Fly to Over 30 Japanese Cities for Less With These Tourist-Only Passes

(SPOT.ph) It's no secret that Japan's railway system is one of the best in the world. Everyone dreams of getting lost in Tokyo's subways and riding the Shinkansen, a.k.a. the Bullet Train, at least once in their life. And while it's good to get your first bullet train ride out of your system on your first Japan trip, more seasoned travelers will tell you that taking the Shinkansen for every cross-prefectural excursion around the archipelago is a surefire way to burn a hole in your pocket.

Buses are another option, but for Filipino travelers who have less than a week in Japan, losing a day to land travel is often out of the question. So what's one to do if they need an affordable and fast way to explore Japan? The answer—fly. Introducing Japan Airlines (JAL) Japan Explorer Pass, an affordable fare scheme that allows travelers to travel to over 30 cities all over Japan.

Also read:
The SPOT.ph Guide to Exploring Tokyo by Train
The SPOT.ph Guide to Exploring Osaka, Kyoto + More by Train
The SPOT.ph Guide to Applying for a Japanese Visa

Here's everything you need to know about the Japan Explorer Pass:

JAL's Japan Explorer Pass is a simple and affordable fare matrix for travelers wishing to explore Japan's off-the-beaten-path cities and destinations. The fare can be used to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network, with rates starting at JPY 5,500 (P2,128).

Only individuals outside Japan with an international air ticket to and from Japan are eligible to purchase JAL Japan Explorer Pass Fares. To purchase fares under this scheme, you must present an international itinerary, i.e., one that shows a round trip, circle trip, or open-jaw flight to/via Japan from a location outside the Land of the Rising Sun.

As the Japan Explorer Pass bookings are made online through the JAL website, you must present a Japan inbound ticket number or reservation code at the time of purchase to verify your eligibility. Note that tickets entering and exiting Japan need not be under Japan Airlines. You need to have one. Customers who do not meet this eligibility may be asked to purchase new tickets upon verification at airport check-in.

How much is the JAL Japan Explorer Pass?

The JAL Japan Explorer Pass has three basic fare tiers: JPY 5,500 (P2,128), JPY 7,700 (P2,978), and JPY 11,000 (P4,255). These base fares are fixed and exclusive of other service and terminal fees. 

Fares starting at JPY 5,500 include routes within Hokkaido and those departing from/to the Tohoku region. Routes between Tokyo and Osaka, Tokyo and Nanki-Shirahama, and between the Okinawa main island and other outlying islands comprise the JPY 7,700 tier. Meanwhile, those unmentioned in the first two tiers fall under the JPY 11,000 band.

What this means is that travelers arriving in Tokyo but with final destinations in other regions like Kansai and Hokkaido need not spend over P3,000 for domestic transfers that would take an hour or so—a concept that is unheard of prior to this scheme as Shinkansen transfers could cost upwards of P5,000 while the cheaper bus trips take more than eight hours one way.

What is included in the JAL Japan Explorer Pass?

Japan Explorer Pass tickets will be served under JAL's economy class. This isn't too bad, as most JAL domestic flights use planes with a 3x2 seating configuration. There's just enough room to stretch and have some personal space. 

All Japan Airlines flights also come with complimentary free WiFi onboard and two pieces of free check-in baggage, up to 23 kg or 50 lbs per item. If you aren't a light packer, this is another perk of flying. Unlike in the Shinkansen, where there is limited room for baggage, JAL's planes provide more options for luggage transport. 

For more information, visit the Japan Airlines website.

Also read: SPOT.ph Roadtest: GCash Works in Japan and It Saved Us From Money Changer Losses

Hey, Spotters! Check us out on Viber to join our Community and subscribe to our Chatbot.