Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka (KIX) instead of Tokyo?

Sometimes. Check multi-city options. If you plan to travel across the country anyway, flying into one and out of the other (open-jaw) can save you the cost of a return train ticket.

Are mid-week flights actually cheaper?

Yes. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is consistently cheaper than departing on a Friday or Saturday.

Finding Cheap Flights to Japan

Book your flight 3 to 4 months in advance using Google Flights to track price drops. Avoid flying during Japan's peak travel seasons, specifically Golden Week in early May and the cherry blossom season in late March and April.

Set up price tracking. Go to Google Flights, enter your departure city and destination airport (NRT or HND), and toggle the 'Track prices' switch. This sends an email notification the moment fares drop.
Be flexible with airports. Tokyo has two main airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). When searching, select 'All Tokyo Airports' to see the cheapest entry point for your specific dates.
Target the shoulder seasons. Prices are lowest in mid-January, February, and November. Aim for these windows to save up to 30% compared to summer or spring prices.
Check budget carriers. Look at airlines like Zipair for trans-Pacific routes. They offer significantly lower base fares than legacy carriers, though you will pay extra for meals and checked bags.

Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka (KIX) instead of Tokyo?: Sometimes. Check multi-city options. If you plan to travel across the country anyway, flying into one and out of the other (open-jaw) can save you the cost of a return train ticket.
Are mid-week flights actually cheaper?: Yes. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is consistently cheaper than departing on a Friday or Saturday.