UK to Tokyo
Tokyo is the only Japanese city with nonstop flights from the UK. All of them leave from London Heathrow and land at Haneda, close to the city centre and the hub for domestic flights, including many to Kumamoto. Tokyo's other airport, Narita, is further out and is mainly used if you connect via another hub.
| From | Arrives at | Airlines | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | Haneda | British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA. Several flights a day between them | About 13.5–14 hrs |
From Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and other cities, connect at Heathrow or through a hub such as Helsinki, Istanbul, Doha or Dubai. Flights fly around Russian airspace, which is why they take longer than they used to. 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
If you connect via another hub and land at Narita, the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes and the Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in about an hour. Airport limousine buses also run to the Haneda area in about 1–1.5 hours.
More ideas: Where to stay near Haneda Airport · Places to visit from Haneda · Tokyo eating guide
UK to Osaka
There are no nonstop flights from the UK to Osaka, but one connection gets you there. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Via Tokyo | Fly nonstop to Haneda, then take a domestic flight to Osaka, or take the Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka (about 2.5 hrs). | The most flight choices, and you can add a few days in Tokyo |
| Via Europe or the Middle East | Connect in Helsinki, Istanbul, Doha or Dubai, then fly to Kansai. About 15–18 hrs in total. | Lands you directly at Kansai, and departs from several UK airports |
| Via an Asian hub | Connect in Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong or Singapore, all with frequent 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
UK to Kumamoto: four ways to get there
There are no nonstop flights from the UK 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 the UK:
| Route | How it works | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Tokyo Haneda | Nonstop from Heathrow to Haneda with British Airways, JAL or ANA, 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. | Most travellers. Easiest, with the most flight choices |
| Via Osaka Kansai | Connect to Kansai via Europe, the Middle East or Asia, then take 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 London 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
British Airways and JAL are partners, and ANA sells its own domestic flights. 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.
No airport change needed
All London flights land at Haneda, which is also where most Kumamoto flights leave from. You usually just move to a domestic terminal by free shuttle bus.
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.
Consider a night in Tokyo
After around 14 hours in the air and an 8 to 9 hour time difference, many travellers spend the first night near Haneda and fly to Kumamoto the next day, fresh for the drive to Aso.
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 British travellers
- Passport and visa-free entryBritish 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 UK photocard licence and passport. Japan accepts the 1949-convention IDP, which you can get from the Post Office before you leave. You can't get one once you're in Japan. Japan drives on the left, just like the UK.
- Plan around the seasonsJapan's seasons follow the UK'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. Cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves are the busiest times, so book early.
- Pack a plug adapterJapan uses two flat pins (Type A) at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers work fine, but you'll need an adapter for UK plugs.
- 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 8 hours ahead of the UK in summer and 9 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 from the UK, 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 nightsThe natural choice from London, since every nonstop flight uses Haneda. You start and finish next to the airport, so the long-haul flights are stress-free.
- Arrive in Tokyo · 3 nightsLondon Heathrow → 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 → London Heathrow
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 connect into Kansai Airport via Europe, the Middle East or Asia. You see Kumamoto early in the trip and finish with Osaka's food scene.
- Arrive in Osaka · 3 nightsUK → Kansai Airport (one connection), 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 → UK
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: