Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
January departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) require planning around New Year travel peaks and winter weather. While SFO operations remain steady, allow extra time for TSA screening and possible rain-induced traffic. Popular nearby pickup points include downtown San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Palo Alto — all feeding SFO via BART, Caltrain connections, and highway routes. Search for cheap flights SFO to Tokyo in midweek for lower fares; consider nonstop options with United or JAL for the fastest travel time. For real-time updates, use SFO flight status pages and airline notifications to avoid missed connections during January surges.
SFO experiences moderate to busy TSA security lines in January, especially around New Year holiday return travel and weekend departures. Early morning and late evening flights often have shorter waits; enroll in TSA PreCheck to reduce screening time. Check live wait times on the SFO website and allow at least 90–120 minutes for international departures to Narita (NRT).
Yes — several carriers operate nonstop SFO to NRT flights in January, with popular options including United Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL). Nonstop frequency may vary on certain days, so check schedules and book early for the best nonstop fares. Consider flexible dates for lower prices and better seat availability.
From downtown San Francisco, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) provides a convenient, weatherproof rail connection directly to SFO. Rideshares and airport shuttles are available from nearby cities like Oakland, San Jose, and Palo Alto; allow extra time for weekend or holiday traffic in January. For early-morning international flights to Narita (NRT), plan transit with buffers to account for possible fog or road congestion.
January in the Bay Area can bring rain and occasional fog that lead to minor delays; however, SFO rarely closes for weather. International flights to NRT can be impacted by storms in the Pacific or snow/low visibility around Tokyo, so monitor airline advisories and flight status. Purchase flexible tickets or travel insurance if traveling during peak New Year weeks.
SFO offers multiple airline and pay-per-use lounges in International Terminal A and G, including partner lounges for United, ANA and Japan Airlines customers. In January, quieter lounge times tend to be mid-afternoon on weekdays. Book lounge access in advance if you want guaranteed seating and warm food options during colder weather.
Yes — pack a light water-resistant jacket, check entry requirements for Japan, and confirm carry-on limits with your airline before flying SFO to NRT. January sees post-holiday travel and Coming-of-Age celebrations in Japan that can affect seat availability, so book early and monitor cheap flight alerts from SFO to Tokyo. Subscribe to airline newsletters for January fare drops and last-minute deals.
January arrivals at Narita International Airport (NRT) should plan for efficient transfers to Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Kawasaki, and Saitama. Weather is generally cold with low precipitation, but occasional snow in the greater Tokyo region can delay surface transport. The Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner maintain regular schedules in January, and limousine buses cover popular hotels and hubs. Expect slightly reduced tourist crowds after New Year’s Day and good availability for onward travel. Make sure to exchange currency or pick up a SIM at the arrivals hall if you need immediate connectivity.
Immigration at Narita can take 20–60 minutes depending on arrival volume; January mornings after overnight flights from the U.S. tend to be busier. Use automated e-gates when eligible and have your passport, disembarkation card, and customs form ready to speed processing. Expect additional time if there are multiple simultaneous long-haul arrivals from airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
From NRT you can take the Narita Express (N'EX) or JR Sobu Line for direct service to Tokyo Station, or the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno and Nippori for transfers to Yokohama and other areas. Airport limousine buses and private transfers are reliable options in January when luggage and colder weather make ground transport preferable. For destinations like Yokohama, Kawasaki, Chiba, and Saitama, check combined train and bus timetables and allow 60–120 minutes depending on traffic or rail connections.
January brings notable cultural events that can influence travel to Tokyo and nearby cities after arrival at Narita International Airport (NRT). New Year (Shogatsu) celebrations dominate early January with many shrines and tourist sites busier on Jan 1–3. Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi), usually the second Monday in January, sees ceremonies and local travel spikes as young adults celebrate across Tokyo, Yokohama and surrounding prefectures. The Tokyo Auto Salon, often held mid-January, attracts international visitors and can increase demand for hotels and transport near central Tokyo. If you're flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to NRT in January, book accommodations and transfers early around these events.
The best time to fly SFO to NRT in January is mid-January through late January, after New Year holiday travel subsides, when fares and hotel rates tend to dip. Book 6–10 weeks ahead for optimal pricing and seat selection; nights and midweek departures commonly provide the best deals. If you want to avoid crowds, target later January dates and choose morning or late-night departures. For business travelers, early January weekdays may have more favorable availability on premium cabins.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) save time — usually 10–11 hours — and reduce the risk of missed connections in January when weather can be unpredictable. Connecting flights often lower cost and increase schedule flexibility, with common layover hubs including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver. If your priority is fastest transit and minimal travel stress, choose nonstop carriers like United or Japan Airlines; if price is your main concern, be open to one-stop itineraries but allow generous connection times in your itinerary. For January travel, avoid tight connections that might be disrupted by winter weather.
United Airlines and Japan Airlines commonly offer nonstop SFO→NRT services with full international cabins and competitive schedules in January. ANA (All Nippon Airways) may offer codeshares or connecting itineraries via domestic Japanese hubs, providing excellent onboard service and connectivity to regional destinations like Osaka and Sapporo. Delta occasionally offers connecting options through U.S. gateways. Evaluate seat comfort, baggage allowance, frequent flyer benefits (e.g., MileagePlus, JAL Mileage Bank, ANA Mileage Club), and change/cancellation policies for January travel. For the fastest journey choose a nonstop; for lower fares look for ANA or Delta connecting itineraries during sale periods.
Pack layers, a warm coat, gloves, and a compact umbrella for January travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT). Expect colder temperatures in Tokyo compared with San Francisco — daytime highs often around 7–10°C (45–50°F) and nights near freezing. Allow extra connection time when booking flights, and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets during the New Year period. Use mobile boarding passes, download airline apps for live flight updates, and prebook Narita Express or limousine bus seats if you have multiple pieces of luggage. For peace of mind, store important documents both digitally and in hard copy and enable roaming or local SIM service on arrival.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) typically take about 10 to 11 hours depending on winds and routing. Daily frequencies increase on peak travel days around holidays; in January, expect reduced leisure traffic after the New Year surge. Connecting itineraries that route through Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Vancouver (YVR), or Honolulu (HNL) add 2–6 hours of total travel time including layovers. For January departures, morning SFO departures often arrive in Tokyo the following afternoon local time, providing a full first day for sightseeing. Always confirm seasonal schedule changes directly with the carrier.
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in January, search 6–10 weeks in advance and target midweek departures for the best fares. Flexible date searches and fare alerts increase your chance of catching post-holiday discounts. Compare nonstop and one-stop itineraries — sometimes a single overnight connection through Los Angeles, Vancouver, or Honolulu yields significant savings. Use multi-search tools and clear cookies or use private browsing to compare rates. Consider flying from nearby airports like Oakland or San Jose only if savings justify extra transit time; often SFO nonstop flights are competitively priced. Book refundable or changeable options if you’re traveling around New Year’s when flight schedules can shift.
In January, standard immigration and customs procedures apply; watch for extended counter hours during New Year holidays and possible reduced services on January 1. Confirm embassy/visa rules before travel, and check NRT notices for any temporary closures or COVID-related protocols that may still affect arrivals. Airlines often distribute notices on board for January holiday arrivals, so review those before disembarking.
January in Tokyo is cold and dry — bring thermal layers, a warm coat, and compact umbrellas for occasional rain or sleet. If you arrive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with heavier luggage, consider luggage forwarding services from Narita to Tokyo hotels to simplify transfers. Many convenience stores at NRT stock thermal wear and travel essentials if you need items on arrival.
Yes — Narita has multiple currency exchange counters, international SIM sellers, and pocket Wi-Fi rental kiosks available in arrival halls. Many of these services remain open throughout January, though hours may vary around New Year. Pre-ordering a SIM or hiring pocket Wi-Fi for pick-up at arrival is recommended to ensure connectivity upon landing.
Consider buying a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo card for easy local train, subway and bus travel in Tokyo, Yokohama, and neighboring cities; cards can be purchased and topped up at Narita stations. For longer stays or multi-city travel, look into JR East passes and regional rail passes which can offer January discounts and convenience. Keep an eye out for seasonal promotional passes advertised at the airport arrivals area.
