Japan is a popular destination for travelers from the United States, especially for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. However, flying to Japan can be expensive and time-consuming, depending on where you depart from and which airport you arrive at. Fortunately, there are several US cities that offer direct flights to Japan, which can save you money and hassle. Here are some of the US cities with direct flights to Japan, along with some tips on how to find cheap tickets and what to do once you land.
Honolulu
Honolulu is one of the most convenient US cities to fly to Japan from, as it has 22 direct flights per month to various Japanese airports. You can fly non-stop from Honolulu to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Sapporo (New Chitose), Fukuoka, or Okinawa (Naha) on airlines such as Delta, Hawaiian, Japan Airlines, or ANA. The flight time is around 7 to 8 hours, depending on your destination.
Honolulu is also a great place to visit before or after your trip to Japan, as it offers beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and a mix of Hawaiian and Asian cultures. You can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, dining, and more in this vibrant city.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is another major US city that has direct flights to Japan, with 9 direct flights per month to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) on American Airlines or Japan Airlines. The flight time is around 11 to 12 hours. Los Angeles also has direct flights to Osaka (Kansai) on Singapore Airlines and to Nagoya (Chubu) on Delta, but these are less frequent.
Los Angeles is a popular tourist destination in itself, as it is home to Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and many other attractions. You can also enjoy the sunny weather, diverse cuisine, and lively nightlife in this sprawling metropolis.
San Diego
San Diego is another US city that has direct flights to Tokyo (Narita) on Japan Airlines, with 9 flights per month. The flight time is around 11 hours. San Diego is a smaller and quieter city than Los Angeles, but it still has plenty to offer for travelers. You can visit the famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, or Coronado Island. You can also enjoy the beaches, golf courses, craft breweries, and Mexican food in this coastal city.
New York
New York is one of the most popular US cities to fly to Japan from, as it has 6 direct flights per month to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) on ANA or Japan Airlines. The flight time is around 14 hours. New York also has direct flights to Osaka (Kansai) on United Airlines, but these are less frequent.
New York is a world-class city that has something for everyone. You can visit iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, or Times Square. You can also enjoy the museums, theaters, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in this bustling metropolis.
Chicago
Chicago is another US city that has direct flights to Japan, with 6 direct flights per month to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) on ANA or United Airlines. The flight time is around 13 hours. Chicago also has direct flights to Nagoya (Chubu) on Delta, but these are less frequent.
Chicago is a vibrant city that boasts impressive architecture, culture, and cuisine. You can visit the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, or the Art Institute of Chicago. You can also enjoy the deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, jazz clubs, and sports teams in this windy city.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Japan
Flying to Japan from the US can be expensive, especially during peak seasons such as spring (cherry blossom season) or fall (autumn foliage season). However, there are some ways to find cheap flights to Japan if you are flexible and plan ahead. Here are some tips on how to find cheap flights to Japan:
- Compare different airlines and airports: Different airlines and airports may have different prices and availability for flights to Japan. You can use online tools such as Bing Travel or Google Flights to compare different options and find the best deals. You may also find cheaper flights by flying from smaller or less popular airports, such as San Jose instead of San Francisco, or Baltimore instead of Washington DC.
- Book in advance: Booking your flight well in advance can help you save money and secure your seat. Generally, the best time to book your flight to Japan is 3 to 6 months before your departure date. However, this may vary depending on the season and demand. You can use online tools such as Hopper or Skyscanner to track the price trends and get alerts when the prices drop or rise.
- Be flexible with your dates and times: Being flexible with your travel dates and times can also help you find cheaper flights to Japan. You may find lower fares by flying on weekdays instead of weekends, or during off-peak hours instead of peak hours. You may also find cheaper flights by avoiding major holidays or events in Japan, such as Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), or New Year (late December to early January).
- Use frequent flyer miles or credit card points: If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points, you can use them to redeem your flight to Japan or get discounts. You can also sign up for loyalty programs or credit cards that offer bonus miles or points for flying to Japan or spending on travel-related purchases. However, make sure to check the availability and restrictions of using your miles or points before booking your flight.
- Look for special deals or promotions: Sometimes, airlines may offer special deals or promotions for flights to Japan, such as flash sales, last-minute deals, or package deals. You can check the websites or social media pages of the airlines that fly to Japan, or subscribe to their newsletters or alerts. You can also check online travel agencies or aggregators that may have exclusive deals or discounts for flights to Japan.
What to Do Once You Land in Japan
Once you land in Japan, you will need to go through immigration and customs procedures. You will need a valid passport and a visa (if required) to enter Japan. You will also need to fill out a disembarkation card and a customs declaration form. And you will then need to collect your baggage and go through customs inspection. You may be asked to open your bags or declare any items that are subject to duty or restriction.
After clearing immigration and customs, you will need to find your way to your accommodation or destination. Depending on which airport you arrive at and where you want to go, you may have different options for transportation. Here are some of the common ways to get around in Japan:
- Train: Train is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel in Japan, especially between major cities and regions. You can use the high-speed bullet trains (shinkansen) or the regular trains (JR lines or private railways) to get around. You can buy tickets at the station counters or vending machines, or use prepaid cards such as Suica or Pasmo. You can also buy a rail pass such as JR Pass or regional passes that offer unlimited rides on certain trains for a fixed period of time.
- Bus: Bus is another option for traveling in Japan, especially for short distances or areas that are not well served by trains. You can use local buses that run within cities or towns, or long-distance buses that connect different regions. You can buy tickets at the bus terminals or on board the bus, depending on the type of bus. You can also use prepaid cards such as Suica or Pasmo for some buses.
- Taxi: Taxi is a convenient but expensive way to travel in Japan, especially for late-night trips or when you have a lot of luggage. You can hail a taxi on the street or at designated taxi stands, or call one by phone or app. The fare is based on the distance and time, and may vary depending on the company or area. You can pay by cash or credit card, or use prepaid cards such as Suica or Pasmo for some taxis.
- Car: Car is a possible but not recommended way to travel in Japan, unless you have a specific reason or preference. Driving in Japan can be stressful and costly, as you need an international driving permit, a rental car, insurance, tolls, parking fees, and gas. You also need to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations, such as driving on the left side of the road, speed limits, and road signs. You can rent a car at the airport or major cities, or use car-sharing services such as Times Car Plus or Orix Car Share.
- Bike: Bike is a fun and eco-friendly way to travel in Japan, especially for short distances or sightseeing. You can rent a bike at the airport or major cities, or use bike-sharing services such as Docomo Bike Share or Hello Cycling. You can also bring your own bike, but you may need to disassemble it and pack it in a bag for transportation. You need to follow the traffic rules and regulations for cyclists, such as wearing a helmet, using lights at night, and parking at designated areas.
Conclusion
Japan is a wonderful country to visit from the US, as it offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers. However, flying to Japan can be expensive and time-consuming, so it is important to plan ahead and find the best deals and options for your flight.
You can choose from several US cities that have direct flights to Japan, such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, or Chicago. You can also use online tools and tips to find cheap flights to Japan, such as comparing different airlines and airports, booking in advance, being flexible with your dates and times, using frequent flyer miles or credit card points, or looking for special deals or promotions. Once you land in Japan, you will need to go through immigration and customs procedures, and then find your way to your accommodation or destination.
You can use different modes of transportation in Japan, such as train, bus, taxi, car, or bike. You can also enjoy the many attractions and activities that Japan has to offer, such as culture, nature, food
