Japan is renowned for its high-speed Shinkansen train network, unparalleled in its efficiency. However, there is also an extensive network of domestic flights, whether due to lengthy train journeys on certain routes or the lack of viable alternatives to destinations like Okinawa.
Not widely known but a great money-saving tip: Foreigners booking domestic flights with Oneworld member Japan Airlines can enjoy significant savings. Theoretically, discounts of up to 90% are possible, but in practice, it’s more likely to be between 20% and 50%. Additionally, passengers receive extra baggage allowance (a total of 2x 23 kg).
This offer is known as the JAL Explorer Pass. However, these discounted prices are only displayed through the following landing page:
It’s advisable to compare prices with tools like Google Flights or similar search engines. Occasionally, the prices of the JAL Explorer Pass might be higher than regular tickets.
To qualify, you need to reside outside Japan and possess a round-trip ticket from abroad to Japan.
Prices for specific routes start at:
- JP¥5,500 (~€33)
- JP¥7,700 (~€46)
- JP¥11,000 (~€66)
On some routes, there may be additional taxes of around €2 to €5.
Sample Prices
Tickets for 5,500 Yen are available only on selected routes, mainly flights to and from the Tohoku region in the northern part of the main island, Honshu. The same price applies to flights within the island of Hokkaido. In the 7,700 Yen price range are flights like Osaka – Tokyo and some flights between Okinawa and neighbouring islands.
For JP¥5,500 (~€33):
- Tokyo – Sendai
- Tokyo – Yamagata
- Tokyo – Akita
- Osaka – Aomori
- Osaka – Yamagata
- Fukuoka – Sendai
- Sapporo – Kushiro
For JP¥7,700 (~€46):
- Osaka – Tokyo
- Okinawa – Ishigaki
- Okinawa – Miyako
The map below illustrates these routes. All routes not shown on the map start at JP¥11,000 (~€66). However, this doesn’t guarantee that tickets at the lowest entry price are always available.
Cabin Upgrade from €7
The JAL Explorer Pass is exclusively available for economy travel. If seats are available on the departure day, upgrades to Class J and first class are possible. This can be done directly at the check-in counter without further waiting.
Class J is essentially a premium economy, with wider seats being the main advantage. Despite this, it can be worthwhile starting from €7. Upgrade prices can be found here.
An upgrade to first class costs between JP¥11,000 (~€66) and JP¥13,200 (~€79) per segment. First class offers more spacious seats, lounge access, proper meals, and additional perks.
Price Comparison
Below is a comparison of Explorer Pass prices with regular prices on JAL.co.jp for some sample routes (checked on January 13, 2024). Savings ranged from 0% to 85%:
- Fukuoka → Sendai on January 30: €38 instead of €253 (-85%)
- Tokyo → Akita on February 2: €38 instead of €107 (-64%)
- Tokyo → Osaka on February 21: €53 instead of €88 (-40%)
- Tokyo → Okinawa on February 6: €73 instead of €96 (-24%)
- Tokyo → Osaka on May 8: €53 instead of €63 (-15%)
- Osaka → Fukuoka on April 10: €53 instead of €53 (0%)
Alternatives
The Explorer Pass is almost always the best choice for domestic flights with JAL. However, it’s advisable to quickly compare prices on platforms like Google Flights or Kayak. For instance, flights to Okinawa are also available from Japanese budget airlines like Jetstar and Peach at reasonable prices, even after adding baggage fees. Additionally, there are airlines like AirDo or SkyMark where checked baggage is included.
There are also offers from the following airlines:
- Fuji Dream Airlines: FDA is a regional airline flying Embraer jets to many small airports like Matsumoto, Yamagata, and Niigata. The Japan Dream Fare, including fuel surcharge and tax, costs around JP¥13,000 (~€78).
- Starflyer: Star Flyer operates its own flights and also offers them as ANA codeshares. The Fly JAPAN Value Fare provides discounted tickets for foreigners. For instance, it costs JP¥7,600 (~€46) from Tokyo to Osaka or JP¥9,600 (~€58) from Tokyo to Fukuoka.
- ANA: All Nippon Airlines offers the Discover Japan Fare with tickets starting at JP¥7,400 (~€44). However, these often cost more than regular tickets and are therefore not highly recommended.
Mileage tickets may also be worth considering. For instance, United MileagePlus offers many ANA flights within Japan for just 5,500 miles (+ around €3 in taxes) per direction.
Bonus: Affordable (Regional) Rail Passes
The once cost-effective Japan Rail Pass for nationwide Shinkansen travel became up to 77% more expensive in October 2023 and is now worthwhile only in a few cases. A good combination, however, is affordable domestic flights combined with regionally valid rail passes, available for numerous regions in Japan, as discussed in the following article:
Translated by Ditmar