During your stay in Japan, air travel is an excellent option for moving around the country. It will save you several hours of driving, an option to consider seriously if you're facing time constraints. Moreover, price competition among airlines explains why low-cost domestic flights are multiplying across the country. Everything you need to know about domestic air routes in Japan.

Flying, a popular means of transport in Japan

If there is one comparative advantage Japan possesses from a tourism standpoint, it is the quality and efficiency of its transport infrastructure. Taking a plane is no longer a luxury in Japan—it is as ordinary as taking the subway. The country's vast size, the long distances between cities, and the density of road traffic all favor this option. For example, driving from Kyoto to the capital takes more than five and a half hours. As the crow flies, the journey takes less than an hour. Fast and highly practical, air travel is an integral part of Tokyo's urban lifestyle.

Comfortable domestic flights

In Japan, customer satisfaction is not merely a fashionable concept. Airlines operating domestic routes take great pride in offering the best service to their passengers:

- reclining seats available on demand, to relax better and avoid prolonged sitting. Available in business and first class;

- entertainment programming tailored to children to keep them occupied during the flight;

- the option to purchase empty seats for privacy and comfort needs (with certain airlines);

- the ability to turn on phones, tablets, and other mobile devices provided airplane mode is activated;

- assistance services for elderly passengers: including wheelchair rental, priority boarding ahead of other passengers, the right to be escorted by another person to the boarding gate, and airline staff assistance with baggage.

Flight prices

The price of domestic flights is relatively reasonable. Most tourists compare fares offered by different providers to get the best deal. The most active airlines on domestic routes are: Japan Air Commuter, Japan Airlines, Jestar Airlines, Peach Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. To attract more foreign tourists, airlines market packages allowing air travel across multiple cities at preferential rates. These include:

- ANA's "Visit Japan Fare," priced at around 13,000 yen;

- ANA's "Experience Japan," priced at around 10,800 yen, or €82.08, allowing you to visit all cities served by the airline;

- JAL's "Japan Pass Explorer," which grants access to around thirty destinations for only €43.28, €60.59, and €86.56 depending on your desired itinerary;

Beneficiaries of these rates must reside outside Japan and provide proof of a round-trip ticket. The passenger's passport and international ticket will serve as documentation at check-in. Japanese nationals are eligible for these packages provided they hold a permanent residence certificate in a country other than Japan. Flight reservations must be made on the airline's official website and completed no later than 72 hours before departure. Note that tickets purchased cannot be resold to another tourist or refunded.

Pricing by airline

Low-cost flights within Japan are obtained through Peach Airlines, Jestar Airlines, or Skymark. These airlines typically operate from a small number of airports and run multiple flights per day. This means it is advantageous to book with them if your destination falls within their service network; otherwise, the ticket price can double. Low-cost carriers occasionally offer discounts or last-minute deals, particularly on midweek days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Regularly monitoring flight offers is highly recommended.