Canada to Tokyo
Tokyo has the most flights from Canada, with nonstop service from four cities. It has two international airports. Haneda is close to the city centre and has the most domestic connections, including flights to Kumamoto. Narita is further out but has more flights from Canada.
| From | Arrives at | Airlines | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Haneda and Narita | Air Canada, ANA, JAL, ZIPAIR. ANA flies to Haneda; the others fly to Narita | About 10–11 hrs |
| Calgary | Narita | WestJet | About 10.5–11 hrs |
| Toronto | Haneda and Narita | Air Canada. Haneda daily; Narita less often in winter | About 13–14 hrs |
| Montreal | Narita | Air Canada. Fewer flights in winter | About 13.5–14 hrs |
From Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax and other cities, connect through one of these four gateways. Frequencies drop on some routes from November to March, so check with the airline.
From the airport into Tokyo
Haneda
The Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail reaches central Tokyo in about 15–30 minutes, and Shinagawa, a Shinkansen station, is about 15 minutes away. Stark House Tokyo Haneda is a short ride from the airport, which makes it an easy first and last stop after a long flight.
Narita
The Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes, and the Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in about an hour. Airport limousine buses, and some direct trains, also run to the Haneda area in about 1–1.5 hours, handy for a stay near Haneda.
More ideas: Where to stay near Haneda Airport · Places to visit from Haneda · Tokyo eating guide
Canada to Osaka
Osaka's international gateway is Kansai International Airport (KIX), built on an island in Osaka Bay. It's the best arrival point for Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop from Vancouver | Air Canada flies Vancouver–Kansai about four times a week, about 11 hrs. | Seasonal. The route pauses over late autumn and winter and returns in early February 2027 |
| Via Tokyo | Fly nonstop to Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (about 2.5 hrs) or a domestic flight. WestJet and JAL can sell the connection on one ticket. | Works year-round from all four gateways, and you can add a few days in Tokyo |
| Via Seoul or Taipei | Fly from Vancouver or Toronto to Seoul or Taipei, then take one of the many short flights to Kansai. | A stopover adds an extra destination |
From Kansai Airport into Osaka
JR Haruka to Shin-Osaka
The limited express Haruka runs directly to Shin-Osaka in about 50 minutes and continues to Kyoto. Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni is one subway stop from Shin-Osaka, so it's easy to reach on arrival and a good base for trips across Kansai.
Nankai to Namba
The Nankai Line, including the rapi:t limited express, runs to Namba in southern Osaka in about 35–45 minutes. Good if you're heading to Dotonbori and the Minami area.
More ideas: Where to stay near Shin-Osaka & Higashimikuni · Osaka eating guide · Kansai cultural experiences
Canada to Kumamoto: four ways to get there
There are no nonstop flights from Canada to Kumamoto, but one connection gets you there. Kumamoto's airport is officially called Aso Kumamoto Airport (code KMJ). It sits east of the city, on the road towards Aso. These are the most practical routes from Canada:
| Route | How it works | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Tokyo Haneda or Narita | Nonstop from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal to Tokyo, then a domestic flight to Kumamoto. | Haneda–Kumamoto: many flights a day with JAL and ANA, about 1 hr 45 min. Narita–Kumamoto: Jetstar Japan, about 2 hrs. | Most travellers. Easiest, with the most flight choices |
| Via Osaka Kansai | Air Canada's seasonal Vancouver–Kansai flight, then the Shinkansen or a domestic flight. | Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kumamoto: about 3 hrs, no changes on the faster services. Flights also run from Osaka Itami. | Combining Kyoto or Osaka with Kyushu |
| Via Seoul or Taipei | Fly from Vancouver or Toronto to Seoul (Incheon) or Taipei (Taoyuan), then take a direct international flight to Kumamoto. | Seoul–Kumamoto: Korean Air and Trinity Airlines, daily, about 1 hr 30 min. Taipei–Kumamoto: STARLUX and China Airlines, about 2 hrs. | Flying straight into Kumamoto, or adding a stopover |
| Via Fukuoka | Connect through an Asian hub to Fukuoka, then take the Kyushu Shinkansen. | Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station by subway: about 5 min. Hakata to Kumamoto by Shinkansen: about 35–40 min. | Pairing Fukuoka with Kumamoto on one trip |
Overview as of October 2026. Flight days, times and fares change by season. Check the airlines' websites for current schedules.
Tips for choosing your route
Book the domestic leg on the same ticket
Air Canada and ANA are partners, and so are WestJet and JAL. Ask for the Kumamoto flight on the same booking: your bags are usually checked through, and the airline will rebook you if the first flight is delayed.
Haneda is easier than Narita
Most Kumamoto flights leave from Haneda. If you land at Narita, either connect to Jetstar's Narita–Kumamoto flight or allow time to cross Tokyo, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Give yourself a buffer
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for an international-to-domestic connection in Japan. You clear immigration and customs at your first airport, collect your bags, and usually change terminals.
Plan a night in Tokyo
Most flights from Canada land in Tokyo in the afternoon or evening, the day after you leave, because you cross the date line. Many travellers spend the first night in Tokyo and fly to Kumamoto the next day.
From Kumamoto Airport to your destination
There's no train line into the airport, so most visitors use the bus, the free shuttle or a rental car.
| Option | Goes to | Time and cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport limousine bus | Kumamoto city centre and Kumamoto Station | About 50–60 min. Around ¥840 to the Kumamoto Castle area | The most popular option. Runs frequently and accepts IC transit cards |
| Free airport shuttle Airport Liner | JR Higo-Ozu Station | About 15 min. Free | Change to the JR Hohi Line for the city or for Aso |
| Rental car | Aso, Amakusa, Kurokawa Onsen and other areas | Several rental companies near the airport, most with free shuttles | The best way to explore Aso, where public transport is limited |
| Taxi | Accommodation near the airport | Metered | Easiest after an evening arrival with luggage |
Times and fares are a guide only and may change.
Before you go: tips for Canadian travellers
- Passport and visa-free entryCanadian passport holders can visit Japan as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay.
- Register on Visit Japan WebEnter your immigration and customs details on Visit Japan Web before you fly. On arrival you show a QR code, which speeds up processing.
- Bring an International Driving PermitTo rent a car you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your Canadian licence and passport. Get the IDP from CAA before you leave. You can't get one once you're in Japan. Japan drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right, so take it slowly at first, especially at turns and roundabouts.
- Plan around the seasonsJapan's seasons follow Canada's. From December to February, Aso can be icy or snowy, so ask the rental company for winter tyres. June to July is the rainy season, and typhoons can disrupt flights from about July to October. Spring cherry blossom and autumn leaves are the busiest times, so book early.
- Your plugs mostly fitJapan uses two flat pins (Type A) at 100V, close to Canada's. Most two-pin chargers work as they are, but three-pin plugs need an adapter, and many Japanese outlets don't take the third pin.
- Carry an IC card and some cashBuses and trains accept IC transit cards, but some country restaurants, small shops and car parks are still cash only. Carry some yen.
- Plan for jet lagJapan is 16 to 17 hours ahead of Vancouver and 13 to 14 hours ahead of Toronto and Montreal, depending on daylight saving. Keep the first day light, get outside in daylight, and leave the long drive to Aso for later in the trip.
Make it a bigger trip: Tokyo, Osaka and Kumamoto
Coming all the way from Canada, it's worth seeing more than one side of Japan. These two sample itineraries combine Tokyo, the Kansai region and Kumamoto, with a Stark House home at every stop. You'll have room to unpack, cook and do laundry, and travel more like a local.
Book a multi-city ticket for both itineraries, and add the domestic flights or Shinkansen inside Japan. Many travellers send big suitcases ahead to the next city with a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) and travel with just a day bag. Check with your host before sending luggage to your stay.
Itinerary 1: Tokyo in, Tokyo out
About 14 nightsBest if you fly to Haneda, for example ANA from Vancouver or Air Canada from Toronto. You start and finish next to Haneda Airport, so the long-haul flights are stress-free. Landing at Narita? Allow about 1–1.5 hours to reach the Haneda area.
- Arrive in Tokyo · 3 nightsCanada → Haneda
Check in at Stark House Tokyo Haneda, a short ride from the airport, and get over the long flight. Spend your days in Tokyo, Kawasaki and Yokohama.
- Osaka and Kansai · 4 nightsShinkansen Tokyo/Shinagawa → Shin-Osaka · about 2.5 hrs
Board at Shinagawa, which is quick to reach from Haneda. Stay at Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni, one subway stop from Shin-Osaka, a handy base for Osaka food and day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
- Kumamoto and Aso · 4 nightsFly Osaka Itami → Kumamoto · about 1 hr 15 min
Itami Airport is about 25 minutes from Shin-Osaka by airport bus. Stay at Stark House Kumamoto Ozu, near Kumamoto Airport, then pick up a rental car for the Aso volcano country, hot springs and Kumamoto Castle.
Ideas: Kumamoto Airport to Aso road trip · Kumamoto eating guide
- Back to Tokyo · 2 nightsFly Kumamoto → Haneda · about 1 hr 45 min
Return to Stark House Tokyo Haneda for some last shopping and sightseeing, then pack at your own pace.
- Fly homeHaneda → Canada
Your stay is close to Haneda, so there's no early-morning dash across the city on departure day.
Itinerary 2: Osaka in, Osaka out
About 14 nightsBest if you fly into Kansai Airport, for example on Air Canada's seasonal Vancouver service. You see Kumamoto early in the trip and finish with Osaka's food scene.
- Arrive in Osaka · 3 nightsCanada → Kansai Airport, then JR Haruka to Shin-Osaka · about 50 min
Stay at Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni and ease into Japan with Osaka's markets, street food and neighbourhoods.
Ideas: Osaka eating guide · Osaka & Kansai museums
- Kumamoto and Aso · 4 nightsFly Itami → Kumamoto · about 1 hr 15 min, or Shinkansen · about 3 hrs
Stay at Stark House Kumamoto Ozu and explore Aso, the hot springs and Kumamoto city by car.
- Tokyo · 4 nightsFly Kumamoto → Haneda · about 1 hr 45 min
Land at Haneda and check in nearby at Stark House Tokyo Haneda. Explore Tokyo and Yokohama, from museums and shrines to a night out.
Ideas: Tokyo cultural experiences · Tokyo & Yokohama anime and manga
- Back to Osaka · 2 nightsShinkansen Shinagawa → Shin-Osaka · about 2.5 hrs
Return to Stark House Osaka Higashimikuni for a last Kyoto day trip or a final round of Osaka eating.
- Fly homeShin-Osaka → Kansai Airport by JR Haruka · about 50 min, then → Canada
Shin-Osaka has direct trains to Kansai Airport, so getting to your flight is simple.
Nights and travel times are suggestions. Adjust them to your dates, and check flight and train timetables when you book. Fly-in cities depend on the international flights available from your home city.
In Kumamoto, stay near the airport for an easy start and finish
Stark House Kumamoto Ozu is in Ozu, close to Kumamoto Airport and on the way to Aso. After a long travel day you can check in and rest, and on your last night you won't need to rush from the city to the airport. It's an entire three-bedroom home for up to six guests, with a full kitchen, laundry and an EV charger, so it suits families and longer stays.
View Stark House Kumamoto OzuKeep planning: