Crossing brief
How far is it from Japan to South Africa?
Tokyo to Pretoria
- Distance
- 13,496 km
- In miles
- 8,386 mi
- Flight time
- 18 h 30 min
- Time change
- 7 h west
Distance is the great-circle distance between the capitals (Tokyo and Pretoria); flight time is an estimate for a non-stop route at cruising speed. Real schedules vary with routing, winds and connections.
This is a ultra-long-haul route: among the 59 countries we cover, South Africa is the #54 closest to Japan, making it one of the more distant destinations.
Crossing from Japan to South Africa
The practical differences you will notice on this specific trip.
| Time on arrival | You fly west and gain 7 h. On arrival your body clock reads 7 h ahead of local time — westward trips are usually easier to shake off. |
|---|---|
| Power | Pack a plug adapter — South Africa uses Type C/D/M/N sockets your Japan plugs do not fit. Voltage changes from 100V to 230V, so check single-voltage devices. |
| Money | 1 JPY = 0.101 ZAR — exchange Japanese Yen for South African Rand before or on arrival. |
Common questions
How far is Japan from South Africa?
About 13,496 km (8,386 miles) in a straight line between the two capitals.
How long is the flight from Japan to South Africa?
A non-stop flight takes roughly 18 h 30 min, though actual times depend on the exact airports and routing.
Will I be jet-lagged flying to South Africa?
You fly west and gain 7 h. On arrival your body clock reads 7 h ahead of local time — westward trips are usually easier to shake off.
Updated July 2, 2026