Flights to Tibet from Japan

Like most Japanese tourists, if you are addicted to the culture of Buddhism, the mystery of Mount Everest, the beauty of Namtso Lake, and the magnificence of the Potala Palace, welcome to Tibet, the roof of the world! You can not only enjoy the long-day sunshine but also stand at the foot of Mount Everest to admire the world's highest mountain, which will be your lifetime experience. Are you tempted?

Important Notice: Visitors from Japan can enjoy a 30-day China visa-free policy till 31 December 2025.

As is known to all, Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world which borders Tibet in the north and Nepal in the south. Every year, thousands of foreign tourists travel to Tibet to see the north face of Mt.Everest as there are no obstacles and you can drive to Everest Base Camp directly, unlike a week trek in Nepal. And if you have an opportunity to go there, you will fall in love with the plateau scenery as well as the Tibetan culture. There is something about the flight to Tibet from Japan you should know about it.

Permits You Need When You Travel to Tibet

There is no exception that all foreign travelers need to apply for a China Visa and Tibet Travel Permit before entering Lhasa. The China Visa can be obtained at the China Embassy in Japan for entering China, and the Tibet Travel Permit can be secured by your Tibet travel agency. When you apply for your China visa, there is an option in the application that requires you to list your desired visiting places in China. Remember not to list Tibet as one of your destinations, if you do this, you cannot successfully obtain your visa cos they will ask you to provide your Tibet Travel Permit. But here in Tibet, we need your China Visa first then get your permit. Finally, you will find yourself immersed in a loop. For your Tibet Travel Permit, you need to book with a Tibet travel agency beforehand. What's more, if you want to visit some sensitive areas, you are required to apply for an Alien's Travel Permit & Military Permit, such as Mt.Kailash, Mt. Everest, etc., and your agency in Tibet will handle them all.

For applying for your Tibet Travel Permit, a scan of your passport & China Visa, your entry and exit city to Tibet, as well as your occupation will be needed. For diplomats, journalists, or media staff with a journalist Visa, you have to turn to the Foreign Affairs Office in Lhasa for your Tibet travel permit.

How to Get to Tibet?

There are multiple choices and maybe only one suits you best. As there is no direct flight from Japan to Tibet, you are advised to arrive in mainland China first. If you have no idea which Chinese cities to fly to before Lhasa from your location, you may simply ask our travel consultant. In general, we recommend you take a flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Narita Airport (NRT), or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) to a mainland Chinese city such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, etc. then take the flight or train to Tibet next day according to your travel schedule.

Chengdu to Tibet by Air

Based on feedback from the tourists, taking a flight to Tibet from Chengdu is regarded as the best way to enter Tibet, as there are more than 15 flights to Lhasa (3,650m) each day and you can take a 2.5-hour direct flight to Lhasa. Also, you can take a 2-hour direct flight to Nyingchi, at a lower altitude of around 3,000 meters, therefore it's better to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment. In Chengdu, you may consider staying one or two days to see Giant Panda, try the variety of delicious food, Sichuan opera, teahouse, etc. to enjoy its leisurely slow life.

>>See more about Chengdu to Lhasa flight

>>See more about Chengdu to Nyingchi flight

Chengdu to Tibet by Train

You can also take a train to Tibet. From Chengdu to Tibet, it takes about 34.5-hour to arrive in Lhasa. Although taking a train takes extra time, you can enjoy the amazing scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is also called Sky Road. Besides the magnificent scenery along the railway, you can adapt to the altitude gradually.

>> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa train

Xian to Tibet by Air

Xian is also a good gateway city to Tibet. From Xian to Tibet, you can take a 3-hour direct flight. And there are more than 3 flights to Lhasa every day. Xi'an is the core of the culture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, with a long history of more than 3,000 years. There are not only the terracotta warriors, the ancient city walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, etc. but also the unique Northwest flavor food.

>>See more about Xian to Lhasa flight

Xian to Tibet by Train

It takes only 31 hours to reach Lhasa by train from Xi'an, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet line along the way. Since the trains to Lhasa passing by Xián are originally departing from Shanghai and Guangzhou, it is a little bit difficult to buy train tickets from Xi'an to Lhasa, especially in the peak season. You are advised to take a high-speed train to Xining from Xián then take a Xián Lhasa train.

>>See more about Xian to Lhasa train

>> See more about Xining to Lhasa train

Shanghai to Tibet by Air

Shanghai is a good gateway city to China. From Shanghai to Tibet, you can take a 7-hour connecting flight, usually with stopovers in Chengdu or Xián. Shanghai is a metropolis of international economy and entertainment center, located in the east of China. Here, you can feel the perfect fusion of East and West, and experience modern urban life and rich historical and cultural heritage. You can visit Bund to feel the charm of East Paris, enjoy the old water town, etc., and try local delicacies.

>>See more about Shanghai to Lhasa flights

Beijing to Tibet by Air

Beijing is also a popular gateway city to China. From Beijing to Tibet, you can take a 4.5-hour direct flight. Beijing, the capital of China, is also a gathering place of culture and history. There are a large number of cultural heritages including Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, etc., as well as Hutong, old and vibrant blocks.

>> See more about Beijing to Lhasa flights

Conclusion

For Japanese tourists, reaching Tibet is both convenient and rewarding, with multiple routes through gateway cities in mainland China such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Beijing. Each city provides unique cultural and historical experiences before embarking on the journey to the Roof of the World.