Tokyo’s modern architecture, neon lights, Michelin starred restaurants and world-class museums are huge attractions for international visitors, but far from the only things to see and do in Japan. From champagne powder on Niseko’s ski slopes to UNESCO World Heritage Temples in Kyoto, it’s worth going outside the country’s capital. And thanks to continued promotion, travelers can potentially see fewer countries.
Japan Airlines, also known as JAL, introduced its contract this fall, which currently has no end date. This will allow anyone flying into the island nation on international flights to get free domestic flights to any of the 64 domestic airports offered by the carrier.
The program is available to travelers from these countries.
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Australia
- new zealand
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- India
- China
- Taiwan
How does it work?
To qualify, customers must book both international and domestic flights with Japan Airlines on the same reservation through the Jal website. The domestic connection comes with checked luggage, including two free bags up to £50 in the economy and premium economy, and bags up to £70 each in business and first class.
Is it worth it?
For travelers from the US, Canada, Mexico and China, if you choose to stay in the first Japanese city (usually Tokyo) that lands for more than 24 hours, the usual $100 suspension fee still applies. Travelers coming from other countries listed will not be charged any additional fees.
AFAR staff do math recently and travelers should also do it before jumping on the offer.
“My husband and I traveled to Japan on vacation. We went from Tokyo to Hokkaido and Hiroshima, so we knew we were flying between cities. We didn’t take the train. We wanted to take advantage of the cost savings in the end, but there we were $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for $500 on a flight for Japan, said Jessie Beck, Associate Director of SEO and Products at Jal.
“That being said, if the prices on the two airlines were similar, I think it’s happening now – it would have been worth it,” Beck added, “I wasn’t planning on paying an additional $500 on an international flight to save $384 on an international flight.”
Still, she concluded, “I think there are a lot of cases where it works and makes sense.”
Japan Airlines is consistently ranked among the best airlines in the world, in part due to its attention to detail in its carriers. It is also a favorite of AFAR staff and contributors. For example, in Business Class, Afar contributor Chris Dong said, “Look incredibly personalised attention from our crew, our stock amenity kit, in collaboration with the French brand Kitsuné, the gorgeous slippers and, above all, our incredible food and drink selection.”
Japan’s recent tourist boom
One of the benefits of offering free flights to other regions is that it can help travelers visit farther parts of the country and combat overtourism in major metro regions.
“We will book international flights with JAL and receive free domestic flights to explore more Japan,” the airline said in an announcement about the new offer.
Japan was in the midst of a tourism boom. The rising land welcomed a record 36.9 million visitors in 2024 and surpassed the preschool peak of 3188 million in 2019.
This spring, around Zeon, Kyoto, traditional geisha celebrities and their global (Teen Apprentice) Work has made signs warning foreign visitors that they will fine or take risks (approximately USD 70 at current conversion rates). Similarly, as of July 1, 2024, Mt. Fuji had introduced 4,000 daily visitor caps and began charging climbers 2,000 yen (approximately $14 USD) for the opportunity to trek to the top of the 12,388 feet of snow-capped Stratovolcano. Additionally, in the nearby town of Fujikawaguchiko, barriers have been set up to block the view of Mount Fuji from Lawson’s convenience store.
This story was originally published in September 2024 and updated on June 30, 2025, and contains current information.
