Rail Pass or Air Pass?
Japan is long. Although smaller in area than the state of California it consists of several islands stretching over 3,000 kms north to south. If superimposed on a map of Europe it covers the tip of Norway to the bottom of Portugal. That’s not a train journey I would recommend! Yet almost every tourist to Japan arrives armed with the JR Rail Pass.
The JR Rail Pass works fine if you are planning to stay on the tourist trail between Tokyo & Kyoto and even beyond. But what happens you need to get from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south- and fast (as will be the case for many rugby fans in 2019)?
Meet the Japan AIR Pass!
Not as widely known as its railway cousin the Japan Explorer Pass is another one of those amazing deals available only to visitors to Japan. Operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) this gives you the opportunity to fly to 30 x cities in Japan for a fixed fee starting from 5,400 dollars (50 dollars) to 10,800 yen (100 dollars approx) per flight for up to 5 one-way flights.
What’s the Catch?
Unusually for an offer like this there are no hurdles to climb to meet the criteria.You must simply be a tourist with a valid return flight ticket (from any airline) & you have the option to book your discounted flights online up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time. Once you’ve booked there’s no looking back. No changes & no refunds possible.
However discounted flights are unavailable when the Japanese are moving so watch out for blackout dates including the New Year holidays, the Obon festival & the beginning of the academic year.
Blackout Dates for Discounted Flights in 2018
March 16, 2018 to March 31, 2018
August 03, 2018 to August 16, 2018
December 21, 2018 to January 06, 2019
So far for 2019- we know..
March 15, 2019 to March 31, 2019
Explain The Different Flight Ticket Prices
The 5,400 Yen Ticket
Covers flights within Hokkaido and flights to/from the northern region of Japan known as the Tohoku region. For rugby fans one of the more interesting venues for the 2019 World Cup is Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture. Devastated by the events of March 2011 a purpose-built stadium is being completed this year and will host matches such as that of Fiji vs. Uruguay on the 25th September 2019. From Tokyo you can fly to Akita (150 kms) or from Osaka to Hanamaki (70 kms) for approx. 50 dollars.
The 7,560 Yen Ticket
Covers flights between Tokyo & Osaka as well as between the islands of Okinawa- perfect for sun-seeking island hoppers!
The 10,800 Yen Ticket
This ticket is available for all other routes.
Notes: Economy Class only (though First-Class upgrades may be available on-board), No child rate although infants under 2 are free if they don’t require a seat.
How Do I Book My Discounted Flights Online?
Use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass Website- Click Here and check what’s available or Book Now!
Why fly JAL?
You get baggage allowance up to 2 x 23 kg bags, earn air miles, get a choice of hourly flights for major cities & advance seat reservation. In other words you fly in style- and it’s all included. The alternative is to work out a better deal with the Low-Cost Carriers such as JetStar and Peach Air, etc.
Safe Flight!
