SkyTeam member China Eastern Airlines is currently offering discounted roundtrips from Copenhagen to many cities in Japan, with prices going as low as €449 (~DKK 3,352). Sadly, a long layover in Shanghai is almost always necessary to get the lowest price, except for Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo. Flights are available from September through December 2025.
You can reach the following destinations with short layovers in China:
If you don’t mind spending several hours or a night in Shanghai, you can also reach the following destinations:
- Okayama ab €449
- Hiroshima ab €450
- Toyama ab €450
- Okinawa ab €452
- Kumamoto ab €457
- Nagoya ab €463
- Tokyo at €472
- possibly more
Our availability calendar highlights all possible flight dates at the lowest price for trips up to 28 days with short layovers. It will forward you to Skyscanner with your selected flight dates. There, you can also check what online travel agencies have to offer, or proceed to China Eastern’s website, where tickets are roughly €20 more expensive.
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All itineraries feature a change of planes in Shanghai both ways. Flights between Shanghai and Copenhagen are operated by Airbus A330 aircraft with a 2-4-2 seating pattern in economy class. The seats are equipped with personal screens, AC and USB-A power outlets. Trips from China to Japan and back are usually operated by Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.
Most European passport holders can spend up to 90 days in Japan visa-free.
Search & Book
According to the fare rules, these tickets are on sale without a sales period, for departures between September 15 and December 12, 2025. Your return flight may depart later. Availability depends on the destination, but is generally good in November 2025.
Google Flights helps you find additional flight dates, though prices may jump on certain routes. We recommend booking directly on China Eastern’s website, but you can find cheaper prices with Skyscanner. However, booking on OTAs has its downsides.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
Tickets are issued in booking class Z. A trip to Fukuoka earns the following miles and points:
- 3,406 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 2,838 RDM + 568 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 2,838 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 2,838 Award Miles + 70 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Japan
Japan offers a blend of modern cities and natural beauty, with highlights including Tokyo’s bustling urban landscape, Kyoto’s historic temples, Mount Fuji, and the hot springs of Hakone. The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, though cash is still common in rural regions. Japan can be pricey, especially in cities, with high costs for accommodation and dining, but budget options are available. The weather varies by region: summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold, particularly in the north. The best time to visit is typically during spring (for cherry blossoms) or autumn (for fall foliage).
Japan’s transport infrastructure is highly efficient and easy to navigate. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the metro and train systems are extensive, punctual, and relatively easy to use, though they can get crowded during peak hours. Buses and taxis are also available, but less convenient for tourists. For intercity travel, Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains) are fast, comfortable, and reliable, though more expensive than other options. Buses and domestic flights are also available for longer distances, but trains remain the preferred choice for many travellers due to speed and convenience.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as YohoMobile and Nomad. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Japan 🇯🇵 Compared
→ All Dealz for Japan
Information & Tips for Shanghai
Shanghai is known for its stunning skyline, with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, and the futuristic Pudong district. The city also offers cultural sights like the Yuyuan Garden and the Shanghai Museum. The currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), and credit cards are widely accepted. Shanghai is a relatively expensive city, particularly in tourist areas, but affordable options are available for food and accommodation. The weather is humid subtropical, with hot, rainy summers and mild winters, making the best time to visit during spring and autumn when temperatures are more comfortable.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as eSIM4Travel, RedteaGo, and Textr. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for China 🇨🇳 Compared
→ All Dealz for Shanghai
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange