Free Domestic Flights in Japan: How to Book & Where to Go

Flying to Japan soon?

Here’s something that might surprise you. When you book an international flight into Tokyo or another major city, some airlines let you add a domestic flight within Japan for little or no extra cost. This means you can land in one region and fly out from another, making it easier to explore different parts of the country without booking separate tickets.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how it works, which airlines offer it, and what to watch for when booking. From fees and routes to booking tips, here’s everything you need to know to plan your multi-city adventure.

Also read: Japan’s Best Nature Destinations That Take Your Breath Away: Mountains, Lakes and Hidden Escapes

 Why this flight feature is worth paying attention to

If you’re planning to explore beyond Tokyo, this ticket structure gives you a head start. Instead of arranging separate flights or long train rides between regions, you can stitch your domestic leg directly into your international itinerary.

This is especially useful if:

• You’re short on time and want to skip a long Shinkansen ride

• You’re landing in one city and flying out from another

• You’re building a slow-travel route through lesser-known regions

• You want to avoid managing multiple bookings and check-ins

It’s a quiet upgrade in convenience that can shape your whole trip. With less admin and more flexibility, you can focus on what really matters — where you want to go, and what you want to experience when you get there.

Also read: Japan Travel Rule Changes in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Tourists

How to book a multi-city itinerary on ANA

If you’re flying with All Nippon Airways (ANA), you can add a domestic leg directly when booking your international ticket, often without changing the total fare. To do this, you’ll need to use the multi-city search tool on their official website.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Go to ANA’s official website

Head to ANA’s international booking site and select “Search Multiple Cities” instead of a one-way or round-trip option.

Step 2: Input your route

Start with your international leg, such as Singapore to Tokyo, then add your desired domestic flight, like Tokyo to Hakodate. End with your return flight home.

Step 3: Finalise and book

Review the full itinerary and complete your booking. The domestic leg will be added with no additional base fare, though taxes and fees may still apply.

What to note

There’s very little fine print. The key points to keep in mind are:

• Your domestic flight must be booked as part of the same itinerary as your international ticket

• Stopovers (stays over 24 hours at the transfer point) are allowed but may incur minor consumption tax or service charges

• Seats are subject to availability, so plan ahead where possible

This promotion is currently available on the airline’s website, but no official end date has been announced. Like many airline offers, it may be adjusted or withdrawn without prior notice, depending on demand or seasonal changes. If you’re considering a trip to Japan and want to take advantage of this domestic flight add-on, it’s best to start planning early. Booking sooner not only secures your preferred travel dates but also ensures you don’t miss out if the offer is revised or ends unexpectedly.

Before you finalise your itinerary, be sure to visit the ANA promotion page for the most up-to-date terms and conditions. That way, you’ll have the latest information on eligible routes, fees, and availability, and you can book your flights with confidence.

Also read: A Guide to Goshuin Collecting in Japan: The Quiet Art of Shrine Stamps

Can you do the same thing with Japan Airlines?

Japan Airlines (JAL) also allows travellers to include a domestic flight within Japan as part of their international booking. For instance, you could fly from Singapore to Sapporo (via Tokyo) and return from Tokyo to Singapore, without paying extra for the domestic leg. In many cases, the total fare is the same as a basic round-trip to Tokyo.

However, there are a few things to take note of:

• Stopovers longer than 24 hours may come with an added fee (around US$100) for certain nationalities like travellers from the US, Canada, Mexico, and China.

• Travellers from countries like Singapore are generally not affected, but it’s still good to confirm during booking.

• This option is not advertised as a formal promotion on JAL’s website, so details may not always be clearly listed.

• Class J and First Class are not included in this structure, though you might be able to upgrade at check-in on a standby basis.

To see if your itinerary qualifies, use JAL’s multi-city search tool and test different city combinations. If you’re unsure, reaching out to JAL’s customer service directly can help clarify route eligibility and any applicable fees.

Where you can go

Whether you’re flying with ANA, JAL, or another domestic carrier, Japan’s internal flight network makes it easy to reach all corners of the country. From snow-covered mountains in the north to subtropical beaches in the south, and from neon-lit cities to quiet countryside towns, there’s a wide range of destinations to explore.

Here are just a few places you can consider flying to:

Sapporo

The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is famous for its powdery snow, winter festivals, and vibrant food scene. Warm up with a bowl of buttery miso ramen, sip locally brewed beer, and stroll through historic districts dusted with snow. It’s a must-visit for winter sports lovers and travellers seeking a slower, northern pace.

Fukuoka

Located on Kyushu, Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. It blends the energy of a big city with the friendliness of a small town. Walk along seaside parks, shop in lively underground malls, and end your day at a local yatai (street food stall) with grilled skewers and a cold drink.

Naha (Okinawa)

For a completely different side of Japan, fly to Okinawa. Its capital, Naha, offers tropical vibes, clear waters, and a unique Ryukyu cultural heritage. Explore traditional crafts, visit historic castles, and enjoy slow island living with days filled by beach swims, taco rice, and coral reef snorkelling.

Kagoshima

Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima sits across from the active Sakurajima volcano, which you can admire from almost anywhere in the city. Soak in volcanic hot springs, try black pork dishes, and take a ferry to nearby islands like Yakushima, a lush UNESCO World Heritage site.

Okayama

Known as the land of sunshine, Okayama offers a more relaxed pace with cultural gems like Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens. It’s also the gateway to Kurashiki, a picturesque canal town with Edo-era architecture and artisan shops.

And many more

Beyond these highlights, Japan’s domestic flight network also connects you to lesser-known gems like Akita, Toyama, Oita, Sendai, Tottori, and Miyazaki. Each city offers its own pace, landscape, and local flavour. These are the kinds of places that often surprise you most, and they’re a big part of what makes travelling through Japan so rewarding.

Also read: Japan’s Hidden Gems: 12 Underrated Destinations You Need to Visit

Final thoughts

This isn’t just a hidden travel hack. It’s a chance to see more of Japan with less friction. By adding a domestic leg to your international booking, you can go beyond the usual Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka route. You might start your trip in the capital, then soak in a remote onsen in Beppu, wander through the samurai districts of Kanazawa, or catch the sunset over volcanic peaks in Kagoshima.

When everything is booked under one itinerary, your journey becomes smoother and more flexible. You won’t need to juggle separate tickets, and you can plan your route around the places you’re most excited to visit, not just the ones with the easiest access.

In the end, this isn’t only about saving money. It’s about travelling with intention. Going further, staying longer, and letting your curiosity lead the way.