Discount Domestic Air Travel in Japan
The price of standard fare domestic flights in Japan is still fairly high. There are a wide number of discount offers available.
Air Passes for foreign visitors:
Similar to the JR rail pass, JAL (oneworld) and ANA (Star Alliance) offer air passes exclusively to visitors from outside of Japan, pass holders are able to fly anywhere within Japan for around 12,000 Yen per flight. This is a great deal for domestic flights, particularly on longer routes, Tokyo Okinawa or Hokkaido for instance.
The air pass needs to be purchased outside of Japan, the pass can only be used by non-residents of Japan who arrive and depart from Japan by international flights. The pass is limited to one per person per visit.
The passes are valid for a minimum of one to a maximum of five flights. The number and routes of the flights must be stated when purchasing the pass. However the specific flights, other than the first one, don’t need to be booked until a later date. The pass is valid from 60 days after the first domestic flight.
Please note that there are several blackout periods throughout the year. Typically mid December to early January, most of March and mid July to late August.
Oneworld Yokoso Visit Japan Pass
Price: 10,000 Yen per domestic flight*
Validity: 1-5 domestic flights by JAL Group
Eligibility: Foreign visitors who fly to/via Japan by oneworld, which includes JAL, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Quantas and several other airlines.
JAL Welcome To Japan Fare
Price: 13,000 Yen per domestic flight*
Validity: 2-5 domestic flights by JAL Group
Eligibility: Foreign visitors who fly to/via Japan by any airline.
Star Alliance Japan Airpass
Price: 11,000 Yen per domestic flight*
Validity: 1-5 domestic flights by ANA Group
Eligibility: Foreign visitors who fly to/via Japan by Star Alliance, which includes ANA, United, US Airways, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa and several other airlines.
ANA Visit Japan Fare
Price: 13,000 Yen per domestic flight*
Validity: 2-5 domestic flights by ANA Group
Eligibility: Foreign visitors who fly to/via Japan by any airline.
* not including taxes and surcharges of a few hundred yen
Picture Sources: Airline Route Maps