TOKYO— Flying across Japan could now be a smarter, faster, and cheaper choice for international travelers thanks to two major domestic flight deals offered by Japan Airlines (JAL – JL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA – NH). These programs, tailored for tourists flying into cities like Tokyo (HND/NRT), Osaka (KIX), and Fukuoka (FUK), rival the Japan Rail Pass in both price and convenience.
The ANA Discover Japan Fare and the JAL Japan Explorer Pass provide access to dozens of domestic routes at heavily discounted prices, allowing eligible travelers to reach destinations across Japan with minimal hassle. These promotions are designed for non-residents with round-trip international airline tickets to Japan.
Photo: ERIC SALARD | FlickrTackling Over-Tourism
Japan Airlines (JL) is tackling the issue of overtourism in Tokyo (HND) by offering free domestic flights to encourage international visitors to explore other parts of Japan. The initiative applies to travelers booking with Japan Airlines (JL) from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, and select other countries.
Passengers arriving in Japan through Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT) can access free one-way domestic flights to over 60 regional destinations, including Hokkaido (CTS), Okinawa (OKA), and Osaka (KIX), when booked in the same reservation as their international flight.
Japan Airlines introduced the free domestic flight initiative in September 2024 as a response to surging inbound tourism. In 2024, Japan welcomed nearly 37 million international visitors — a 47% increase over the previous year.
With tourism showing no signs of slowing down in 2025, the government and Japan Airlines are working to reduce the strain on overburdened tourist areas such as Tokyo and Kyoto (UKY).
To be eligible, travelers must book their international and domestic Japan Airlines flights together. While the domestic ticket is free, U.S. travelers making a stopover longer than 24 hours must pay a $100 fee.
The offer includes standard checked baggage allowances — two or three bags, depending on the fare type — ensuring convenience for those navigating Japan’s varying climates.
This move aligns with Japan’s broader tourism strategy, which includes partnerships with hospitality groups like Hoshino Resorts to promote lesser-known destinations.
By dispersing travelers across the country, the airline hopes to preserve Tokyo’s infrastructure while boosting tourism in rural and under-visited regions.
The program opens up access to 64 destinations across the country. Travelers can choose the snow-capped mountains and hot springs of Hokkaido (CTS), the subtropical beaches of Okinawa (OKA), or the culinary delights of Osaka (KIX). Other options include historic Miyazaki (KMI), scenic Fukuoka (FUK), or culturally rich regions like Tottori and Niigata.
The offer is especially attractive to first-time visitors looking to extend their trip or return travelers aiming to explore beyond the traditional tourist routes. With seamless logistics and no added domestic flight cost, the barrier to multi-destination travel within Japan is significantly lowered.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrJapan Airlines and ANA Discount Pass
ANA (NH) and JAL (JL), Japan’s leading airlines, are offering fare programs targeted at inbound international visitors. These allow foreign tourists to fly between domestic Japanese cities for as low as ¥5,500 (~$34 USD), potentially saving both money and time when compared to rail travel.
To be eligible for either offer, travelers must:
- Reside permanently outside Japan.
- Hold a round-trip international airline ticket to/from Japan.
- Travel within the country during their stay.
- Show their passport at check-in.
The ANA Discover Japan Fare must be purchased at least three days before departure and is available through ANA’s international websites or agents outside Japan. This deal is valid until March 28, 2026, with no changes or refunds allowed after booking.
The JAL Japan Explorer Pass, on the other hand, has no listed expiration date and must also be booked at least three days in advance via JAL’s websites outside Japan. Like ANA’s deal, it’s non-refundable and cannot be modified once purchased.
Photo: Charles | FlickrKey Differences Between ANA and JAL Offers
While both offers are similar in concept, there are important distinctions:
- Eligibility:
ANA permits Japanese passport holders with foreign residency and valid international tickets to use the deal. JAL restricts the offer to foreign passport holders only. - Route Network:
ANA serves around 50 domestic airports, giving it wider geographic coverage. JAL, meanwhile, connects to about 30 domestic destinations. - Booking Channels:
ANA allows booking via travel agents and global ANA websites. JAL restricts purchases to English/local-language sites outside Japan. - Codeshare Limitations:
Neither airline includes codeshare flights in these deals, limiting travel to those operated by ANA or JAL only.
New Chitose Airport; Photo- Japan GuideValue Compared to Rail Travel
Both programs offer three pricing tiers: ¥5,500, ¥7,700, and ¥11,000 per flight segment, determined by distance. For example:
- Tokyo (HND) to Osaka (ITM):
¥7,700 one-way or ¥15,400 round-trip vs. ¥29,000–¥42,000 standard airfare.
The Shinkansen costs around ¥28,800 for a round-trip, making these airfares about 50% cheaper. - Tokyo to Fukuoka (FUK):
Flight time is under two hours, compared to 5.5 hours by train. With these deals, flying is faster and cheaper. - Long-Distance Routes (e.g., to Hokkaido or Okinawa):
These routes yield maximum savings, particularly during peak seasons.
Baggage Allowance and Mileage Benefits
These fare deals also include two free checked bags, each up to 23 kg — more generous than typical domestic allowances of one bag up to 20 kg. Additionally, passengers may earn mileage points, adding extra value for frequent flyers.
Hozomon with visitors under their umbrellas, a rainy day in Tokyo, Japan; Photo- WikipediaWhy These Offers Matter for Tourists
For international travelers planning multi-city itineraries or visiting remote destinations, flying can be more efficient than rail.
These fare programs from ANA and JAL give tourists affordable access to the full breadth of Japan, from the mountains of Hokkaido to the beaches of Okinawa, and everything in between.
Travelers are encouraged to explore these options early, as bookings must be made at least three days in advance, and availability may vary.
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