The JAL Japan Explorer Pass is an excellent flight deal offered by Japan Airlines – which is only available to foreign tourists. Here’s the essentials.
- A simple, low-cost solution
- Current pricing structure
- Enhanced benefits included
- Eligibility for the JAL Explorer Pass
- Important booking conditions
- An alternative: ANA's Discover Japan Fare
- Recommended For You
- Search Flights to Japan with Skyscanner
- Leave A Comment / Ask A Question
- About the Author
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A simple, low-cost solution
The JAL Japan Explorer Pass now offers variable pricing starting from around USD $70-110 per domestic flight sector.
It’s a simple and flexible fare system for travelers wishing to explore the unique culture and feel of local Japan.
The pass provides an easy solution to travelling beyond Tokyo and the well-trodden tourist routes, with access to over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network.
Current pricing structure
Important Change: JAL has moved away from the previous fixed three-tier pricing system. The Japan Explorer Pass now uses dynamic pricing based on route and demand, with fares typically ranging:
- Tokyo-Osaka routes: Starting from around USD $71-73
- Tokyo-Sapporo routes: Starting from around USD $85
- Tokyo-Okinawa routes: Starting from around USD $84-88
- Osaka-Sapporo routes: Starting from around USD $92-94
- Regional routes: Varying prices, with some routes like Tokyo-Kumamoto starting from USD $104
All prices are one-way, Economy Class only, and include taxes and surcharges. Prices are subject to availability and may change.
Class J and First Class may be purchased at the time of check-in on a standby basis.
Depending on availability, JAL Japan Explorer Pass fares may not display for some routes.
SEE ALSO: Japan’s Best Airports For Hassle-Free Travel
Enhanced benefits included
JAL’s Explorer Pass isn’t just about cheaper prices. The airline throws in a few benefits to sweeten the deal too. Here’s some of the enhanced benefits over regular flights included.
Unlimited Free Wi-Fi
JAL offers unlimited free internet access on their Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft across Japan, allowing you to:
- Watch movies and listen to music with your own devices
- Send and receive text messages and photos
- Browse the internet and social media
- Watch streaming services such as YouTube
Enhanced free checked baggage
A significant improvement over standard domestic flights:
- Two pieces of free check-in baggage, up to 23kg (50lbs) each
- Standard domestic flights typically limit to 20kg per baggage
- Families with young children can check-in baby strollers, carriages and child seats free of charge
Eligibility for the JAL Explorer Pass
To purchase JAL Japan Explorer Pass fares, you must meet these requirements:
- Residence must be outside of Japan
- Must hold an international ticket to/from Japan at the time of booking and ticketing
- Passport information is required at the time of purchase
Customers who do not meet these conditions may be asked to purchase a new ticket when checking-in at the airport.
Important booking conditions
- Ticket purchases can be made up to 24 hours before departure (some routes allow up to 20 minutes before departure)
- Reservations cannot be changed after purchasing domestic tickets
- All tickets are non-refundable
- No child discounts – same fare as adult applies
- Infants under 2 years travel free (without seat)
- Applicable to all JAL, JAL Express, J-Air and Japan Air Commuter flights
- Not applicable to flights operated by Fuji Dream Airlines, Ryukyu Air Commuter, Amakusa Airlines, Oriental Air Bridge, or Jetstar Japan
The fare covers flights to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network – take a look, it might give you some ideas for exploring The Real Japan! Use my Destinations Travel Hub to cross reference the cities included in the fare and get ideas for new locations to add to your itinerary.
CHECK Official Site: JAL Japan Explorer Pass website
An alternative: ANA’s Discover Japan Fare
All Nippon Airways (ANA) also offer a similar discount programme for foreign tourists to Japan called the ANA Discover Japan Fare. You can read more about that HERE.
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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RESOURCES
Official JAL Japan Explorer Pass Website
Special Fares For Domestic Flights in Japan
Further Related Guides
- The Best Time To Visit Japan – All You Need To Know
- Cheap Flights to Japan & Flying FAQs
- Exploring Japan With The ANA Discover Japan Fare
- Flying to Japan? Here’s How To Fly Smarter
- Going Beyond Tokyo: Why It Pays To Be Bold
- How I Plan Trips To Japan
- Japan’s Best Airports For Hassle-Free Travel
More Planning Resources
My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources
Recommended Japan Travel Resources
My Japan Travel Store
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