Japan offers free domestic flights to tourists, but there's a catch

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LOS ANGELES - Japan Airlines is offering a tempting promotion: free domestic flights within the country for international tourists. But there’s a catch. Travelers must first purchase a round-trip international ticket to Japan. The free flights are only available for domestic travel between select cities in Japan, not for international travel.

The promotion aims to encourage visitors to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations within Japan. While the deal sounds attractive, travelers need to be aware of the conditions attached.

How does Japan’s free flight offer work?

To take advantage of the promotion, travelers must first book a round-trip international flight to Japan. After securing the international flight, they can add domestic flights to select cities in Japan at no additional cost. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

The offer is available to travelers from countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and China, among others.
The free flights are domestic only, meaning the deal won’t help you get to Japan for free.
Passengers need to move on from major hubs within 24 hours, or face a $100 layover fee.

This photo taken on August 24, 2024 shows a Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger jet (C) sitting at a gate at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda. (Photo by RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The promotion is part of Japan Airlines' effort to boost tourism to less popular destinations, but it may still lead many travelers to the country's most well-known spots, like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan's tourism boom

Japan is experiencing a surge in tourism, thanks in part to a weakened yen. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates Japan’s travel revenue will hit a record-breaking $42 billion this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 5.7%. Despite this, locals in major tourist hubs have expressed frustration with rising prices and increased pressure on resources.