Business Roundtrip to Tokyo (SFO-NRT) in Nov from San Francisco

Travelers flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in November should plan around two seasonal dynamics: fall business travel and the Thanksgiving holiday spike. Early November is an excellent window for lower fares and good seat availability, while the week of Thanksgiving sees higher demand and premium pricing. Nearby major cities and top origins to consider when booking include San Jose (SJC), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF), Santa Rosa, and Monterey — all provide alternative routing options if SFO fares are high. For airport access, use BART direct to the International Terminal or reserve parking early to avoid holiday congestion. Book nonstop flights with ANA, JAL, or United where available for the quickest door-to-door time (roughly 10.5–11.5 hours), and if you need savings, compare 1-stop itineraries through West Coast hubs. Search with flexible dates and set fare alerts; CTA: search cheap SFO to NRT flights now to compare nonstop and connecting options for November.

Departing from San Francisco (SFO) FAQs

Late November, especially the days immediately before and after Thanksgiving (U.S. holiday), are typically the busiest and most expensive for SFO→NRT travel. Early November weekdays are usually quieter and cheaper. Book early for the Thanksgiving window and check flexible date tools to find lower fares in the first two weeks of November.

Nonstop flights typically take about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes from SFO to NRT, depending on winds and routing. Expect departures in the evening (redeye) that arrive in Tokyo the next day; always confirm exact block time with your airline when booking.

Yes — major carriers like All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL) and United Airlines often operate direct nonstop SFO→NRT services in November, with most offering daily or near-daily frequencies. Schedules vary by season and airline; confirm current nonstop availability and times during booking windows.

To secure cheap SFO→NRT fares in November, search 6–12 weeks in advance for early-November travel and 3–6 months for holiday dates, use flexible dates and mid-week departures, set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, consider one-stop routings via West Coast hubs, and compare award space if using miles. Book early for Thanksgiving travel or consider flying a few days before/after peak dates.

SFO is well-served by BART (direct service to the International Terminal), Caltrain/connecting shuttles, ride-hail services, and long- and short-term parking. During November holiday periods, allow extra time for traffic and parking; book long-term parking or reserve a spot in advance and use SFO's official parking to save time.

November in the Bay Area brings cooler temperatures and an increased chance of rain and coastal fog which can cause ground delays. While major cancellations are uncommon, heavy winter storms can disrupt schedules. Check flight status before leaving and allow extra time for check-in and security during peak holiday travel.

Arriving at Narita International Airport (NRT) in November puts you at the start of Japan's popular koyo (autumn leaves) season and several national holidays. Expect pleasant, cool weather across Tokyo and Chiba with clear skies on many days, but plan for busier immigration lines around festival weekends like Culture Day (Nov 3) and Shichi-Go-San (mid-November). Nearby major cities and destinations commonly accessed after arrival include Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Kyoto, and Osaka; many travelers transfer domestically by Shinkansen or regional flights. For a smooth November arrival, reserve Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner seats in advance, buy a Suica/Pasmo transit card at the airport, and consider advance luggage forwarding if traveling to Kyoto or Osaka. CTA: Book Narita Express tickets and check transfer options now to secure November dates.

Arriving at Tokyo (NRT) FAQs

Expect standard international arrival procedures: immigration passport check, customs declaration, and baggage claim. November brings increased international visitors for autumn foliage and Culture Day, which can lengthen wait times at busy periods. Use NARITA’s automated immigration gates if eligible, and consider pre-booking a SIM or pocket Wi-Fi for faster connectivity.

The fastest options are the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station (~60 min) and the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (~41 min). Airport limousine buses and taxis are available but take longer depending on traffic. In November, reserve N'EX seats during peak days (early Nov weekends and around Culture Day) to ensure a smooth transfer to central Tokyo or onward trains to Yokohama and Kawasaki.

Yes. Culture Day (November 3) and Shichi-Go-San around November 15 can increase domestic and inbound travel, especially on weekends. Autumn foliage (koyo) peaks across Tokyo in mid-late November, drawing tourists and sometimes increasing train and hotel demand. Plan transfers and book accommodations early to avoid sold-out trains and full buses.

To reduce jet lag, try to shift sleep patterns a day or two before departure toward Tokyo time, stay hydrated during the flight, and get natural daylight upon arrival. November weather in Tokyo is cool and sunny on many days, which helps use daylight to reset your circadian rhythm. Consider taking short naps rather than sleeping all day to adjust quickly.

For domestic connections, follow transfer signs to the domestic terminal, check-in with the domestic carrier, and allow at least 90–120 minutes for baggage re-check and security. November is busy with autumn travel, so give yourself extra buffer time and confirm baggage transfer with your check-in agent if you have a single ticket through an international carrier.

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November Events & Festivals — San Francisco & Tokyo (SFO → NRT)

Important November events: in Japan, Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) on November 3 and Shichi-Go-San celebrations around November 15 draw local families and tourists to shrines, while mid–late November is prime koyo (autumn foliage) season across Tokyo, Kyoto, and nearby prefectures. In the San Francisco Bay Area, Thanksgiving and Black Friday (late November) drive outbound demand from SFO. These events can affect hotel availability, train seat reservations, and airline capacity — book tickets and trains early. CTA: Check event dates and reserve Narita Express or hotel rooms for November now to avoid sold-out situations.

Best Time to Fly SFO → NRT in November — When to Book & Travel

For November SFO→NRT travel, the best time to fly to balance cost and experience is early to mid-November (first two weeks) when fares are generally lower than the Thanksgiving week and Tokyo's autumn colors are beginning. If your priority is seeing peak fall foliage with fewer crowds, aim for mid- to late-November outside U.S. holiday weekends. Book 6–12 weeks ahead for early-November trips and 3–6 months for Thanksgiving travel to secure seats and better fares. CTA: compare early-November flights now to lock in lower prices.

Direct vs. Connecting Flights — SFO to NRT in November

Nonstop flights provide the fastest, most reliable door-to-door time (approximately 10.5–11.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections or lost baggage, which is valuable during busy November travel windows. Connecting flights via hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), or Honolulu (HNL) can save money but increase total travel time and add potential disruption points. If you prioritize cost and can tolerate longer travel times, choose a well-timed connection with at least 90–120 minutes for domestic-to-international transfers. For Thanksgiving travel, a nonstop is often worth the premium for reliability.

Extra Tips

Choose nonstop for reliability and time savings, especially in holiday weeks.
Select connections with 2+ hour layovers when transferring to international flights.
Check through-baggage options — a single ticket reduces recheck hassle.

Airline Comparison — ANA, Japan Airlines, United & Others on SFO→NRT (November)

ANA: Known for high-quality service, modern cabins on SFO→NRT nonstops, and solid award availability through Star Alliance partners. JAL: Excellent onboard meals and attentive service with strong connectivity to domestic Japan flights and Oneworld partners. United: Competitive pricing and frequent nonstop schedules; good connectivity for U.S. frequent flyers and MileagePlus redemptions. For November travel, compare advance-purchase fares, look for airline promotions, and consider alliance award seats for peak dates. CTA: compare ANA, JAL and United November fares and check award availability if traveling over Thanksgiving.

Seasonal Travel Tips for November — SFO to NRT (Packing, Transit & Health)

Packing & Clothing: November in Tokyo is cool (daytime ~12–18°C / mid-50s–low 60s°F) with crisp air—pack layering pieces, a light coat, and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Flight & Jet Lag: Choose overnight flights and try to sync sleep toward Tokyo time before departure; use daylight exposure on arrival to reset your clock. Transit & Connections: Reserve Narita Express or Skyliner seats in advance on festival weekends and use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) if traveling onward to Kyoto/Osaka to reduce hassle. Holiday Season Tips: For Thanksgiving-week departures from SFO, arrive at the airport earlier than usual and check TSA and airline advisory pages for peak times. Health & Documentation: Carry printed and digital copies of passport and accommodation confirmations; purchase travel insurance covering delays and baggage. CTA: Prepare November packing and book N'EX or Skyliner tickets early for peak dates.

Flight Time & Schedules — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in November

Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) usually take about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes, with westbound tailwinds occasionally shortening the duration. Typical November schedules feature evening departures from SFO (redeye) that arrive in Tokyo the following afternoon or evening local time due to the time difference (PST to JST +17 hours or +16 depending on DST transition; note DST ends in early November in the U.S.). Many carriers offer daily service; frequency can increase in early November and around holiday travel windows. For exact departure times and seasonal schedule changes, check the operating airline's timetable and book seats on earlier flights where possible to allow connections.

Find Cheap Flights SFO → NRT in November — Deals, Tips & Booking Windows

To secure cheap SFO→NRT flights in November, target early-November travel or plan well ahead for Thanksgiving. Search with flexible dates and mid-week departures (Tues–Thurs) for lower fares, and monitor fare alerts 6–12 weeks before your trip. Consider flying from nearby airports like San Jose (SJC) or Oakland (OAK) and compare connections through West Coast hubs to save money. Use miles for peak travel dates and check airline flash sales during Black Friday and early-November promotions. CTA: set fare alerts now, compare nonstop and connecting itineraries, and book when you see a reasonable drop in price.

Tips

Set multiple price alerts (Google Flights, Skyscanner) for SFO→NRT in November.
Compare alternate departure airports (SJC, OAK, SMF) to find lower fares.
Use flexible-date search +/- 3 days to spot cheaper options.
Consider 1-stop routes via LAX, SEA, or HNL when nonstop fares are high.
Book award travel early for Thanksgiving-week travel when inventory is tight.

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✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → Tokyo (NRT)

Complete travel information for your November journey

Departing from San Francisco (SFO) FAQs

When are the busiest days to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in November?

How long is a nonstop flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in November?

Are there nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) in November, and which airlines operate them?

How can I find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) for travel in November?

What airport access and parking options are best for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in November?

How does November weather around San Francisco International Airport (SFO) affect flights to Narita?

Arriving at Tokyo (NRT) FAQs

What should I expect arriving at Narita International Airport (NRT) from San Francisco in November?

What are the best ways to get from Narita International Airport (NRT) to central Tokyo in November?

Do November events in Tokyo affect arrival logistics at Narita International Airport (NRT)?

How can I minimize jet lag arriving at Narita from San Francisco in November?

What are the transfer procedures at Narita International Airport (NRT) for domestic connections to Kyoto/Osaka in November?