JAL Explorer Pass: Japanese Domestic Flights Now Up to 100% More Expensive

Only 10 days ago, we reported on Travel-Dealz about a long-standing offer from Japan Airlines: Visitors from abroad could book domestic flights in Japan for as low as €37, saving between 20% and 80% in many cases.

Unfortunately, there is now bad news for all Japan enthusiasts: Without prior notice, JAL has significantly increased prices on many routes. We have observed price increases of up to 100% on numerous routes. Only in very few cases (e.g., Tokyo – Nagoya) will it be cheaper than before.

There are now three price tiers, with prices in reality possibly deviating by a few euros:

• Price tier 1: 8 selected short-haul routes starting from JP¥7,700 (~€46)
• Price tier 2: 61 medium-haul routes starting from JP¥11,000 (~€66)
• Price tier 3: 49 longer routes starting from JP¥14,300 (~€86)

You can check the exact prices for your connection on this landing page.

Up to 100% Price Increase

Unfortunately, the website no longer features a convenient map with a list of all affordable routes. Therefore, a transparent comparison of old and new prices is no longer possible. We have selected some examples to illustrate the changes:

• Sapporo – Hakodate: JP¥7,700 (~€46) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+40%)
• Sapporo – Memanbetsu: JP¥7,700 (~€46) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+40%)
• Tokyo – Nagoya: JP¥7,700 (~€46) instead of JP¥11,000 (~€66) (-30%)
• Aomori – Sapporo JP¥7,700 (~€46) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+40%)
• Tokyo – Akita: JP¥10,000 (~€60) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+82%)
• Osaka – Sendai: JP¥10,000 (~€60) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+82%)
• Tokyo – Aomori: JP¥11,000 (~€66) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+100%)
• Tokyo – Tohoku: JP¥11,000 (~€66) instead of JP¥5,500 (~€33) (+100%)
• Tokyo – Osaka: JP¥11,000 (~€66) instead of JP¥7,700 (~€46) (+42%)
• Tokyo – Sapporo: JP¥14,300 (~€86) instead of JP¥11,000 (~€66) (+30%)
• Tokyo – Okinawa: JP¥14,300 (~€86) instead of JP¥11,000 (~€66) (+30%)

The prices now appear to be more dynamic than before. There are only a few tickets available at the entry price in the short term.

Conclusion

The previous offer of the JAL Explorer Pass remained essentially unchanged for many years. A price increase was therefore only a matter of time. At least the yen has lost 15% of its value against the euro in the last 12 months alone.

However, the increases are substantial in many cases. Alternatives such as mileage tickets and budget flights (plus baggage) are becoming increasingly attractive. The Japan Rail Pass is hardly an alternative since it became up to 77% more expensive last year. Fortunately, many other things on-site (hotels, dining, …) remain affordable.

Translated by Ditmar