Tokyo, Japan → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 11h 31min · 🚗 143h 19min
4,762 nautical miles · Time difference: -17h behind · Direction: west
The distance from Tokyo to Los Angeles 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 Tokyo, Japan to Los Angeles, United States 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.
Los Angeles is located west of Tokyo. Tokyo is in Asia, in the Kanto region of Japan, while Los Angeles is in North America, in West Coast, United States. This intercontinental route spans from Asia to North America.
| 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 Tokyo to Los Angeles. For 8,819 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Tokyo sits at 35.6762°N, 139.6503°E, while Los Angeles is located at 34.0522°N, 118.2437°W. The initial compass bearing from Tokyo to Los Angeles is 56° (NE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Tokyo heading roughly NE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.62° and the longitude difference is 257.89°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Tokyo and Los Angeles is approximately 47.9386°N, 168.5968°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 4,410 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Los Angeles is roughly 17 hours behind Tokyo. When it is 09:00 in Tokyo, it is approximately 16:00 in Los Angeles. A time difference of 17 hours typically produces noticeable jet lag — most travelers need about one recovery day per time zone crossed. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Tokyo uses the Japanese Yen (JPY), while Los Angeles uses the US Dollar (USD). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Japanese in Tokyo to English in Los Angeles. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Tokyo is a major city in Japan with a population of approximately 13,960,000. Located in the Kanto region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in Japan, Tokyo is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Tokyo
Los Angeles is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Situated in the West Coast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Los Angeles offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United States.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
At 8,819 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Asia to North America. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 8,819 km, Tokyo to Los Angeles is one of the world's longer routes, covering 22.0% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, Tokyo and Los Angeles have a population of over 17,939,576 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from Asia to North America, spanning 17 timezones.
This 8,819 km journey from Asia to North America 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 Tokyo to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Tokyo to Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles is approximately -17h behind compared to Tokyo.
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: May 30, 2026.