Los Angeles, United States → Tokyo, Japan · ✈ 11h 31min · 🚗 143h 19min
4,762 nautical miles · Time difference: +17h ahead · Direction: east
The distance from Los Angeles to Tokyo is 8,819 km (5,480 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 11h 31min.
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles, United States to Tokyo, Japan is approximately 8,819 kilometers (5,480 miles or 4,762 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Tokyo is located east of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Tokyo is in Asia, in Kanto, Japan. This intercontinental route spans from North America to Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 8,819 km | ~11h 31min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Los Angeles to Tokyo. For 8,819 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Los Angeles is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. Los Angeles is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
Tokyo is a notable city in Japan with a population of approximately 13,960,000. Situated in the Kanto region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Tokyo is one of Japan's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Tokyo
At 8,819 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from North America to Asia. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 8,819 km, Los Angeles to Tokyo is one of the world's longer routes, covering 22.0% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, Los Angeles and Tokyo have a population of over 17,939,576 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from North America to Asia, spanning 17 timezones.
This 8,819 km journey from North America to Asia is one of the world's longer routes. At this distance, jet lag becomes a significant factor — plan for at least one recovery day per 3 time zones crossed.
See how the Los Angeles to Tokyo distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles to Tokyo is approximately 8,819 kilometers (5,480 miles, 4,762 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 11h 31min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 143h 19min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Tokyo is approximately +17h ahead compared to Los Angeles.
The estimated road distance is approximately 11,465 km, which is about 30% longer than the 8,819 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.