Travel to Tibet from Japan

Many Japanese tourists travel to Tibet to explore the stunning plateau landscape and unique culture of Tibetan Buddhism and architecture. Fortunately, Japan is very close to China, so it's easy to get to Tibet from Japan via mainland China. Alternatively, you also can get to Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal.

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

Travel to Tibet via Mainland China(Recommended)

First, we'll talk about reaching China. You can take a flight to China from Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda International Airport in Tokyo (HND), Osaka International Airport (ITM), and Central Japan International Airport in Nagoya (NGO).

Three major cities in Japan now have direct flights to China. Please check the flight duration below,

If your schedule is tight, you can choose to fly from Japan to Shanghai first. If you prefer budget flight tickets, indirect flights are the best choice. You can find multiple online flight ticket booking sites to compare plane cost, which varies according to peak season or off-season. Generally, China Eastern Airlines offers the least expensive flight tickets with one to two stops. The stops are either in Shanghai, Beijing, or any other major city.

What Permits Do You Need?

China and Japan are friendly neighboring countries, and Japanese tourists can enjoy visa-free access within 30 days. If your stay exceeds 30 days, you still need to apply for a China visa. To visit Tibet, you will be required to have a Tibet Travel Permit.

Tibet Travel Permit

All foreign travelers need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before getting to Tibet. After you book your Tibet tour, you need to send copies of your China visa and passport to your travel agency for the permit. Usually, they can get your permit within 20 days. Due to the China visa-free policy, you can just send your passport for a permit at present.

China Visa

You can apply for a China visa at the Chinese Embassy in Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Nagoya/Nigata/Osaka/Sapporo/Tokyo. It is important to note that you should not mention Tibet during the China visa application process. If the Chinese embassy requests more details of your tour, you can ask your travel agency to provide supporting documents.

Tibet Flights to Lhasa

Taking flights to Tibet is very convenient. Some airlines offer trips to Lhasa, namely, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Tibet Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. We list three major gateway cities here,

Chengdu

During the peak season of tourism, there are more than fifteen flights every day to Lhasa. During the off-season, the frequency drops to under ten flights a day between morning and afternoon. A one-way ticket to Lhasa costs around JPY 46,628. >> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa flights

Beijing

Air China and China Southern Airlines, both offer a one-morning 5-hour flight from Beijing. It comes with a stop in Chengdu, which reaches Lhasa in the afternoon. During peak seasons, tickets can go as high as JPY 73,076. >> See more about Beijing to Lhasa flights

Shanghai

Flying through China Eastern Airlines from Shanghai at an all-year consistent rate of about JPY 73,382 for a 6-hour flight. For the best price, you can contact our travel consultant to check for you. >> See more about Shanghai to Lhasa flights

Tibet Train to Lhasa

Taking a Train is the best way to travel to Tibet. Although you will stay at least 20 hours on the train, you can adapt to the altitude gradually, therefore minimizing the occurrence of acute altitude sickness. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is also the highest railway in the world. The entire journey is a visual feast.

Train from Beijing

Traveling from Beijing to Lhasa will turn out to be one of the highlights of your trip. Being 3,757km long, it vastly covers eight provinces in the Northern China Plain. This train journey takes about 41 hours. >> See more about Beijing to Lhasa train

Train from Shanghai

The only train to Lhasa, Z164, leaves from Shanghai at 08:02 pm. It reaches Lhasa at 06:46 pm on the 3^rd day. This train journey covers a distance of 4,373km and takes about 46 hours and 44 minutes. >> See more about Shanghai to Lhasa train

Train from Chengdu

Traveling to Lhasa from Chengdu via Z322 takes you the least amount of time besides Lanzhou and Xining. The Chengdu-Tibet leaves at 09:08 pm on Day 1 and reaches by 10:24 on Day 3.  This train journey covers a distance of 3,000km and takes about 37 hours. Please note, that the train from Chengdu to Lhasa runs every other day. Please check if there is a train on your departure date prior. >> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa train

Train from Xining

Xining, the capital of Qinghai, is about 1,972km far from Lhasa. It is one of the shortest train rides to Lhasa as it only takes 21 hours. If you're not going to spend too much time, flying to Xining and taking the Xining-Lhasa train is the best option for you. You can experience the Qinghai-Tibet railway and acclimatize your body at the same time. There are five trains from Xining to Lhasa every day. Z165 is the best train to explore the scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway as travelers can view the most beautiful highlights in the daytime. >> See more about Xining to Lhasa train

Travel to Tibet via Kathmandu

If you are interested in visiting the other side of the Himalayas and exploring the exotic culture, getting to Tibet via Kathmandu is a good choice. You can omit the China Visa application process, instead, you need to apply for a China Group Visa with the help of your Tibet Travel Agency. Due to the China visa-free policy, you can be exempted from China group visa till 31 Dec 2025.

Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is considered one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. During the flight, you will see Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, and other peaks of the Himalayas. And the flight duration is not very long, about 1.5 hours. You will feel convenient and comfortable traveling in this way. There are 3 direct flights from KTM Airport to LXA Airport per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. >> Check more about Kathmandu to Lhasa Flights

Overland Trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa

There is a highway connecting Nepal and Lhasa - China-Nepal Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway. Driving along the highway is a unique experience. Along the way, you will see the majestic peaks of the Himalayas at an altitude of 8,000 meters, the lush forest of Gyirong Valley, the holy lake Yamdroktso, the winding Yarlung Zangbo River, as well as canyons, and streams, etc. The natural landscape on this road will fascinate you.

√  Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Overland Group Tour

Conclusion

For Japanese tourists, traveling to Tibet is made easier by the proximity of Japan to China and the 30-day China visa-free policy, with multiple air routes available to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. From there, travelers can easily connect to flights or trains heading to Lhasa. Alternatively, you can take a flight or take an overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa. On the way,  you can have glimpses of the Himalayas.