Okinawa, Osaka and Japan are gaining new direct links with the United States as United Airlines expands its transpacific network from March 2027. The airline will launch three-times-weekly nonstop service between San Francisco and Naha Airport in Okinawa on March 27, while daily service between Los Angeles and Kansai International Airport in Osaka will begin on the same date.
The new services create additional entry points for US travellers visiting Japan and expand direct access beyond the country’s major Tokyo gateways. For Japanese travellers, the routes provide additional connections to California, supporting leisure, family, business and cultural travel between the two countries.
San Francisco connects directly with Okinawa
United’s new San Francisco-Naha service will operate three times a week using Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The route represents United’s first service to Okinawa and is scheduled to operate seasonally through October 2027.
Naha is the principal gateway to Okinawa Prefecture and provides access to a destination known for beaches, subtropical landscapes, coral reefs, historic sites and distinctive Ryukyuan culture.
Travellers arriving in Naha can explore the capital before continuing to other parts of Okinawa. The prefecture includes numerous islands, giving visitors opportunities for beach holidays, diving, snorkelling, marine excursions and island-hopping.
Okinawa offers a different side of Japan
Okinawa provides a travel experience distinct from Japan’s major mainland cities. Its tropical and subtropical environment supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year, while its cultural heritage reflects the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Visitors can explore Shuri Castle and historic areas around Naha, although individual attractions may have operating conditions that vary. Coastal destinations across the main island provide access to beaches and marine activities, while nearby islands offer additional opportunities for diving and nature travel.
The new San Francisco connection can therefore support itineraries focused on beaches and outdoor recreation as well as cultural exploration.
Los Angeles gains a new Osaka connection
United will also begin daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Kansai International Airport on March 27, 2027. The route will operate year-round using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The new service adds another US gateway to Osaka and complements United’s existing Osaka connections from San Francisco and Guam. The airline will become the only carrier serving Osaka nonstop from two continental US cities within its network.
For travellers, the additional capacity provides another way to reach the Kansai region without first connecting through Tokyo.
Osaka unlocks the Kansai region
Osaka is one of Japan’s major tourism and culinary destinations and serves as a gateway to the wider Kansai region. Visitors can explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Umeda, traditional markets and the city’s extensive restaurant scene.
The city also provides convenient access to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. Travellers can build multi-city itineraries around historic temples, traditional neighbourhoods, cultural attractions, food experiences and modern urban districts.
Kansai International Airport’s location makes Osaka particularly useful for travellers planning to explore western Japan rather than focusing exclusively on Tokyo.
Kyoto and Nara become easier additions
The new Los Angeles-Osaka service can support wider Kansai itineraries that include Kyoto and Nara. Kyoto offers temples, gardens, traditional architecture and historic districts, while Nara provides major Buddhist temples, cultural landmarks and parkland.
Travellers can stay in Osaka and make day trips to neighbouring destinations or divide their accommodation between cities for longer cultural journeys.
The new connection also allows visitors who have previously entered Japan through Tokyo to consider starting their trip in Osaka and travelling eastward.
Japan expands access beyond Tokyo
United’s new routes add to its growing Japan network. The airline already operates services to Tokyo and Osaka from the continental United States, with Sapporo also joining the network from San Francisco during the 2026-27 winter season.
The expansion gives travellers more choices when planning routes through Japan. A visitor can enter through Osaka, explore Kansai, continue toward Tokyo and potentially add northern or southern destinations.
Okinawa provides another geographical option, allowing visitors to begin or finish their Japan journey with a tropical island experience.
California becomes a stronger Japan gateway
The new routes strengthen California’s connections with different parts of Japan. San Francisco gains direct access to Okinawa, while Los Angeles gains a direct Osaka connection.
For Japanese visitors, the expanded network creates additional options for travel to California. Los Angeles offers access to Hollywood, beaches, museums and entertainment, while San Francisco provides destinations including the Golden Gate Bridge, waterfront districts and nearby wine country.
The routes can also support longer US itineraries that combine California with other domestic destinations.
United expands its international network
The Japan routes form part of United Airlines’ largest international network expansion to date. The airline announced 10 new international cities and three additional routes for 2027, with the new services beginning between March and June.
The expansion includes destinations across Europe and Asia and adds nearly 60 international destinations to United’s route map since 2017, according to the airline.
For Japan tourism, the expansion provides additional direct air access at a time when international visitors are travelling to destinations across the country.
New routes reshape Japan travel itineraries
The San Francisco-Naha and Los Angeles-Osaka services create new options for travellers planning Japan holidays. Okinawa can serve as a dedicated island destination or as part of a broader Japanese itinerary, while Osaka can anchor a Kansai journey covering Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
The new flights also diversify access to Japan beyond Tokyo, giving international visitors more opportunities to arrive closer to the destinations they want to explore.
From Okinawa’s beaches and Ryukyuan heritage to Osaka’s food, culture and access to historic Kansai cities, the new United Airlines connections are opening two distinct routes into Japan from California beginning in March 2027.
