How long does it take to fly to Japan?
There are many different flights to Japan from the US, and the length of time it takes to arrive in Japan depends greatly on which US city you fly out of. If you take off from Los Angeles and arrive in the destination city of Tokyo, for example, you can expect flight times to range from 12 to 21h. From New York to Osaka, flights can take anywhere from 17h and 35min to over 31h. Another major US departure city for flights to Japan is Chicago. The travel time to Tokyo from Chicago can be anywhere from 13h and 35min to over 35h. Of course, the flight duration depends on whether there is a stopover included in the schedule or if there are non-stop flights available. When booking flights, be sure to look at how long the plane will be delayed at the stopover city, as that will also impact your arrival time in Japan.
Can you get nonstop flights to Japan from the US?
Yes, you can find options for Japan flights non-stop from cities like New York and Los Angeles. Flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo non-stop takes about 12h. From Chicago to Tokyo there are also plenty of airlines flying direct which takes less than 14h in total. Another busy international airport that flies direct to Tokyo is Dallas, Texas. The flight also takes just under 14h to arrive in Tokyo. Flying from Boston to Tokyo also offers nonstop flights; there aren’t as many as flying from Los Angeles or New York, but there are some available and it usually takes about 14h and 15min. If you’re searching for direct flights to Japan, the best destination for this ticket option is Tokyo. Flying to Osaka normally means a stopover in Tokyo before heading on to Osaka. Other stopover cities can include US cities like Dallas or San Francisco if you’re departing from Los Angeles, or Chicago if you depart from Boston.
What is the best way to travel around Japan?
There are a number of ways to get around Japan, depending on your budget and how much time you have to travel. Domestic Japan flights are a good option if you’re traveling across the country, and you can find relatively cheap flights if you plan ahead. For example, if you’re in Tokyo and you want to go to Sapporo, a train or bus might take too long (around 8h for a train, 19h for a bus), but a domestic flight takes less than 2h. Although you will find that Japan boasts an extensive train system that is not only extremely efficient, but it's a great way to see the country while traveling from one destination to another. For example, you can travel from Tokyo to Osaka by Japan Rail and it takes under 3h. If you want to travel to the vibrant village of Kanazawa, you can do so by train or bus. Traveling by bus is also another option, especially if there is not a train option. Buses will generally be a better option if you’re planning on traveling to remote areas or even between cities.
Does a US citizen need a passport or visa to fly to Japan?
Yes, a US citizen is required to have a valid passport for the duration of their travel through Japan. You must also be able to provide proof of your departure from Japan, whether that be on to another country or returning to the US. If you are staying for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa to travel to Japan; if you plan to stay longer you must obtain a tourist/business or other visa.