San Francisco to Tokyo
SFO has daily nonstop flights to both of Tokyo's airports. Haneda is close to the city center and is the hub for domestic flights, including many to Kumamoto. Narita is farther out and often has good fares.
| Arrives at | Airlines from SFO | Frequency | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda | ANA, Japan Airlines (JAL), United | 3 daily nonstops (one per airline) | About 11–11.5 hrs |
| Narita | ANA, JAL, United, and others | Several a day | About 11–11.5 hrs |
From San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento and other Bay Area and Northern California airports, connect at SFO or drive in. You cross the International Date Line, so you land in Japan the day after you leave. Most daytime departures arrive in the afternoon, while ANA's just-after-midnight departure lands early in the morning. Schedules change by season, so check with the airlines.
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
San Francisco 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 SFO | United flies SFO–Kansai nonstop, about 11.5–12 hrs. | The simplest way into Osaka, Kyoto and Nara |
| Via Tokyo | Fly nonstop to Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka (about 2.5 hrs) or a domestic flight. | The most flight choices, and you can add a few days in Tokyo |
| Via Seoul or Taipei | Fly from SFO 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
San Francisco to Kumamoto: four ways to get there
There are no nonstop flights from SFO to Kumamoto, but one connection gets you there, often on the day you land. 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 San Francisco:
| Route | How it works | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Tokyo Haneda or Narita | Nonstop from SFO to Haneda with ANA, JAL or United, then a domestic flight to Kumamoto from the same airport. | Haneda–Kumamoto: many flights a day with JAL and ANA, about 1 hr 45 min. Narita–Kumamoto: Jetstar Japan, about 2 hrs. | Most travelers. Easiest, with the most flight choices |
| Via Osaka Kansai | United's SFO–Kansai nonstop, 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 SFO 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
ANA and JAL sell their own domestic flights, and United partners with ANA, so you can usually add the Kumamoto flight to the same booking. Your bags are 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.
Same day, or a night in Tokyo
ANA's late-night departure from SFO lands at Haneda early in the morning, so you can be in Kumamoto by lunchtime. Daytime departures land in the afternoon, so many travelers spend the first night near Haneda and fly on the next morning.
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 center 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 American travelers
- Passport and visa-free entryUS 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 US driver's license and passport. In the US, IDPs are issued by AAA; get yours before you leave, as you can't get one in Japan. Japan drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right, so take it slowly at first, especially when turning.
- Plan around the seasonsJapan has four distinct seasons, with colder winters and hotter, more humid summers than the Bay Area. From December to February, Aso can be icy or snowy, so ask the rental company for winter tires. 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 the same two flat pins (Type A) as the US, at 100V instead of 120V. Phone and laptop chargers work as they are, but three-prong plugs need an adapter, as 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 hours ahead of San Francisco during daylight saving time and 17 hours ahead in winter. 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 across the Pacific, 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 travelers 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 nightsThe natural choice from SFO, with daily nonstops to Haneda on three airlines. You start and finish next to the airport, so the long-haul flights are stress-free.
- Arrive in Tokyo · 3 nightsSFO → 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 → SFO
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 with United's SFO–Kansai nonstop. You see Kumamoto early in the trip and finish with Osaka's food scene.
- Arrive in Osaka · 3 nightsSFO → 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 neighborhoods.
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 → SFO
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.
Stay with STARK House in Tokyo, Osaka and Kumamoto
There's a STARK House at each of the three destinations: a private place of your own with room to cook, do laundry and settle in, ideal for families and longer stays. Stay at one, or follow the itineraries above and use all three.
STARK House Tokyo Haneda
A short ride from Haneda Airport; about 1–1.5 hrs from Narita
In Haneda, Ota Ward. Two studios (Rooms 202 and 401), built in 2026. Close to the airport, so it's perfect for your first and last nights, with quick access to central Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama and domestic flights to Kumamoto.
View Tokyo HanedaSTARK House Osaka Higashimikuni
One subway stop from Shin-Osaka; about 50 min from Kansai Airport by JR Haruka
In Higashimikuni, Yodogawa Ward. Two studios over 30㎡ (Rooms 101 and 103) with BALMUDA appliances, built in 2026. Easy access to the Shinkansen, Kansai and Itami airports: a great base for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and the trip to Kumamoto.
View Osaka HigashimikuniSTARK House Kumamoto Ozu
Close to Kumamoto Airport, on the way to Aso
In Ozu, on the road to Aso. An entire 80㎡ three-bedroom home for up to six guests, built in 2025, with a full kitchen, laundry and EV charger. Ideal for road trips to Aso and the hot springs.
View Kumamoto OzuKeep planning: