Looking to explore more of Japan beyond Tokyo or Osaka without the added airfare? Japan Airlines is making that dream a reality. In a bold move to promote regional tourism, the carrier is now offering free domestic flights within Japan to international travelers who book their international ticket with JAL.
This is more than just a promotion, it's a travel opportunity that could reshape how visitors experience Japan, opening up access to remote prefectures and hidden gems that are often skipped due to additional travel costs.
How Japan Airlines’ Free Domestic Flights Promotion Works
The new campaign from Japan Airlines (JAL) allows foreign travelers to book a complimentary one-way domestic flight within Japan when they purchase an international ticket directly with the airline.
For example, if you're flying into Tokyo from Singapore, you can add a free connecting flight to Sapporo at no extra cost. It’s designed to make regional exploration easy, seamless, and affordable.
JAL is encouraging visitors to discover destinations that aren’t typically on the tourist trail. Think hot springs in Beppu, art islands like Naoshima, or alpine adventures in Nagano.
Booking Requirements and Eligibility Details
To take advantage of this offer, international travelers must meet the following requirements. Flights must be booked together: The international and domestic segments must be included in the same booking. Separate domestic bookings are not eligible.
Stopover fees may apply:
- For passengers traveling from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China, a stopover surcharge applies if you stay over 24 hours in your arrival city (e.g., Tokyo or Osaka). The fee is US$100 or CN¥300.
- However, if you transit to your domestic destination within 24 hours, that surcharge is waived.
- For travelers from other countries, there are no additional charges, regardless of stopover duration.
Which Countries Can Book and When
The offer is being rolled out on a staggered schedule by country. Here are the key dates:
| Departure Country | Offer Available From |
|---|---|
| U.S., Canada, Mexico | September 10, 2024 |
| Thailand | September 11, 2024 |
| Singapore | September 18, 2024 |
| Australia, New Zealand | September 19, 2024 |
| Vietnam, Philippines | September 25, 2024 |
| Indonesia, India, China, Taiwan | September 27, 2024 |
JAL has stated that more countries will be added to the program in future updates.
Why This Matters for Travelers in 2025 and Beyond
This initiative from Japan Airlines comes at a pivotal time as Japan continues to see strong inbound tourism growth. Popular gateways like Tokyo and Osaka, the home of Sakura Box, often serve as the first stop for most visitors, but many travelers struggle to explore further afield due to high domestic travel costs.
With this new offer, exploring places like the subtropical islands of Okinawa, the samurai heritage of Kanazawa, or the peaceful temples of Nara becomes much more accessible.
Not only does this support regional economies, but it also promotes sustainable tourism by dispersing visitor traffic more evenly across the country.
Travel Planning Tips to Maximize This Offer
To make the most of Japan Airlines’ free domestic flights offer:
- Plan early: Domestic routes will book out quickly, especially around peak periods such as sakura season, Golden Week, and winter ski months.
- Consider open-jaw tickets: Arrive in Tokyo and depart from a different city like Sapporo or Fukuoka for a more flexible itinerary.
- Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations: Use this opportunity to visit lesser-known but culturally rich regions that aren’t typically accessible on a standard itinerary.
Final Thoughts
For anyone planning a trip to Japan, this limited-time offer from Japan Airlines represents a rare chance to see more of the country for less. It’s perfect for travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences, natural beauty, and more diverse local encounters.
We’ll be sharing itinerary suggestions and regional destination spotlights that pair beautifully with this deal, so stay tuned. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for your fifth trip, Japan just became even more accessible.