Sapporo to Fort Lauderdale (CTS–FLL) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Japanese passport holders can enter the United States for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries. You cannot extend a VWP stay or change immigration status. For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Tokyo ($185 application fee).

ESTA asks for passport details, employment information, and security questions. Approval is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. At US immigration, CBP officers may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Global Entry ($100, valid 5 years) gives you automated kiosks at major airports, skipping the main immigration line. Apply at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and interview at the US Embassy Tokyo or at a US airport on arrival.

Direct flights from Tokyo Narita and Haneda to major US cities run 8 to 13 hours depending on the destination. ANA, JAL, United, Delta, American, Hawaiian Airlines, and Zipair operate dozens of daily frequencies. Los Angeles is about 10 hours, New York about 13 hours. The US uses the US dollar, trading at roughly 0.0065 USD per JPY. No vaccination requirements. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is an alternative to Global Entry for faster processing at 30+ US airports, free to use.

Shared shuttle vans to Miami Beach hotels run $20–30 per person. Ride-shares to Fort Lauderdale downtown cost $15–25; to Miami Beach, expect $35–55.Brightline high-speed rail from FLL station (1.5 miles, free airport shuttle) reaches Miami in 30 minutes ($10–17) and West Palm Beach in 40 minutes. Car rental facilities are in the Rental Car Center accessed via shuttle from the terminals. Taxis are metered.

Tropical climate with year-round warmth (20–32°C). Dry season (November–April) is peak tourism with clear skies and low humidity. Wet season (May–October) brings daily afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane risk. Flights are most disruption-prone June through September.

Temperatures rarely drop below 12°C in winter. Humidity is high in summer. Tropical storms can cause multi-day disruptions when they make landfall nearby. August through October carries the highest storm risk.