San Francisco and Tokyo are separated by 17 hours (16 during DST), making Tokyo almost a full day ahead. This significant time difference requires careful planning for real-time communication.
The time difference between San Francisco and Tokyo is 16 hours. When it's noon in San Francisco, it's 28:00 in Tokyo. This 16-hour advance affects scheduling for calls, meetings, and travel plans.
Best Times for Meetings
Due to the significant time difference, standard business hours don't overlap between San Francisco and Tokyo. Consider early morning or late evening calls to accommodate both parties.
Business Hours Overlap
Standard business hours (9 AM - 5 PM) don't overlap between these cities. Flexible scheduling or adjusted work hours may be necessary for real-time collaboration.
Cultural Considerations
Tokyo's business day is ending when San Francisco's is beginning. Early morning in SF (7-9 AM) overlaps with late evening in Tokyo (11 PM-1 AM).
Planning Your Schedule
When coordinating between San Francisco and Tokyo, remember to account for:
Daylight Saving Time changes which may affect the time difference
Local holidays and observances in both cities
Peak traffic and commute times that might affect availability
Cultural preferences for meeting times and communication styles