India and Japan – two Asian countries that could hardly be more different. If you want to explore both in just one trip, you can currently book premium economy tickets with Air India starting at €928. A multi-day stopover in Delhi is already included at these prices, as well as 2×23 kg of checked luggage.
You won’t be able to avoid a longer layover in Delhi on the outbound flight either. Due to a layover of at least 8 hours at the airport, the outbound journey takes 25 hours (twice as long as a direct flight from Frankfurt to Tokyo).
In principle, the whole itinerary can also be booked without a Delhi stopover and is then slightly cheaper (from €905). However, with a travel time of 25 to 29 hours per direction (thanks to a layover of at least 8 hours in each direction), this is not a particularly practical way to get to Japan. Unless, of course, you really enjoy spending time on planes and at airports.
Availability is mainly for September 2026 as well as January and May 2027. You are welcome to use the following form to book via Trip.com:
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The flights include a layover in Delhi. If the India stopover is on the return flight, you will still have an outbound layover of almost 8 hours at the airport there (during the day). If you opt for a Delhi stopover on the outbound journey, you will have to spend 10 hours at the airport on the way back from Tokyo. In any case, anyone wishing to leave the airport will need a (multi-entry) visa.
While Japan can be visited without a visa by almost all Europeans, a visa is required for India. A single-entry e-visa costs €9 or €22, depending on the period. An overview of these and other fees can be found here.
Search & Book
The fare rules do not specify how long these prices will remain valid. According to them, the following travel periods are permitted:
Outbound flight:
- August 13 to September 17, 2026
- January 1 to January 29, 2027
- April 15 to June 16, 2027
Return flight:
- September 17 to October 29, 2026
- November 20 to December 28, 2026
- January 19 to February 12, 2027
- May 18 to August 2027
Trip.com offers two fares when booking: one with a €366 change fee (from €969), and one with a €69 change fee (from €934). The latter option is likely the recommended choice, unless you are very certain that nothing will come up. In the event of a change, any fare difference would still be added on top.
Finding available dates can be rather difficult. ITA Matrix is of no help, and Google Flights also has very limited functionality. Therefore, you might as well orient yourselves by the travel periods mentioned above and try your luck on websites like Trip.com. Booking directly with Air India will cost at least €1,013.
Editor’s Note: Considering current prices to Japan, this is a bargain. If you’re interested in visiting India and have limited time, you could make a long layover on the outbound journey and organize a day trip to the Taj Mahal on the return. That would be a more fulfilling experience than seeing it on the Soaring ride at Tokyo DisneySea.
Miles & Points
The tickets are issued in booking class E. For earning miles, this leaves only a few options:
- 14,888 Award Miles + 2,000 PQP on United MileagePlus
- 7,446 Award Miles + 3,722 Tier Miles on Avianca LifeMiles
- Customize Calculation
Air India’s Maharaja Club offers a revenue-based mileage credit of approximately 13,800 status and reward points.
Destinations
Information & Tips for Tokyo
Tokyo is known for its blend of traditional and modern attractions, including the historic Senso-ji Temple, the bustling Shibuya Crossing, and the futuristic Odaiba district. The currency used is the Japanese yen (JPY), and credit cards are widely accepted in many places. Tokyo can be expensive, especially for accommodation and dining in tourist areas, but budget options are available. The weather varies: summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold but generally dry. The best times to visit are in spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for mild temperatures).
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as YohoMobile and Nomad. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Japan 
Compared
→ All Dealz for Tokyo
Information & Tips for Delhi
Delhi, India’s capital, is known for historic sites like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar, as well as vibrant markets and cultural districts. The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR), and cash is widely used, though cards and digital payments are increasingly common. Prices are generally low by international standards, making it a budget-friendly destination. The weather is extreme—very hot in summer (April–June), with a monsoon season from July to September, and cooler, more comfortable weather from October to March.
→ All Dealz for Delhi