Bellevue is delighted to welcome the expanded air service from Alaska Air Group, who announced new daily nonstop flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) starting May 12, 2025. This new route enhances accessibility and convenience for travelers between Bellevue and Japan onboard Hawaiian Airlines' widebody aircraft.
“This expansion will add hundreds of daily airline seats between SEA and Tokyo, creating an exciting opportunity for Japanese travelers to experience Bellevue’s unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and its iconic Pacific Northwest location,” said Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue. “In 2024, we saw a +29% uptick in Japanese tourism to Bellevue, and we anticipate an additional +25% growth in 2025. This new connectivity will deepen cultural ties, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce Bellevue’s position as a top destination for international travelers.”
These flights, along with connections to other Asian destinations on oneworld Alliance partner Japan Airlines, can be purchased now at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com.
Growing Japanese Tourism
Bellevue has been actively investing in its international appeal, launching a dedicated Japanese-language website and introducing its own Yuru-Chara (mascot), Belle the Bobcat, to engage Japanese audiences. The SEA-NRT route is expected to amplify the momentum of the +29% increase in Japanese visitors Bellevue experienced in 2024 while continuing to drive social media engagement and web traffic from the region.
Upcoming Highlights
The inaugural flight on May 12 coincides with the celebration of Belle the Bobcat's birthday on May 15, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with Bellevue's cultural initiatives.
Bellevue also looks forward to welcoming fans for the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. Two games will feature Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, a J1 League team in the Greater Tokyo area, competing at Lumen Field. Bellevue's proximity to Seattle makes it an ideal base for fans attending matches, with its exceptional accommodations, dining, summer lakefront and waterfront activities, as well as an endless array of shopping and entertainment options.
Expanded Airport Connections to Bellevue
To further facilitate seamless travel, the recently launched Bellevue Airport Shuttle offers convenient, reliable, and affordable transportation between SEA and major Bellevue hotels. Operating daily with hourly pickups from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Bellevue to SEA, and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from SEA to Bellevue, the shuttle serves key locations in downtown Bellevue including the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, The Westin Bellevue, Seattle Marriott Bellevue, Hilton Bellevue, and Hilton Garden Inn.
Additionally, Sound Transit's East Link Extension will further connect Bellevue to SEA via light rail, and is scheduled to open in phases. The segment between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Station already operational as of April 27, 2024, and the remainder, including the connection across I-90, expected to open in 2025.
These developments significantly enhance Bellevue's connectivity, offering Japanese travelers multiple convenient options to access the city's unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
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About Visit Bellevue Washington
Visit Bellevue Washington (VBW) is Bellevue’s official Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO), representing the city’s hotels, the Meydenbauer Convention Center, and the Bellevue hospitality community, and is funded by the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA). A safe, walkable, and easily accessible city, Bellevue provides a vibrant fusion of welcoming hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, lively culture, outdoor recreation and world-class shopping. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty with big-city amenities, Bellevue offers a wide variety of entertainment experiences and is home to innovative global corporations. Follow Visit Bellevue on social media @visitbellevue and join the conversation.
