San Francisco, United States → Tokyo, Japan · ✈ 10h 51min · 🚗 134h 28min
4,468 nautical miles · Time difference: +17h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from San Francisco to Tokyo is 8,275 km (5,142 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 10h 51min.
The straight-line distance from San Francisco, United States to Tokyo, Japan is approximately 8,275 kilometers (5,142 miles or 4,468 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Tokyo is located southeast of San Francisco. San Francisco is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Tokyo is in Asia, in Kanto, Japan. This intercontinental route spans from North America to Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 8,275 km | ~10h 51min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from San Francisco to Tokyo. For 8,275 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
San Francisco is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 873,965. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, San Francisco plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from San Francisco
Tokyo is a notable city in Japan with a population of approximately 13,960,000. Situated in the Kanto region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Tokyo is one of Japan's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Tokyo
At 8,275 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from North America to Asia. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 8,275 km, San Francisco to Tokyo is one of the world's longer routes, covering 20.6% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
Combined, San Francisco and Tokyo have a population of over 14,833,965 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from North America to Asia, spanning 17 timezones.
This 8,275 km journey from North America to Asia is one of the world's longer routes. At this distance, jet lag becomes a significant factor — plan for at least one recovery day per 3 time zones crossed.
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Tokyo is approximately 8,275 kilometers (5,142 miles, 4,468 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 10h 51min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 134h 28min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Tokyo is approximately +17h ahead compared to San Francisco.
The estimated road distance is approximately 10,758 km, which is about 30% longer than the 8,275 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.