Hokkaido is about to become even easier to add to a Japan itinerary, with United Airlines getting ready to launch the first-ever direct flight between Hokkaido and the continental United States.
Starting December 12, 2026, United will operate three weekly flights between San Francisco International Airport and New Chitose Airport during the winter season. The route will use a Boeing 787-9, with 257 seats, including 48 United Polaris business class seats with fully flat beds and direct aisle access.
For inbound travelers, this is exciting news, particularly for visitors arriving from the US. Instead of flying into Tokyo or Osaka before making another connection north, travelers can head directly to Hokkaido from San Francisco.
It also makes combining Japan and the US West Coast much easier. San Francisco is a major United Airlines hub, offering connections to around 80 cities across the United States. That means travelers from Hokkaido can also easily continue their trip to destinations across the country.
And for winter travelers, the timing couldn't be better. Hokkaido is famous for its powder snow, ski resorts, winter festivals, seafood, and hot springs, making it an especially appealing destination during the colder months.
For those of us who love exploring beyond Japan's usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route, this new connection could make Hokkaido a much more accessible starting point for a Japan adventure.
