Japan is a nation of islands with great geographic diversity — from the snow capped peaks of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
While much of the country is connected via high speed rail, if you are short on time or want to visit more far-flung regions, you may be interested in one of the many discount airfares available to foreign visitors.
Increased competition by discount airlines in Japan have led to an array of discount offers on domestic routes:
- Experience Japan Fare
- One World Yokoso Visit Japan Fare
- Japan Airlines Welcome to Japan Fare
- Star Alliance Japan Airpass
- ANA Visit Japan Fare
The most flexible of these is the Experience Japan Fare. You can purchase tickets while in Japan allowing for more spontaneity, and there are no blackout dates.
The major downsides of the Experience Japan Fare are that tickets must be purchased 3 days in advance and are non-changeable and nonrefundable.
The Experience Japan Fare: Up to 75% off Domestic Airfares
All Nippon Airlines (ANA) offers the Experience Japan Fare to international visitors to Japan. You can fly anywhere in Japan for 10,800 Japanese Yen, including taxes and fees. At today’s exchange rate (June 24, 2014) that’s $106 US dollars.
This is a gigantic bargain! For instance, the regular one-way fare between Tokyo and Okinawa is 46,000 Yen. The Experience Japan Fare at 10,800 Yen is more than 75 percent off!
Eligibility for the Experience Japan Fare
The Experience Japan Fare is meant for visitors to the country. There are three conditions to be eligible for the fare: You must:
- reside outside of Japan;
- hold a passport issued by a country other than Japan; and
- have an international ticket from any airline to and from Japan.
How to Fly Anywhere Within Japan for $100
The Experience Japan Fare of 10,800 JPY per flight (this includes the 800 JPY tax) is good for tickets issued from April 1, 2014 until October 25, 2014.
There are some rules to keep in mind:
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to the departure date.
- Tickets can be purchased up to 14 days before departure.
- There is no limit on the number of segments you may fly.
- Seats are limited and may not be available on all days or on all flights.
- You will accrual frequent flyer miles.
- One checked bag is included in the fare.
- No changes and no refunds allowed.
Please note this important caution: There may be instances where it may cost less to include all Japan domestic flights within your international flight discount fare if you are connecting to/from an ANA international flight.
Further information on fare conditions is available online.
Other Airlines Offer Special Fares for Foreign Visitors to Japan
There are several other discount fares with comparable prices.
One World Yokoso Visit Japan Fare
To be eligible for the One World Yokoso Visit Japan Fare, travel to Japan must be a carrier in the One World Alliance and tickets must be purchased before arrival in Japan.
One World includes JAL, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas and several other airlines.
Tickets cost 10,800 Yen and are valid for two months.
Blackout periods apply:
- March 14 – 31, 2014
- August 8 – 17, 2014
- December 19, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- March 13 – 31, 2015
Japan Airlines Welcome to Japan Fare
The Japan Airlines Welcome to Japan Fare is available to any international traveler. The cost is 14,040 JPY per sector, including tax. It can be used to all cities in Japan served by Japan Airlines (JAL.)
This fare is available overseas only and is not sold in Japan.
More extensive blackout dates apply:
- March 7 – 31, 2014
- July 4 – August 31, 2014
- December 5, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- March 6 – 31, 2015
Star Alliance Japan Airpass
If you are flying to Japan with ANA or another Star Alliance carrier the Star Alliance Japan Airpass discounted fare offers you great savings.
The fare is just 10,000 Yen per flight to any destination in Japan.
Star Alliance includes ANA, United, US Airways, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and several other airlines.
You can take up to 5 flights including code share flights.
The blackout dates are:
- March 14 – 31, 2014
- August 1 – 17, 2014
- December 19, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- March 13 – 30, 2015
- July 3 – August 16, 2015
ANA Visit Japan Fare
ANA has another special deal called the ANA Visit Japan Fare. Tickets must be purchased before arrival in Japan. This fare allows you to buy a ticket to any destination in Japan for 13,000 Yen per flight plus tax, including code share flights.
Star Alliance Japan Airpass is a better deal if you are flying to Japan with ANA or Star Alliance Partner Carriers.
Blackout dates apply:
- March 7 – 31, 2014
- July 4 – August 31, 2014
- December 5, 2014 – January 4, 2015
- March 6 – 30, 2015
- July 3 – August 30, 2015
- December 4, 2015 – January 3, 2016
- March 4 – 28, 2016
All of these different discount fares are a little confusing, but it is good to know you have options!
Excellent info, like rail passes, Japan has many, confusing options to save money the reward research. Thanks for doing the hard work for us.