Your Guide to Booking a Tokyo Stopover

Longhaul travel from New Zealand to Europe can feel like a marathon. But there's an increasingly popular way to make the journey more comfortable, rewarding and memorable - a Japan stopover.

Instead of rushing from one flight to the next, a Tokyo stopover gives you the chance to break up your journey, reduce jetlag and experience one of the world's most exciting cities along the way.

Whether you're stopping for a couple of nights or a few extra days, Tokyo offers an incredible mix of culture, food, shopping and sightseeing that can transform a simple transit into a holiday highlight.

From futuristic cityscapes and neon-lit streets to peaceful temples and traditional gardens, Tokyo is a destination that delivers something completely different before you even reach Europe.

If you're looking forward to Europe but not the long flight, you're not alone.

More New Zealand travellers are choosing stopovers in Tokyo to break up their journey and arrive feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

A stopover allows you to step off the plane, stretch your legs and explore a world-class destination before continuing on. Not only can it help reduce travel fatigue, but it also gives you the chance to experience a destination many travellers would happily visit as a standalone holiday.

Tokyo offers a unique blend of old and new. One minute you're wandering through centuries-old temples, the next you're dining in a futuristic skyscraper overlooking the city skyline.

And if you're stopping on the way home, Tokyo is the perfect place to relax, shop, enjoy outstanding food and squeeze in one final adventure before returning home.

A Tokyo stopover isn't just a break in the journey, it's a chance to get even more value from your holiday.

Tokyo has become a favourite stopover destination for travellers heading between New Zealand and Europe.

The city is served by two major international airports - Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport - both offering excellent connections and efficient transit experiences.

For New Zealand travellers flying with airlines such as Air New Zealand, ANA and other carrier partners, Tokyo often sits naturally on routes between Auckland and Europe.

One of Tokyo's biggest advantages is how much you can see in a short amount of time. From the famous Shibuya Crossing to traditional temples including Senso-ji Temple, day trips to Mount Fuji, shopping in Shinjuku and the Tokyo Skytree – There’s no shortage of things to eat, see and do in Tokyo.

Combining world-class infrastructure with unforgettable cultural experiences, Tokyo is the ideal city for a short stopover.

Booking a stopover in Tokyo is easier than you might think.

Your local House of Travel specialist can help create a customised multi-city itinerary that includes time in Tokyo before continuing on to Europe or another destination.

We'll help you book your flights, accommodation, airport transfers, rail passes and tours, plus we’re support you with expert knowledge and guidance only an insider can give you.

We'll make sure your stopover fits seamlessly into your travel plans, with everything organised in one easy itinerary.

All you need to do is decide how long you'd like to stay.

Even a short stopover gives you plenty of time to experience the highlights of Japan.

Some must-do Tokyo experiences include:

• Cross the iconic Shibuya Crossing
• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
• Enjoy fresh sushi at local markets and restaurants
• Explore the bright lights of Shinjuku
• Shop in Ginza, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Omotesando
• Take in city views from Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower
• Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
• Take a day trip to see Mount Fuji

Tokyo's unique combination of ancient traditions and modern innovation makes it one of the most fascinating stopover destinations in the world.

Japan is renowned for efficiency, and Tokyo's airports are no exception.

Both Narita and Haneda airports offer well-organised transit facilities, straightforward processes and excellent transport links into the city.

Typical transit times vary depending on your connection, but many international transfers can be completed within 60 to 120 minutes.

If you're staying in Tokyo for a few nights, frequent rail and airport services make it easy to reach central Tokyo quickly and comfortably.

If your flights are booked on the same ticket, your checked baggage may be transferred to your final destination, depending on your airline and stopover arrangements.

For travellers looking to make longhaul travel easier, few cities do it better than Tokyo.

Break up your travel time with a Tokyo stopover. Speak to your local House of Travel specialist to book your Tokyo stopover so you can be well rested before touring Europe or ease back into reality after your European holiday.