Key Takeaways
• Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights for tourists booking international and domestic flights together starting July 1, 2025.
• Eligible tourists must fly on JAL international flights and book both segments on the JAL website for free domestic flights.
• Stopover fees of $100 apply for US, Canada, Mexico, China travelers if stopover exceeds 24 hours at first Japanese airport.
Japan Airlines Free Domestic Flights for International Tourists: What You Need to Know in 2025
Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched a unique offer for international tourists: free domestic flights within Japan when booking both international and domestic segments together on the JAL website. As of July 1, 2025, this program is fully active and has become a major talking point among travelers, tourism experts, and government officials. The initiative is part of a larger effort to spread tourism beyond Japan’s most crowded cities and help visitors discover the country’s many hidden gems.
This article explains who is eligible, how the program works, what it means for travelers and local communities, and what to expect in the future. If you’re planning a trip to Japan 🇯🇵, here’s everything you need to know about Japan Airlines’ free domestic flights for international tourists.
Who Can Get Free Domestic Flights with Japan Airlines?
Eligibility is the first thing to check before planning your trip. As of July 2025, the offer is available to international tourists from the following countries:
- United States 🇺🇸
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Australia 🇦🇺
- New Zealand
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- India
- China 🇨🇳
- Taiwan
If you are a citizen or resident of one of these countries and plan to visit Japan 🇯🇵, you may qualify for the free domestic flight offer. JAL has said it may expand the list of eligible countries in the future, but no new additions have been announced yet.
Key Booking Requirements
To get the free domestic flight, you must:
- Book both your international flight to Japan and your domestic flight within Japan in a single reservation on the JAL website. If you book the flights separately, you will not qualify for the free domestic segment.
- Arrive in Japan on a JAL-operated international flight. Codeshare flights or flights operated by other airlines do not count.
- Follow stopover rules: If you are from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico, or China 🇨🇳, you will need to pay a $100 stopover fee if you stay at your first Japanese airport (usually Tokyo or Osaka) for more than 24 hours before continuing to your domestic destination. For travelers from other eligible countries, there is no extra charge for the domestic segment as long as the stopover is less than 24 hours.
Baggage Allowance
- Economy and Premium Economy: Two free checked bags, each up to 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms)
- Business and First Class: Three free checked bags, each up to 70 pounds (about 32 kilograms)
This generous baggage policy makes it easier for tourists to travel around Japan 🇯🇵 without worrying about extra luggage fees.
How to Book Your Free Domestic Flight: Step-by-Step Guide
Japan Airlines has made the booking process simple, but you must follow each step carefully to get the free domestic segment:
- Go to the JAL website and select your international flight from your home country to Japan 🇯🇵.
- Add your desired domestic destination within Japan to the same booking. You can choose from any of the 64 domestic airports served by JAL, including places like Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and many smaller cities.
- Complete the reservation with both the international and domestic flights included. The domestic segment will show as free (zero cost), except for any stopover fees that may apply.
- Check your confirmation to make sure both flights are on the same itinerary.
If you need help, JAL’s customer service is available through their website, with country-specific support and booking assistance.
Where Can You Go with the Free Domestic Flight?
The offer covers all 64 domestic airports served by Japan Airlines. This means you can fly to almost any region in Japan 🇯🇵, not just the big cities. Some popular and lesser-known destinations include:
- Sapporo (Hokkaido): Famous for its snow festival and fresh seafood
- Fukuoka (Kyushu): Known for ramen and a lively waterfront
- Okinawa: Beautiful beaches and unique culture
- Kagoshima: Gateway to volcanic islands and hot springs
- Matsuyama (Shikoku): Historic castles and onsen (hot springs)
- Akita (Tohoku): Traditional festivals and scenic countryside
By making these places more accessible, JAL hopes to encourage tourists to explore beyond Tokyo and Osaka.
Why Is Japan Airlines Offering Free Domestic Flights?
The main reason is to fight overtourism in Japan’s biggest cities. Tokyo and Osaka have become very crowded with tourists, especially since Japan 🇯🇵 reopened its borders after the pandemic. This has put pressure on local infrastructure, raised prices, and sometimes made life harder for residents.
The Japanese government and JAL want to spread visitors more evenly across the country. By offering free domestic flights, they hope to:
- Encourage tourists to visit rural and regional areas
- Support local economies outside the main cities
- Reduce crowding and strain on Tokyo and Osaka
- Promote sustainable tourism and protect cultural sites
This strategy is part of Japan’s goal to attract 60 million international visitors by 2030, while making sure tourism benefits the whole country.
How Does This Affect International Tourists?
For travelers, the program offers several big advantages:
- Lower travel costs: Domestic flights in Japan 🇯🇵 can be expensive, especially if booked last minute. The free segment makes it much cheaper to see more of the country.
- Easier planning: Booking both flights together on the JAL website simplifies the process and ensures your connections are protected.
- More travel options: With access to 64 airports, you can build a multi-city itinerary and experience Japan’s diverse regions, cultures, and landscapes.
- Generous baggage allowance: You can bring more luggage without worrying about extra fees, which is helpful for longer trips or shopping.
What Are the Rules and Limitations?
While the offer is generous, there are some important rules to remember:
- You must book both flights together on the JAL website. Separate bookings are not eligible.
- The offer is only for travelers arriving on a JAL-operated international flight.
- Stopover fees apply for travelers from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico, and China 🇨🇳 if the stopover is longer than 24 hours.
- The offer is subject to seat availability. During busy travel periods, some routes may fill up quickly.
- No official end date has been announced, but JAL may change the terms or eligible countries in the future.
Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for Japan and the Travel Industry?
Tourism Diversification and Regional Revitalization
Japan Airlines’ free domestic flights program is more than just a travel deal—it’s a key part of Japan’s tourism policy. By making it easier and cheaper for international tourists to visit rural areas, the program helps:
- Boost local economies: More tourists mean more spending in hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions outside the big cities.
- Protect urban infrastructure: Reducing the number of tourists in Tokyo and Osaka helps prevent overcrowding and keeps public services running smoothly.
- Promote cultural exchange: Visitors get to experience local traditions, food, and festivals that are often missed in major cities.
Industry and Government Support
Travel industry experts see the program as a smart way to handle overtourism and a possible model for other countries. The Japanese government strongly supports the initiative, tying it to its goal of reaching 60 million inbound visitors by 2030. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the program is seen as a win-win for both tourists and local communities.
Tourist Feedback
Early reports show that international tourists are very happy with the offer. Many say it made their trips more affordable and allowed them to see parts of Japan 🇯🇵 they wouldn’t have visited otherwise. The booking process is described as easy, and the value of exploring less-visited regions is often highlighted in traveler reviews.
Background: How Did the Program Start?
Japan Airlines first announced the free domestic flights program in September 2024. It was rolled out in select markets later that year. The idea builds on earlier efforts by JAL and the Japanese government to promote regional tourism and address the problems caused by too many tourists in a few cities.
Japan 🇯🇵 has a long history of trying to balance tourism growth with protecting its culture and environment. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the country a chance to rethink its tourism strategy, leading to new programs like this one.
Future Outlook: Will the Program Continue?
As of July 2025, there is no official end date for the free domestic flights offer. JAL is watching how many people use the program and may change the list of eligible countries or other rules based on demand and tourism trends. The initiative is expected to remain a key part of Japan’s tourism strategy through at least 2026, with possible expansion to more countries.
What Should Travelers Do Next?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan 🇯🇵 and want to take advantage of this offer, here are some practical steps:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list and you plan to fly on a JAL-operated international flight.
- Plan your itinerary: Think about which regions of Japan you’d like to visit. Consider places outside Tokyo and Osaka for a unique experience.
- Book early: Some routes may fill up, especially during holidays or festival seasons.
- Follow the booking process: Use the JAL website to book both your international and domestic flights together.
- Review stopover rules: If you’re from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico, or China 🇨🇳, plan your stopover time to avoid extra fees if possible.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date details, visit the JAL Domestic Flight Offer Page. This page has the latest terms, eligible countries, and booking instructions. You can also find customer service contacts for help with your reservation.
For general information about visiting Japan 🇯🇵, including visa requirements and travel tips, check the official Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Key Takeaways
- Japan Airlines’ free domestic flight offer for international tourists is active as of July 2025.
- Eligibility is limited to select countries, and strict booking rules apply.
- The program aims to spread tourism across Japan 🇯🇵, support local economies, and reduce crowding in major cities.
- No end date has been set, but changes may come as the program evolves.
- Tourists benefit from lower costs, more travel options, and a chance to see the real Japan.
Final Thoughts
Japan Airlines’ free domestic flights for international tourists is a rare opportunity to see more of Japan 🇯🇵 for less. It’s also a sign of how countries are rethinking tourism in a post-pandemic world, focusing on sustainability and shared benefits. If you’re eligible, this program can help you build a richer, more memorable trip—while supporting communities that are eager to welcome you.
Before you book, always check the latest rules and availability on the official JAL website. With careful planning, you can make the most of this offer and discover the many sides of Japan 🇯🇵 beyond the usual tourist spots.
Learn Today
Codeshare flights → Flights operated by one airline but marketed by another, not qualifying for the JAL free domestic offer.
Stopover fee → A $100 charge for stays over 24 hours at the first Japanese airport for certain countries’ travelers.
Domestic segment → A flight within Japan included free when booked together with an international flight on JAL.
Booking itinerary → A single reservation containing both international and domestic flights required for the free flight program.
Tourism diversification → Spreading visitor traffic across multiple regions to reduce overcrowding in major cities and boost rural economies.
This Article in a Nutshell
Japan Airlines now offers international tourists free domestic flights when purchased with international tickets. This program spreads tourism beyond Tokyo and Osaka, allowing travelers to explore Japan’s diverse regions economically and conveniently while supporting local communities and reducing overcrowding in major cities.
— By VisaVerge.com
