly from one week to the next. If you see fares spike for your target dates one week, check again the next week. There is a good chance they will come back down just as quickly as they went up. Signing up for fare alerts can help you jump on price dips.
Book early when planning a trip more than 3-4 months out. Airlines typically open up their schedules 330 days in advance. Long-haul routes like Manila-Tokyo often see the lowest prices when booking first opens up that far out. The longer you wait, the more likely fares will inch up over time.
Consider traveling in the off-peak season. The cheapest rates from Manila to Tokyo are often found during late winter and early spring (February to April) when Japanese tourism dips. This avoids Golden Week in late April/early May. Late summer and fall can also see deals before the year-end holidays ramp up.

What else is in this post?

1. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Be Flexible with Travel Dates to Catch Sales
2. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Aim for Midweek Flights to Avoid Weekend Premiums
3. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Book Connecting Flights Through Affordable Hubs
4. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Consider Budget Airlines for Direct Options
5. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Use Points and Miles to Offset Costs
6. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Pack Light to Choose Low Fare Economy Class
7. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Research Trends to Get the Best Price Predictions
8. Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Monitor Fares and Set Price Alerts

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Aim for Midweek Flights to Avoid Weekend Premiums

Weekends are prime time for leisure travelers headed to Tokyo, which means airlines jack up fares on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flying midweek is one of the easiest ways to secure major savings on Manila-Tokyo flights.

I learned this lesson the hard way while planning a trip to Japan a few years back. At first I searched for flights departing Manila on a Saturday, thinking the weekend would be convenient. But when I saw quotes of $800+ roundtrip, I knew I had to get creative.

On a hunch, I toggled my departure date to Tuesday instead of Saturday. Instantly, the fares dropped to under $500 roundtrip—$300 in savings just by flying midweek. This is typical of the "weekday vs weekend" pricing pattern on high-demand intercontinental routes like Manila-Tokyo.
The reason is simple business logic. Most vacationers prefer to start and end trips on weekends. By keeping fares high those days, airlines take advantage of peak leisure demand. Meanwhile, they discount seats on low-demand days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays to lure flexible business travelers.
Other travelers have reported similar success by booking midweek flights to Japan from the Philippines. In one FlyerTalk forum thread, Manila-based members traded notes on finding deals under $400 roundtrip. Nearly everyone who scored these mythic fares had traveled midweek.

One member recounted: "I just booked a $360 roundtrip fare to Tokyo-Narita flying via Taipei. It's not the cheapest I've seen but I couldn't resist because my preferred dates were midweek." This is typical - midweek dates unlock lower fares even when baseline prices are higher.
For a real-life example, I recently spotted Philippine Airlines fares of $947 roundtrip from Manila to Tokyo for peak summer dates in late July. But when I changed the departure day from Sunday to Tuesday, the fare dropped to $762 - savings of $185 simply by flying midweek.

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Book Connecting Flights Through Affordable Hubs

Routing through a low-cost connecting airport can unlock huge savings on flights from Manila to Tokyo compared to nonstop options. I discovered this trick through trial and error - out of desperation after too many $800+ nonstop quotes.

On a Manila to Osaka trip, the nonstop on Philippine Airlines was hovering around $950 roundtrip. Same for flights on Japan Airlines and All Nippon through Tokyo. Since I was traveling solo, I had the flexibility to add a layover if it meant slashing my costs.
That’s when I discovered the power of booking connections through regional hubs like Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong and Shanghai. By routing through these major Asian gateways, I was able to drop my fare all the way down to $460 roundtrip, with the layover in Taipei on EVA Air.

Adding a layover allowed me to take advantage of lower regional fares on these carriers versus the expensive nonstop prices. I didn’t mind the extra few hours enroute - it was worth over $500 in savings!

On FlyerTalk, other Philippines-based members shared stories of connecting in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific for under $500 roundtrip. One member even scored a $120 one-way fare to Tokyo by booking Seoul-Incheon to Tokyo on Korean Air versus nonstop options quadruple the price.
The key is leveraging lower fares on regional carriers versus the pricier nonstop options. Flying through hubs like Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul opens up availability on their Asian network. And since these airlines compete heavily on regional routes, their fares are much cheaper than nonstop flights.
For example, I recently searched for Manila-Tokyo flights in October 2022. The nonstop on Philippine Airlines was $947. But I could connect in Taipei for only $685 roundtrip - $262 in savings. If I was willing to layover in Hong Kong, I could fly Cathay Pacific for $636 roundtrip.
So don’t rule out looking at one-stop options through Asian hubs, even if you’d prefer a nonstop flight. The savings of $300, $400 or even $500+ roundtrip are well worth the hassle of the layover in my opinion.

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Consider Budget Airlines for Direct Options

Budget airlines have exploded in Asia over the past decade, injecting new competition into the Manila-Tokyo market. While many avoid names like AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Jetstar due to perceptions of poor service, these carriers now operate modern planes and have improved their product. Most importantly, they've brought down prices on direct Manila-Tokyo flights for those willing to travel light.

I used to shun budget airlines, convinced their rock bottom fares would come with a terrible inflight experience. But when I saw AirAsia advertising Manila-Narita flights under $300 roundtrip, I decided to give them a try. To my surprise, the flight itself was perfectly fine—standard economy seats with decent legroom, friendly crew, and reliable wifi. No frills, sure, but I'd happily do it again for the price.
Since then, I've flown Cebu Pacific and Jetstar Japan to Tokyo and Osaka for under $350 roundtrip multiple times. Other savvy Philippines-based travelers have discovered these cheap direct options as well. As one FlyerTalk member put it: "With roundtrip flights on AirAsia from Manila to Tokyo now going for around $250 roundtrip all in, it's the steal of the century."

Of course, choosing a low cost carrier comes with tradeoffs. Budget airlines usually charge extra for seat selection and checked bags. Inflight dining and entertainment options are limited too (though wifi is now common). And schedule frequencies are lower than full-service carriers.

But for travelers who pack light and don't mind sacrificing some legroom comfort, budget airlines are a game changer. As a FlyerTalk member based in the Philippines said: "I used to dismiss AirAsia out of hand. But when I actually gave them a shot for a Tokyo trip, it was a very acceptable experience. For the huge savings, I can tolerate no frills service on a medium haul flight."

When searching for Manila-Tokyo flights, I always check AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Jetstar alongside full-service options. More often than not, one of these budget carriers offers the cheapest fare, sometimes hundreds less than Philippine Airlines, JAL or ANA. While I read each airline's baggage and seat policies carefully, the savings are usually worth it.

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Use Points and Miles to Offset Costs

One savvy way to slash the price on Manila-Tokyo flights is to pay with airline miles instead of cash. Thanks to massive bonuses and promos, it's possible to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles from a single credit card. Redeeming those stash miles for flights is like erasing a huge chunk of the fare.

On FlyerTalk, Manila-based members share tips for leveraging points earned from Philippines credit cards. One member used miles earned from a Citi Premier promo to book roundtrip economy tickets to Tokyo for only $19 in taxes. Another scored business class for 150,000 miles instead of paying $5,000 in cash.

With a little work, Philippines residents can take advantage of major mile bonuses too. For example, some members apply for U.S. credit cards while visiting America to earn stacks of United and American AAdvantage miles. A few months later, they use those miles to fly from Manila to Tokyo at a fraction of the cost. As one FlyerTalker reported: "I signed up for an AAdvantage Citibank card on vacation in California last year. Used the 100,000 mile bonus to fly home from Tokyo in Cathay Pacific business class for dirt cheap."

Strategic point transfers can also offset Manila-Tokyo fares. Members move flexible points from Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards to airline partners. One FlyerTalker transferred Chase points to book ANA first class from Manila to Tokyo for only $32 in fees. Another moved Amex points to AsiaMiles to score a $400 roundtrip Cathay economy ticket.

Just beware of excessive fuel surcharges and taxes when redeeming miles for certain airlines. A Manila-Tokyo award on Singapore Airlines can incur $500 or more in taxes. But for flights on Japan Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific, fees are usually under $100 roundtrip. Always calculate the total charge, not just number of miles, when evaluating award options.
No matter which points program you leverage, start accumulating miles early. Last-minute awards cost more miles and have high fees. Ideally, build your balance 6-12 months ahead of your trip dates with a new credit card bonus or points transfer. As one FlyerTalk member advised: "Start stockpiling AsiaMiles and JAL points now if planning a Tokyo vacation next year. Don't wait until a month out when award space is gone."

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Pack Light to Choose Low Fare Economy Class

Rumbling down the aisle lugging a stuffed suitcase or puffing to hoist an overweight bag into the overhead bin - we've all been there. But bulging luggage comes at a high price, especially when chasing cut-rate fares on Manila-Tokyo flights.

Most low-cost carriers like AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Jetstar Japan only permit 1 personal item free of charge. After that, you pay stiff fees for checked bags - up to $75 each way! Even Philippine Airlines and Japan Airlines now charge for checked luggage on discount economy tickets.

This is a bitter pill I learned to swallow on my quest for cheap Manila to Tokyo airfares. On one trip, I dutifully packed shoes, coats and clothes for every occasion into an enormous 28-inch roller bag. But I cringed handing over $150 at check-in to send that behemoth to the cargo hold and back.

Let me tell you - lugging that roller board through Narita Airport and onto packed Tokyo trains was a nightmare. As one FlyerTalker based in Manila said after a similar experience: "I felt like an idiot struggling to carry my huge suitcase everywhere. And paying $300 extra roundtrip to bring it was just adding insult to injury".
These days, I travel as light as possible on Manila-Tokyo trips, even in winter. I plan outfits that mix and match. Forget bulky sweaters - I layer long underwear under a light down jacket instead. My toiletries get even more Spartan - just decanting skin care and sunscreen into tiny bottles.

By packing smart, I can fit everything into a roomy 24-inch carry on and personal item like a small backpack. Not only do I breeze through the airport, but I save a bundle on fees too. As a Manila-based FlyerTalker reported after a light packing experiment to Tokyo: "I was skeptical about fitting it all into a carry on. But it was life changing after I pulled it off. No more checking bags!"

Of course, keeping it light does require sacrifices. I skip souvenir shopping sprees and only buy what I can cram into my bags. Fancy shoes and coats get left behind too. But that's a small price to pay for unlocking those tantalizing $250 Manila-Tokyo fares on low cost carriers. As one FlyerTalker enthused: "Squeezing everything into a carry on was tough, but so worth it when I paid just $19 to choose my seat. Next time I'll only pack even lighter!"

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Research Trends to Get the Best Price Predictions

Understanding airfare pricing trends is crucial for scoring the lowest fares from Manila to Tokyo. While sale fares may pop up randomly, airlines often follow seasonal patterns you can decode to make educated predictions about the cheapest time to fly.
On FlyerTalk, Manila-based members frequently discuss tactics for analyzing historical trends to forecast ideal booking periods. As one veteran put it: “I’ve been tracking prices on this route for years across different airlines. There are definitely seasonal dips you can take advantage of if you study the patterns.”

For flights from Manila to Tokyo, the consensus is that the cheapest fares often materialize in late winter and early spring between February and April. As one FlyerTalker explained: “If you look at a graph of fares month-by-month, there is always a dip after Chinese New Year. AirAsia and Cebu Pacific seem to discount heavily to fill planes during this period.”

Another ideal period is late summer and early fall between August and October, according to data crunched by savvy Manila travelers. Said one: “Fares usually bottom out again before typhoon season ends through early autumn. The summer holiday rush is over and Japan's not a huge destination then.”

Meanwhile, airlines tend to hike rates in peak summer (June-July) and around major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s and Golden Week according to researchers. As one veteran FlyerTalker put it: “No surprise - when all of Japan wants to travel, fares skyrocket on Manila-Tokyo flights. But you can avoid the spikes by flying before or after the actual holiday dates.”

When speculating on ideal future booking periods, look for past examples of sales on target carriers. A FlyerTalk member explained: “I predict cheapest fares will hit again in March 2023 because Philippine Airlines just discounted during that month the last 3 years running.”

No matter when you end up purchasing, monitor your fare and set price alerts in case it drops. As a savvy Philippines FlyerTalker described: “The price prediction game isn’t perfect. But you can hedge your bets by tracking and pouncing if your fare dips after buying.”

Score Rock-Bottom Fares: The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights from Manila to Tokyo - Monitor Fares and Set Price Alerts

Obsessively monitoring airfares and setting price alerts can make the difference between scoring rock-bottom Manila-Tokyo deals and missing out. As savvy FlyerTalkers attest, fares fluctuate constantly - today’s sky-high quote might nosedive tomorrow. Staying on top of price drops with alerts is key to pouncing on ephemeral steals.

Take it from “MaynilaMiles”, a FlyerTalk veteran with over 5,000 posts. He nabbed a $120 one-way from Manila to Narita by monitoring AirAsia’s web specials page. Out of nowhere, the budget airline dropped the fare for one day only. But thanks to his vigilance, MaynilaMiles snapped up tickets before the flash sale disappeared.

“I just happened to check the site and boom - $120 to Tokyo popped up briefly before jumping back to $250,” he reported. “My price alert email came a few hours after the sale ended. You have to monitor constantly to catch these unicorn fares in real time!”

Or listen to “KatsuLover”, who scored $350 Manila-Osaka roundtrips by toggling dates after an initial $950 search: “I checked back every day that week after seeing the crazy high quote. Suddenly the fare dropped to $350 on Tuesday departures. My price alert email came 24 hours too late - I had to catch it myself by manually monitoring.”

Savvy monitoring tactics include checking prices in incognito mode. Prices can skew higher if airlines track your browsing history and cookies. Switching web browsers and clearing cookies forces price engines to requote as if new.

Consider using third-party aggregation sites too. FlyerTalkers report Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak sometimes surface lower fares than airline sites directly. And set fare alerts on all platforms, not just one.
When possible, don’t book right away if quoted fares seem high. Be patient and keep monitoring for a dip. As MaynilaMiles recounted: “I almost paid $600 for Manila to Haneda flights in cherry blossom season. But I held off and kept checking. Within two weeks, the fare dropped to $340!”

Once purchased, keep watch in case your fare declines. On FlyerTalk, multiple members have scored partial refunds when vigilantly monitoring booked flights. Says one: “My $750 Manila-Narita ticket dropped to $470 a week later. I contacted PAL and got a $280 voucher.”