Is it better to book directly with the airline or through an aggregator?

Always book directly with the airline. If there is a flight cancellation or change, dealing with a third-party site is a nightmare compared to talking to the airline's own support desk.

How do I handle the time zone difference with kids?

Don't fight it. On the first day, get everyone outside into the sunlight, keep walking until 7:00 PM, and force the local bedtime. The next morning will be rough, but you'll be adjusted by day three.

Booking family flights to Japan without the stress

Book your flights 6-8 months in advance and prioritize direct overnight routes to minimize transfers. Always verify seat maps on SeatGuru to ensure your family group is seated together before finalizing payment.

Use Google Flights tracking. Input your departure city and Tokyo (NRT or HND) as your destination. Turn on 'Track prices' for your specific dates. You'll get email alerts when fares drop, which usually happens on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.
Choose the right arrival airport. Haneda (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo (25-minute train ride) than Narita (NRT), which can take 70+ minutes. If you have kids in tow, the time saved reaching the city center makes the slightly higher fare worth it.
Check seat maps before buying. Airlines often use 'Basic Economy' fares that do not allow seat selection until check-in. Avoid these at all costs; you don't want a toddler seated three rows away from you. Pay the extra $50-$100 for standard economy to select seats together.
Optimize for the overnight leg. Aim for an arrival in Japan in the late afternoon. This allows you to check into your accommodation, have a quick dinner, and put the kids to bed by 8:00 PM local time, which is the fastest way to sync everyone's internal clock.

Is it better to book directly with the airline or through an aggregator?: Always book directly with the airline. If there is a flight cancellation or change, dealing with a third-party site is a nightmare compared to talking to the airline's own support desk.
How do I handle the time zone difference with kids?: Don't fight it. On the first day, get everyone outside into the sunlight, keep walking until 7:00 PM, and force the local bedtime. The next morning will be rough, but you'll be adjusted by day three.