United Airlines is launching a brand-new nonstop route to one of Japan’s most magical winter destinations. The airline has announced that it plans to launch the first-ever nonstop service between the mainland United States and Sapporo, the largest city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
Beginning on December 11, 2026, United will operate three weekly flights between San Francisco International Airport and New Chitose Airport (CTS), near Sapporo, aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The seasonal route is expected to run through late March 2027, pending final government approval.
The announcement marks a major milestone for travelers heading to northern Japan, especially skiers and snowboarders who have long dreamed of easier access to Hokkaido’s world-famous powder snow.
Until now, travelers flying from the continental U.S. to Sapporo had to connect through Tokyo or other Asian hubs before continuing north. United’s new route eliminates that extra step entirely, creating a direct link to one of Japan’s top winter tourism regions.
“Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline,” Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances of United Airlines, said in a press release. “Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations.”
Sapporo is best known internationally for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws millions of visitors each year with its elaborate snow and ice sculptures. The city also serves as a gateway to Hokkaido’s legendary ski areas, including Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro—destinations famous for deep, dry powder that consistently ranks among the best skiing conditions in the world.
United’s new service is also expected to benefit travelers across the U.S. thanks to the airline’s extensive San Francisco hub. According to the airline, nearly 80 U.S. cities will gain one-stop access to Sapporo through convenient connections in California. The route will also become United’s shortest “true” transpacific flight from the mainland U.S., highlighting the growing demand for tourism to northern Japan.
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United is not the only airline pursuing the opportunity. Air Canada recently announced plans for seasonal nonstop service between Vancouver and Sapporo this winter as competition heats up for travelers eager to reach Hokkaido’s ski resorts. However, United’s launch is scheduled to begin several days earlier, making it the first airline to operate nonstop service to Sapporo from North America.
Industry experts say the route reflects the booming popularity of Japan travel among Americans, especially travelers looking beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for more nature-focused and seasonal experiences.
For winter-sports gurus, the appeal is obvious: Getting to Japan’s snow country just became dramatically easier.
This story was originally published by Parade on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
AloJapan.com