$419 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Japan - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Japan departing on 9/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Japan

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Tokyo
Tokyononstop$931
Osaka
Osaka1 stop$846
Okinawa
Okinawa1 stop$934
Fukuoka
Fukuoka1 stop$836
Nagasaki
Nagasaki1 stop$1,061
Ishigaki
Ishigaki1 stop$2,346
Kumamoto
Kumamoto1 stop$1,140
Iwakuni
Iwakuni1 stop$1,537
Hakodate
Hakodate1 stop$1,147
Sendai
Sendai1 stop$1,145
Komatsu
Komatsu1 stop$1,119
Takamatsu
Takamatsu1 stop$979
Ōita
Ōita2 stops$2,180
Tokyo
Tokyononstop$931
Osaka
Osaka1 stop$846
Okinawa
Okinawa1 stop$934
Fukuoka
Fukuoka1 stop$836
Nagasaki
Nagasaki1 stop$1,061
Ishigaki
Ishigaki1 stop$2,346
Kumamoto
Kumamoto1 stop$1,140
Iwakuni
Iwakuni1 stop$1,537
Hakodate
Hakodate1 stop$1,147
Sendai
Sendai1 stop$1,145
Komatsu
Komatsu1 stop$1,119
Takamatsu
Takamatsu1 stop$979
Ōita
Ōita2 stops$2,180

Book Cheap San Francisco to Japan Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Japan that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Japan

Sun, Aug 23 - Mon, Sep 7
Philippine Airlines Logo
12:30 am - 12:10 pm
SFO
-
NGO
19h 40m
1 stop
Philippine Airlines Logo
1:20 pm - 9:10 pm
NGO
-
SFO
23h 50m
1 stop
$822Philippine Airlines
Mon, Nov 23 - Sun, Dec 6
China Eastern Logo
12:00 pm - 12:55 pm
SFO
-
FUK
31h 55m
1 stop
China Eastern Logo
1:55 pm - 9:00 am
FUK
-
SFO
36h 05m
1 stop
$836China Eastern
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
ZIPAIR Logo
5:15 pm - 8:00 pm
SFO
-
NRT
10h 45mnonstop
ZIPAIR Logo
9:30 pm - 3:15 pm
NRT
-
SFO
9h 45mnonstop
$931ZIPAIR
Sun, Sep 6 - Tue, Sep 15
Air Canada Logo
12:50 pm - 2:55 pm
SFO
-
NRT
34h 05m
2 stops
Air Canada Logo
4:50 pm - 3:21 pm
NRT
-
SFO
14h 31m
1 stop
$933Air Canada
Wed, Aug 19 - Tue, Sep 1
Cathay Pacific Logo
1:20 am - 7:30 pm
SFO
-
OKA
26h 10m
1 stop
Cathay Pacific Logo
8:25 pm - 11:25 am
OKA
-
SFO
31h 00m
1 stop
$934Cathay Pacific
Wed, Oct 14 - Sun, Oct 25
ZIPAIR Logo
4:45 pm - 8:00 pm
SFO
-
NRT
11h 15mnonstop
ZIPAIR Logo
9:25 pm - 2:35 pm
NRT
-
SFO
9h 10mnonstop
$935ZIPAIR
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 21
Cathay Pacific Logo
12:20 am - 3:20 pm
SFO
-
CTS
23h 00m
1 stop
Cathay Pacific Logo
4:40 pm - 10:55 am
CTS
-
SFO
34h 15m
1 stop
$951Cathay Pacific
Sat, Sep 5 - Sat, Sep 12
Air Canada Logo
7:30 pm - 6:55 pm
SFO
-
ITM
31h 25m
2 stops
Air Canada Logo
2:00 pm - 6:41 pm
ITM
-
SFO
20h 41m
2 stops
$1,164Air Canada
Mon, Aug 31 - Thu, Sep 3
EVA Air Logo
1:25 am - 2:20 pm
SFO
-
AOJ
20h 55m
1 stop
EVA Air Logo
3:30 pm - 4:10 pm
AOJ
-
SFO
16h 40m
1 stop
$1,181EVA Air
Sun, Sep 6 - Fri, Sep 11
EVA Air Logo
1:25 am - 2:20 pm
SFO
-
AOJ
20h 55m
1 stop
EVA Air Logo
3:30 pm - 8:10 pm
AOJ
-
SFO
20h 40m
1 stop
$1,221EVA Air
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Francisco to Japan flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Francisco to Japan to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Japan flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to Japan from San Francisco found in the last 5 days was to Tokyo, at $699 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $699.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Japan?

The average price for all round-trip flights from San Francisco to Japan depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to Japan is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $747 on average. Morning departures are around 50% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Japan is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,126.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San Francisco to Japan?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $1,144, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Japan?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Japan, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from San Francisco to Japan is September, when tickets cost $712 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,369 and $1,258 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Japan?

The average price of all round-trip flights from San Francisco to Japan clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

For San Francisco to Japan, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Friday is the most expensive. Flying from Japan back to San Francisco, the best deals are generally found on Thursday, with Tuesday being the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to Japan?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Japan, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from San Francisco to Japan, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 50% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$419
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 16% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 8% lower on average.
Flight from San Francisco to Osaka Kansai Intl

Flights from San Francisco to Japan: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Francisco to Japan 
BeldanFlew with Japan Airlines
SFO
-
NRT
Mar 2026
make sure to file any medication permission for things like ADHD meds or opiates for pain management early, so you don't need to rush.
BryanFlew with ANA
SFO
-
NRT
Feb 2026
Check your operating carrier. It seems like ANA is operated by United, so you would essentially be paying for United Airlines service (supposedly 3 stars) as opposed to the 5 star ANA service.
LeeFlew with ANA
SFO
-
HND
Jan 2026
Make sure you understand the cost of additional baggage. This information was not make readily available. If I had known it was so high, I would have made sure to pack in a single checked bag. It seems this information was hidden from me.
Verified travelerFlew with ANA
SFO
-
HND
Mar 2025
Compression socks are your friend. I wish I bought some to help me deal with the cramped seating.
TFlew with ZIPAIR
SFO
-
NRT
Nov 2024
Haneda is closer to the city center, so fly there if you can. Zipair has by far the best rates, but try to book early and pick a seat so you’re not stuck in a middle seat.

FAQs - booking Japan flights

  • Do U.S. citizens need a visa to travel from San Francisco to Japan?

    If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to travel from San Francisco to Japan, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to your departure, as long as you don’t intend on staying in the country for over 90 days. Nonetheless, make sure your passport is valid and has an empty visa page for an entry stamp.

  • Are there direct flights from San Francisco to Japan?

    Yes, it’s possible to find non-stop flights out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) going to both Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, as well as Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, but only in certain months. The airlines operating these routes are mainly ANA, Japan Airlines and United Airlines.

  • How do you get to the center of Tokyo from the airport?

    There are two international airports serving the Tokyo area. Haneda International Airport is closer to the city center. The airport has a monorail that takes you downtown in under an hour and you can expect to pay around ¥410 ($4). Narita International Airport is connected to the center with the JapanRail that can cost about ¥1340-3000 ($19-27).

  • Which is the best airport to fly into to get to Mount Fuji?

    Mount Fuji is an impressive mountain recognized by UNESCO, located southwest of Tokyo. The closest airport to fly into to get to Mount Fuji from San Francisco is Tokyo Haneda International Airport. The drive is just over an hour long.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco to Japan?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from San Francisco to Japan.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Francisco to Japan?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Francisco to Japan is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from San Francisco to Japan?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from San Francisco to Japan with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Francisco to Japan?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from San Francisco to Japan up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Japan

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from San Francisco to the following destinations at these prices or less: Tokyo $488 one-way - $875 round-trip
  • When looking to book your flight from San Francisco to Japan, look for routes to Tokyo. There are two main airports in Tokyo, Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND), which offers more options. The capital city is also conveniently centrally located within the country.
  • When planning your trip from San Francisco, California, to Japan, you’ll have to make sure to exchange your dollars into the local currency, the Japanese yen (JPY). The main international airports in the country, like the ones in Tokyo and Osaka, have currency exchange desks at their international terminals.
  • If you’re one to get anxious before a long flight, San Francisco International Airport has a few amenities that are great for unwinding. Passengers can relax and stretch in the yoga rooms in Terminals 2 and 3 or enjoy some peace in the reading room in Terminal 2.
  • If you’re planning on getting in a taxi or renting a car while you’re visiting Japan and you’re traveling with infants, make sure you have the right equipment. Children aged six or under must be in an adequate child seat. If your car rental agency doesn’t provide child seats, you will have to travel with one.
  • If you’re traveling from San Francisco to Japan on business, the airports offer services that can help make your trip as productive as possible. For instance, San Francisco International Airport has work stations in Terminal 2 as well as a business center to stay connected before boarding. Once arriving at the Narita International Airport, there is a hotel on-site perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to Japan

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Francisco to Japan? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.3
Japan AirlinesOverall score based on 1839 reviews
7.7Food
8.7Crew
8.4Boarding
8.2Comfort
7.8Entertainment
Airline reviews

It was good overall. What I liked most was the restrooms. Compared to other airlines, the restrooms seem larger and look clean. The seats also look clean. The attendants are nice, except one time during the flight. I was sitting on aisle and a man sitting window. He asked an attendant for a snack. She told him to go ahead and get some snack from the section with food storage (I am not sure how it is called). So, I had to get up to let him get out from his seat. Why she did not bring him some snacks so that I would not have to move, I do not know... I was kind of surprised how inconsiderate the attendant was.

8.0 ExcellentMami, May 2026
ORD - NRT
Read more Japan Airlines reviews

It was good overall. What I liked most was the restrooms. Compared to other airlines, the restrooms seem larger and look clean. The seats also look clean. The attendants are nice, except one time during the flight. I was sitting on aisle and a man sitting window. He asked an attendant for a snack. She told him to go ahead and get some snack from the section with food storage (I am not sure how it is called). So, I had to get up to let him get out from his seat. Why she did not bring him some snacks so that I would not have to move, I do not know... I was kind of surprised how inconsiderate the attendant was.

JOKE of a company with the most Ridiculous policies. JAL is amazing, KAYAK/UNDERPRICER is the worst company I have ever dealt with, NEVER AGAIN

Overall, a solid flight experience. Boarding was quick and efficient, even with a full and overbooked flight. The flight crew did a great job providing attentive and friendly service throughout. I flew in economy, and while the seats were acceptable, they could definitely use more cushioning, especially for a 14-hour flight. By the end, it was quite uncomfortable to remain seated. Legroom was also limited, particularly with a bag stored under the seat and the passenger in front reclining. That said, everything else went smoothly, and I appreciated the professionalism of the crew.

The flight was delightful overall. The check-in and boarding were on smooth and on time. Amenities and staffs were elevated. However, if glasses were served instead of cups, there should be a complete premium.

Sure I would’ve liked a little more space, but it was better than economy. I bring my own food because I have food allergies it would be nice if they offered larger salads or more vegetables instead of starch it was really a good flight. I don’t wanna complain. I’m grateful to fly at all safely. Thank you to the pilots.

Flight crews are very attentive and polite. Cabin and toilets are clean. Food is above average for economy class. We missed our connecting flights because the first flight was delayed, the ground crews at Tokyo were very helpful, providing all the information and support (including cash for our train ticket) to get us to our destination. Very impressive. No wonder they are always at the top ten lists.

Excellent! So happy that the crew members were so helpful and friendly and able to understandably communicate. They’re very receptive with someone like me, with disability. I love that I did not even have to ask for luggage help like, having to place and take down my carry-on luggage in and out of the over-head compartment. Hope, help is extended to disabled passenger(s) through out class classifications they’ve bought; economy or business class it might be. As a disabled person myself, I’m truly of great appreciation of this kind of help. Means a lot !!! Thank you so very much JAL crew. You out done others on this customer service part of the trip. Please continue to do so. From now on, I’ll choose JAL as my airline whenever I have to fly to any southeast asian countries. And I will disseminate my excellent travel experience with you to others.

American Airlines food is horrible. Also, paid to fly JAL on all segments, but received a much lower quality. I was disappointed to learn that we would be using American Airlines on this flight, which has less comfort, entertainment, choices, and lower standard of service. Overall not satisfied.

Food was very mediocre. Economy is pretty uncomfortable. Crew was excellent and responsive.

Not as good as I expected, I couldn't use the screen to watch movies or anything else because it wasn't 'STEADY' AT ALL, it moved every single time that the passenger who sat on that seat moved, that caused me fell dizzy and nauseous when I tried to use it, so I ended up with only sleeping and eating with no entertainment all my haul flight on premium economy seat, plus the passenger who sat next to me, she just loved to spread her very long hair down on my shoulder, face, arm, sometimes her hair just whacked my face till I really wanted to offer her my hairband!, super annoying 😑 and that my bad experience with that flight.

Roomy airlines. Friendly staff. Timely service. Temp was warm during the flight.

On time. Convenience of a small airport. Excellent service from staff at check-in.

LAX to San Francisco under UA was sooooo stressful! Flights was delayed and no assistance from the airline to the next flight. Flew UA twice and both flights highly distressful.

The food was terrible and totally inedible. If you are flying with ANA/United bring your own food it was a long flight to be hingry

I thought I bought the ticket directly through Kayak not a 3rd party

I like that we made it faster than regularly scheduled. Everything else was poor. The boarding was slow and chaotic. One person was screaming instructions to people that didn’t understand and there was only one camera so boarding was slow. The crew was not very friendly and one stewardess was extremely rude to everyone the entire flight. The food was not good and not themed to the country we were going to like every international flight I’ve taken. Lastly the seats were awful. After this flight I would never recommend United and will actively avoid booking another flight through them.

When I checked in, it printed two bag tags. The helper said they would cancel the other. They canceled both and my bag was left behind

It was really fast to Tokyo. Much faster than the budget carriers. However a lot less space than international flights.

The ladies are great seats should be a little bigger!

Couple of hours delayed, we had to re-booked our Shinkansen reservation twice. United Aiines need to improve their time!

Humm, I should have known that the seat I peaked on my flight from Inchon to Manila was designed for a toddler or very small person.

The staff hold my luggage to steel and exchange my stub, i was very disappointed.

Kayak along with airfare assay are attempting to steal my money. Charges are being pressed.

Customer service and attention to details. The food was good.

Felt like the oldest plane in Asiana Fleet. Screen was 5-6in only and no charging at all. Movie selection wasn't great.

I’d have rated Asiana good except an unfortunate incident in which I felt one of your employee didn’t really help us. During the first leg of the trip, the flight from LAX to ICN, I left my backpack on the plane. When I realized, I reported to one of your employee who promised me that it’d be taken care of, that my backpack will be there at HCM city. When we arrived there, HCM people had no idea and my backpack was still at Incheon airport who denied any knowledge whatsoever. I was left in the cold and felt helpless. I was very disappointed. I’d like someone to look into this and let me know.

I am thankful that I was able to fly using Asiana

It was my first time flying Asiana but i was very pleased with how professional and understanding the flight crew is with little kids. One flight attendant held my 3 year old daughter’s hand guiding her to the exit after landing while i had my hands full with luggage and my infant. She was very helpful.

The customer service was excellent. They noticed that our connecting flight was scheduled too closely for us to complete customs, so they changed the flight. Our initial flight was delayed, and they were able to get us on another flight, all without charging us any additional fees. I would fly them again anytime!

Better screens, it would have been nice to have more comfortable seats.

It was perfect! United Airlines staff was extremely caring, super friendly and professional

United has maintenance issues and can then never recover. No operations ability and simple issues always turn into multiple hours long cascading delays. Worst airline on earth.

I paid for a confirmed upgraded aisle seat and was moved to a center seat in the back of the plane at the last minute.

Horrifying Almost 2 million miles. Bring your own food and drink. One coffee or drink every three hours. Have to order meals on app more than 24 hours ahead Tiny and dirty bathrooms

Easy of boarding, helpfully staff at check in, surprisingly comfortable seating

Lost of requested seat assignments. Lost my husband's meal choice

My service dog and I were asked to deplane just before they closed the door - clearly very last minute they couldn’t find the documentation that I have filled out many many times before that is for flying service animals. I purposely purchase 3seats (a whole row) since he is large and not all passengers want to sit next to a dog on a cross country flight. The plane departed with my husband on it!!! They made me fill out a hard copy of the same form and had to reschedule me on a later flight where they could find 3 seats together!! I’ve done this so many times before - clearly the error was on their part in a technology glitch - but really people - do better!! Very traumatic - and my husband had to wait for us when he landed ….so bad. Poor pup was confused and tired.

My flight time was changed without any notification to me which ruined my time sensitive plans so I ended up completely changing my travel plans and no reimbursement.

No screens or meal options. Freezing cold. Dirty seats. Left late.

I liked that my son and I were reseated next to each other (we had different bookings). I liked that it was a directg flight and mostly on time. I liked that you provided pillows and blankets. Flight attendants were generally courteous. The messaging through wifi did not work well. The food was not good. Seats are very narrow and I felt slightly claustraphobic in the window seat.

Punctuality is a great factor. Boarding, departing and landing in timely fashion. No hazles and very profesional service in land and during the flight. Great experience.

Wifi never really worked. Flight attendants were generally fine except when they were not very helpful when my wife accidentally spilled a soda (they chastised her to apologize to the people sitting behind when it was dark and we couldn't see anything and they brought one tiny napkin to help clean it up). Seats were uncomfortable for all four of us. Otherwise a typical flight.

Seats in economy might too narrow. people sitting next to each other is always hitting shoulders.

Easy to board and fly, no frills. Yummy ramen on board.

It was for the most part a 10/10 they said they had entertainment options but all they had was old movies for streaming from the mid 2010’s so like 10 years ago

all good for a very budget flight - well priced and excellent service. Will fly again

Couple of the crew members were really nice and the rest are really rude and didn't help when we needed help, food was not worth it at all and most importantly there's no even entertainment system other than a very interruptive and slow internet and some movies.

I appreciate the economy price of the tickets. The long flight made the comfort level on the lower average side. Wi-Fi connection was not consistent but working. Overall, I would fly again with zip air but next time get the flat, premium seats with the amount of money I would save otherwise.

Comfortable seats and lucky no one was in middle seat. No water on the plane. Plane was on time and staff was fast.

You get what you pay for and nothing more. Wanted a cheap flight and that’s exactly what I got, though it’s human nature to wanting to feel like you got a good deal as well. There was none of that here. I was cheap and they were too. Got to my destination safely and that’s all that really matters.

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Japan

Information on your arrival and departure airports