Traveling to Japan This Summer Just Got Easier — What to Know

One of the country's major airlines just increased its offerings to the U.S.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure Cherry Blossoms along a river in Kyoto, Japan

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

Cherry Blossoms along a river in Kyoto, Japan

Japan Airlines is dramatically increasing flight connections to the U.S. for the summer, which means getting to Japan will be easier than ever.

Starting May 31, 2025, Japan Airlines will launch a direct flight connecting Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This will be a codeshare flight with Oneworld Alliance partner American Airlines. Tickets go on sale on February 12, and the flight is expected to last roughly 12 hours.

To help meet demand between Japan and North America, Japan Airlines is ramping up connectivity to several West Coast hubs throughout the summer:

  • Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Diego (SAN): Daily from March 30 to October 25

  • Osaka (KIX) to Los Angeles (LAX): Daily from July 18 to October 25

  • Osaka (KIX) to Honolulu (HNL): Daily from July 18 to October 25

  • Nagoya (NGO) to Honolulu (HNL): Daily from July 18 to October 15

  • Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL): Twice-daily during July

It’s unclear if these flights will extend to the winter schedule, which is set to be announced in late June 2025.

The airline will also begin flying the A350-1000 to Los Angeles (LAX) sometime during the summer. This aircraft includes a first class cabin with a double bed, fully private business class suites, a more spacious premium economy cabin, and a solid economy product.

Osaka, Japan, was selected as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2025. With daily connectivity from Los Angeles and Honolulu, this summer could be the perfect opportunity to explore.

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