Japan is about to get a whole lot easier to reach from Europe. Lufthansa Group has announced a major expansion of its Japan network for summer 2027, with its airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, and ITA Airways operating up to 50 weekly flights to Japan. That's a significant jump from the roughly 39 flights they ran in a single week last September, and it means more choices for travelers heading to Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond.

Nagoya Makes a Comeback

The headline news is the return of Lufthansa's seasonal direct service between Frankfurt and Nagoya, starting March 29, 2027. The route will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Flight LH736 departs Frankfurt at 2:10 pm and lands in Nagoya at 9:35 am the next day. The return, LH737, leaves Nagoya at 11:30 am and arrives back in Frankfurt at 6:30 pm local time.

Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is a powerhouse of Japan's automotive and manufacturing industries. But it's also a gateway to cultural treasures like Kyoto, which is just a short train ride away. For travelers who want to avoid the crowds of Tokyo and Osaka, this route opens up a different side of Japan, one that's often overlooked.

More Tokyo Options

Lufthansa is also strengthening its presence in Tokyo. From March 28, 2027, the airline will operate a daily seasonal service between Frankfurt and Tokyo-Narita. Flight LH710 leaves Frankfurt at 1:45 pm, arriving at Narita at 9:30 am the following day. The return, LH711, departs at 11:20 am and reaches Frankfurt at 6:40 pm.

This new Narita service complements Lufthansa's existing daily flights to Tokyo-Haneda from both Frankfurt and Munich. So travelers will have more flexibility than ever when planning their Tokyo itinerary. Both the Nagoya and new Narita routes will be flown on Boeing 787-9 aircraft with Lufthansa's latest Allegris cabin, featuring 28 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 231 Economy seats.

SWISS Steps Up Too

SWISS is also increasing its Japan capacity, offering up to seven weekly flights between Zurich and Tokyo-Narita. That means even more options for travelers connecting through Switzerland. Combined, the Lufthansa Group will serve four Japanese destinations: Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

This expansion is a clear signal that Japan remains a key market for the group. As Dieter Vranckx, Lufthansa Group's Chief Commercial Officer, put it, "Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya."

For travelers, this means more choice and better connectivity. And with the joint venture partner ANA, passengers can easily connect to onward flights within Japan and beyond. The new summer 2027 flights are already available for booking, so you can start planning your Japanese adventure now. If you're thinking about a trip, this is the perfect time to check out a new 350 km cycling loop through Japan's quietest prefecture or consider the quirky Poké Ball hotel that's set to open. And if you're worried about animal cafés, Japan is finally counting every owl, otter, and cat in those establishments.

With more flights and more destinations, Lufthansa Group is making it easier than ever to explore Japan. Whether you're heading to the neon lights of Tokyo, the historic streets of Kyoto, or the industrial heart of Nagoya, there's a flight that fits your plans. And with the expanded schedule, you might even find a bargain. So go ahead, book that ticket, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.