If Japan is on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time to go. Thanks to a new initiative by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Airlines (JAL), you can fly to Japan and explore another part of the country for free. This offer is designed to make it easier and more affordable for travelers to see more than just Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
Here’s everything you need to know about how you can get a free domestic flight when you book your trip to Japan, plus tips on where to go and how to make the most of this opportunity.
Why is Japan offering free flights?
The Japanese government and JAL created this program to encourage visitors to explore beyond the country’s busiest tourist areas. With many international visitors sticking to popular spots like Tokyo and Kyoto, other regions have struggled to attract tourists despite offering equally memorable experiences.
By giving you a free domestic flight, the program hopes to distribute tourism more evenly across Japan. It also helps visitors discover hidden gems such as the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido, the sandy beaches of Okinawa, or the dunes of Tottori.
So if you’ve always dreamed of venturing off the beaten path, this offer could be your perfect chance.
Who is eligible?
At the moment, this promotion is open to Canadian travelers who book an international flight to Japan through Japan Airlines. You’ll need to book both your international and domestic flights together on JAL’s official website.
It’s important to note that you can’t book the domestic flight separately. It has to be part of the same reservation as your international ticket. This ensures the promotion applies correctly and that you don’t miss out on the free flight.
Even if you’re not Canadian, it’s worth keeping an eye on this program. Similar campaigns have run in the past for other markets, so travelers from other countries may also benefit in the future.
Where can you fly for free?
Japan Airlines operates one of the largest domestic networks in the country, serving 64 airports and more than 130 routes. That means you can reach nearly every corner of Japan without worrying about expensive train or plane tickets.
Here are just a few destinations you can consider flying to:
Sapporo (Hokkaido): Perfect if you want to experience snowy landscapes, hot springs, and winter sports.
Okinawa: Japan’s tropical islands, famous for their white beaches and unique Ryukyu culture.
Tottori: Known for its beautiful sand dunes, a rare sight in Japan.
Niigata: A great choice for skiing, sake tasting, and rice terraces.
Aomori: Famous for its apple orchards and the Nebuta Matsuri summer festival.
Tokushima: Ideal if you want to see the traditional Awa Odori dance festival or hike through scenic valleys.
No matter what your interests are, whether it’s beaches, mountains, culture, or food, there’s a domestic destination that will suit you.
How does it compare to the Japan Rail Pass?
For years, the Japan Rail Pass has been the go-to option for visitors looking to explore Japan on a budget. The Rail Pass gives you unlimited travel on Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other JR-operated trains for a set period.
This free domestic flight program offers a different kind of experience. Instead of long train journeys, you can quickly hop between regions by plane. This can save time if you’re planning to visit areas far from Tokyo, like Hokkaido or Okinawa, which are not easily accessible by train.
For shorter trips or regions closer together, the Rail Pass might still be the better option. But if you want to cover longer distances or visit more remote places, taking advantage of the free flight makes a lot of sense.
Tips for booking and planning
If you’re ready to book your trip, here are a few steps to make sure you get the most out of this offer:
Book through JAL’s website: Only reservations made directly on Japan Airlines’ official site qualify for the promotion.
Plan your domestic destination early: Some routes and dates may have limited availability, so decide where you want to go and book as soon as possible.
Check baggage policies: Domestic flights often have different luggage allowances than international flights, so double-check before you pack.
Think about the weather: Japan’s climate varies widely by region. For example, Hokkaido can still have snow in April while Okinawa is already warm and sunny.
Combine with other offers: Keep an eye out for discounts on accommodations or tours in the region you’re flying to. Many prefectures have their own tourism incentives.
Why explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto?
Japan is a diverse country with something to offer in every region. While Tokyo and Kyoto are incredible, venturing beyond them allows you to experience authentic local culture, uncrowded attractions, and often lower prices.
For example, Okinawa offers a completely different vibe with its subtropical beaches and relaxed pace. Tottori is much quieter and gives you a rare chance to walk across desert-like sand dunes. Northern Japan, like Aomori and Hokkaido, is known for natural beauty and delicious seafood.
Exploring these lesser-known areas also supports local communities that don’t benefit as much from the tourism boom in big cities.
Is this worth it for your trip?
If you’re flying to Japan anyway, adding a free domestic flight is a smart way to stretch your travel budget and see more of the country. Even if you’re only planning a short vacation, spending a couple of days in another region can make your trip feel much more complete.
This offer is also great for travelers who have already been to Japan before and want to see new places. Instead of revisiting the same cities, you can explore a completely different part of the country without extra cost.
Final thoughts
Japan continues to be one of the most fascinating countries to visit, and this free domestic flight program makes it even easier to experience more of what it has to offer. If you’re a Canadian traveler, all you need to do is book your international and domestic flights together through JAL’s website to take advantage of this opportunity.
Whether you’re drawn to the mountains of Hokkaido, the beaches of Okinawa, or the festivals of Tokushima, your next trip to Japan can go beyond the ordinary — without adding to your expenses.
Start planning early, pick a destination that excites you, and make the most of your journey.