×

Subscribe to Updates

Get latest travel news

Home » News » Explore Japan with United Airlines’ New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Year-Round Chicago to Tokyo-Narita Routes

Explore Japan with United Airlines’ New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Year-Round Chicago to Tokyo-Narita Routes

May 18, 2026
Explore Japan with United Airlines' New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Year-Round Chicago to Tokyo-Narita Routes

United Airlines is taking significant strides to transform travel to Japan with the introduction of new nonstop flights to Sapporo and a year-round route connecting Chicago to Tokyo-Narita. These exciting developments pave the way for travelers to immerse themselves in Japan’s vibrant culture, winter sports, and exquisite culinary experiences. The new routes are crafted to unlock seamless travel across Japan and the Asia-Pacific, enabling passengers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to enjoy access to iconic destinations while providing easy connectivity to 21 additional cities across the region.

Introducing New Routes: Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita

This winter, United Airlines is expanding its Japanese routes, adding nonstop flights to Sapporo (CTS) and Tokyo-Narita (NRT). This marks a groundbreaking moment in U.S.-Japan air travel, as United becomes the first airline to offer nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo and uniquely provides nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita. With these enhancements, United is further solidifying its stance as the leading carrier between the U.S. and Japan, facilitating broader opportunities for travelers to embark on exciting adventures in Japan and connect with the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2025, United Airlines successfully transported over 1.8 million passengers between the United States and Japan, outpacing all other U.S. carriers combined. This winter season, the airline plans to operate up to 13 daily flights to four key Japanese airports:

  • Sapporo (CTS)
  • Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
  • Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
  • Osaka (KIX)

The launch of these routes underscores United’s commitment to delivering exceptional connectivity to Japan through multiple U.S. hubs and Guam.

San Francisco to Sapporo: An Unprecedented Connection

Starting December 11, United will commence three weekly winter seasonal flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS). This new route represents the first nonstop connection from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, offering travelers a direct entry to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

Known for its magnificent winter sports and vibrant culinary scene, Sapporo offers travelers a unique blend of experiences, such as:

  • World-class skiing in nearby resorts known for their fresh powder.
  • Delicious local specialties like Sapporo ramen and an array of seafood dishes from Hokkaido.
  • The spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival, turning the city into a magical winter wonderland.

United’s flights on this route will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, providing travelers with seamless access to Sapporo from nearly 80 U.S. cities through United’s San Francisco hub. This new service opens a gateway for American travelers eager to discover a captivating yet less mainstream Japanese destination.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita: Exclusive Year-Round Flights

Additionally, United will offer daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Tokyo-Narita (NRT), starting October 24. This is a significant addition, as United will be the only U.S. airline providing nonstop flights on this route, enhancing existing travel options between Chicago and Tokyo.

The new route to Tokyo-Narita presents travelers with easy connections to 21 destinations across the Asia-Pacific, including:

  • Cebu, Philippines
  • Guam
  • Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Palau
  • Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
  • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

These flights will feature Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, ensuring a modern travel experience while further establishing United’s position as a leader in transpacific travel.

Comprehensive Connectivity to Japan

With the inclusion of the Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita routes, United serves a total of five airports in four Japanese cities from its U.S. hubs and Guam:

  • Sapporo (CTS)
  • Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
  • Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
  • Osaka (KIX)
  • Nagoya (NGO)

This comprehensive network allows United to provide the largest number of flights to Japan among U.S. carriers, connecting travelers to both major cities and hidden gems across the country.

Enhancing Access For Your Next Adventure

The introduction of these new routes emphasizes United’s commitment to enhancing transpacific connectivity. Travelers from North America can now enjoy:

  • Direct access to Sapporo’s unique winter attractions.
  • Multiple routes to Tokyo’s international airports.
  • Seamless journeys to various Asia-Pacific destinations through United and ANA, its joint venture partner.

With these new offerings, United Airlines not only consolidates its dominance in U.S.-Japan air travel but also provides a pathway for leisure and business travelers to explore diverse regions and cultures throughout Asia.

With nonstop flights to Sapporo and a Chicago-Tokyo-Narita route, United Airlines is redefining travel experiences across Japan and the Asia-Pacific. Take advantage of these new connections, which open doors to extraordinary travel adventures, offering modern comforts for every journey.

As United continues to enhance its Japan network, these routes highlight the airline’s enduring commitment to passenger convenience and tourism growth between the U.S. and Japan. United’s modern Dreamliner fleet ensures travelers benefit from a reliable, efficient, and comfortable flying experience on every trip.

By launching these innovative routes, United Airlines strengthens its role as the leading U.S. gateway to Japan, offering extensive flight options and seamless connections across the Pacific. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, United is now offering more ways than ever to discover Japan and beyond.

Source: The post United Airlines Unveils Groundbreaking New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Exclusive Year-Round Chicago to Tokyo-Narita Routes Opening Unmatched Travel Adventures Across Japan and the Asia-Pacific first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.

author avatar
Travel2 Globe
← Back
Scroll to Top