For international travelers in 2026, Narita International Airport (NRT) generally remains the cheapest gateway into Japan, especially when flying from North America, Europe, or other parts of Asia. While Haneda (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo, Narita serves as the primary hub for many budget and low-cost carriers (LCCs) like ZIPAIR, Jetstar, and Peach. These airlines often offer significantly lower base fares into Narita to offset the higher landing fees at Haneda. For those traveling within Asia, Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka is a strong competitor for the "cheapest" title, frequently offering bargain flights from hubs like Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok. While you might save $100–$200 on your airfare by choosing Narita over Haneda, you should factor in the roughly ¥3,000 ($20) and 60–90 minutes required for the Narita Express or Skyliner train to reach the city. However, for the budget-conscious traveler, the "Narita vs. Haneda" price gap usually favors Narita as the most economical entry point.