The Land of the Rising Sun is experiencing a tourism boom. In 2024, 35 million visitors will head to Japan, and many of them will head straight to major cities like Tokyo — the most populous city on Earth. But thanks to a new promotion from Japan Airlines, exploring all the country has to offer just got a little easier. Here’s how you can get free domestic flights within Japan.
How It Works
To encourage visitors to Japan to explore other parts of the country, Japan Airlines announced in September 2024 that travelers from select countries — including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — can add on complimentary domestic flights when they book an international flight to Japan.
To get these free domestic flights, you have to book them together with an international flight to Japan all on the same ticket, directly on the Japan Airlines website. Separate bookings aren’t eligible for the promotion. While the fares will be free, you will have to pay a small fee for airport taxes.
Of note, if you stay more than 24 hours at your first destination in Japan, there will be a $100 stopover fee. As most international flights land in Tokyo, it’s best to head straight to a new destination in Japan to take advantage of the promotion. However, if you’re keen to explore Tokyo for your first few days, the $100 stopover fee could be less than booking individual flights on your own.
Japan Airlines, named one of the world’s best airlines, is known for its high level of service. All economy tickets come with two pieces of checked luggage and some of the most generous legroom in coach of any airline.
Where To Visit in Japan
First things first: Japan is a haven for foodies. While Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city on Earth, several other Japanese cities also make the list, including Osaka and Kyoto. As the former Japanese capital, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most fascinating historical destinations, home to some 1,400 temples. Nearby, you can explore breathtaking natural wonders such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Also consider heading to Kanazawa, home to one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and the spectacular Kanazawa Castle. In winter, Kanazawa is a convenient base to explore the nearby winter wonderlands of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — two historic mountain villages that were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their famed thatched-roof farmhouses.
In spring, head to Hitachi Seaside Park, where millions of daffodils, tulips, roses, red Kochia, and baby-blue Nemophila stretch as far as the eye can see. In Nara, you’ll have the opportunity to visit historic temples and walk among wild deer in the famous Nara Park, while in Himeji you can visit Japan’s largest and most famous castle.
Many visitors don’t realize Japan is also home to a subtropical archipelago. Located about 400 miles south of the rest of Japan, Okinawa is the country’s southernmost and most remote region. The area’s sun-drenched beaches, warm waters, and candy-colored coral reefs are easily accessible via direct flights from various Japanese cities.
Airlines That Offer Free Stopovers
The promotion for Japan Airlines is a great way to explore new destinations within Japan for less, but a variety of airlines around the world offer similar promotions by way of free stopovers. These stopovers allow travelers to spend a few days visiting a new city before continuing their trip.
One of the first airlines to introduce the concept was Icelandair. The airline lets passengers stop in Reykjavik to explore the Land of Fire and Ice for up to seven days before continuing elsewhere in Europe. TAP Air Portugal has a similar offering to explore Portugal, while Turkish Airlines allows free stopovers in Istanbul and Qatar Airways encourages visitors transferring through the world’s best airport to stop and explore Doha for a few days.
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