Tokyo. Photo: Shutterstock Major expansion of U.S.-Japan flights.
United Airlines announced today (Wednesday, May 14, 2026) the expansion of its services in Japan with two new routes: a seasonal nonstop flight from San Francisco to Sapporo and a new year-round daily flight between Chicago and Tokyo Narita.
This move positions United as a leading carrier for U.S.-Japan routes, now present at four major airports in Japan: Sapporo, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka.
Starting in October, the airline will operate a daily flight between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo Narita, providing expanded connectivity between the United States, Japan, and additional destinations in Asia via Tokyo. Meanwhile, from December through March, United will launch seasonal flights from San Francisco to Sapporo, three times per week.
Direct flights between the U.S.Sapporo is considered one of Japan's fastest-growing destinations, especially in winter, thanks to its ski resorts, snowy landscapes, and renowned festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
As part of this development, United expects to operate up to 13 daily flights between the United States and Japan during the winter season, utilizing a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and connecting dozens of American cities to Asian destinations through its network hubs.
United states that expanding its Japan network aims to increase access for both business and leisure travelers, while also strengthening connectivity to other Asian cities through partnerships with regional airlines.
The new Chicago–Tokyo Narita route will also provide seamless connections to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia and Oceania, via Tokyo.
Meanwhile, San Francisco–Sapporo is set to become the first direct winter route between the U.S. mainland and Sapporo, opening up a new Japanese winter destination for American travelers.
United notes that it now operates the most extensive network between the United States and Japan, serving six different Japanese airports from seven U.S. hubs.
Photo: UNITED