Along with Shinkansen, domestic flights are often used as a convenient means of transportation when visiting multiple prefectures on a trip to Japan. However, when boarding domestic flights, there are conspicuous regulations that differ from international flights, such as boarding time-limit and baggage restrictions.
Therefore, we have compiled frequently asked questions in a Q&A format so that even first-time visitors to Japan can master how to board a domestic flight!
*This article was created with reference to information from some airlines. Regulations may vary by airline.
Q1: Domestic flight or the Shinkansen, which one is recommended for traveling domestically?
A1: It depends on the time required to reach the destination and the cost.
For example, from Tokyo to Osaka, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Shin-Osaka Station on the Shinkansen using the Nozomi train, but if you fly from Haneda Airport to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), you will arrive in about an hour.
You can get to Osaka faster by plane, but if you take into account the time to and from the airport and the boarding procedure for the plane, it's true that both domestic flights take about the same amount of time.
In addition, there are areas where the Shinkansen does not run, and there are prefectures where there are no flights. It is recommended that you compare the required time and cost, and then decide on the mode of transportation that best suits your destination.
Thorough comparison of domestic flights and Shinkansen. How to use effectively?
| Domestic Flight | Shinkansen | |
| Price & Discount | Prices may fluctuate significantly depending on the busy season and off-season If you use time sales, early bird discounts, campaigns, or discounted domestic flight tickets for tourists visiting Japan (see Q7 for details), you can board at a great price. | The price range is narrow throughout the year, and there is little price difference between the busy season and the off-season. Depending on the service section, you can get a great deal if you make an early reservation or use a railroad pass for tourists visiting Japan (such as JAPAN RAIL PASS) |
| Required Time | Travel time is shorter than the Shinkansen, even for long-distance travel However, the airport is often far from the city. When using it, it is necessary to consider the time required for various procedures such as check-in, procedures, and security inspections. | Depending on the destination, the travel time can be significantly longer than by plane Stops are located in urban areas and terminal stations, saving you the trouble of transferring and moving to conventional lines. |
| Time-Accuracy & Punctuality | Easily affected by weather. The risk of delays and cancellations due to natural disasters such as typhoons and snowfall is higher than the Shinkansen | The average delay time is only a few seconds to several tens of seconds. Although it may be suspended due to typhoons, etc., it usually operates on an almost accurate timetable. |
| Boarding Convenience | Since there are only one to several departures per hour, it may not be possible to respond to sudden changes. | There are many trains and if there are still seats left, you can purchase a ticket and board immediately. |
| Inaccessible Area | Prefectures without airports (Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, Mie, etc.) | Areas where the Shinkansen does not pass (Okinawa, remote islands, Hokkaido north of Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, etc.) |
Q2: What airlines operate domestic flights in Japan?
A2: Airlines operating domestic flights can be roughly divided into three types
There are three main types of domestic airlines:
| General Airlines | LCC (Low Cost Carrier) | Third Airline (Regional Airline) | |
| Representative Example | JAL, ANA | Peach, Jetstar | STARFLYER, Solaseed Air, AIRDO |
| Service Features |
|
|
|
Compared to general airlines and LCCs that operate many international flights, the term "third airline" may not be familiar to you, but it is actually a great choice for traveling to regional areas in Japan.
Among them, AIRDO, which is headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido and connects Honshu with six cities in Hokkaido, and Solaseed Air, which has flights to and from six cities in Kyushu, Okinawa Naha, and Ishigaki Island, are representative examples. In addition to operating many flights connecting regional cities with metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, it is also characterized by the ability to enjoy regional services such as free in-flight drinks made with locally produced ingredients.
Q3: What are the procedures from check-in to boarding for domestic flights?
A3: After entering Japan, the procedures for connecting to domestic flights are the same as for international flights.
The procedures from check-in to boarding for domestic flights are:
- Check-in at a self-service check-in machine or airport counter
*Many airports have multilingual automatic check-in machines, so don't worry if you don't understand Japanese! - Drop off your checked baggage at the airport counter
- Pass through security checkpoint after bag check and physical check
- Head to the boarding gate
On the other hand, there are some things to keep in mind when transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight on the day of entry.
Precautions when transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight
After the arrival of your flight, you will need to go through immigration and customs inspections, then go out to the general area and go through a series of procedures from boarding procedures for domestic flights to security inspections. In addition, if you are connecting on the same day, you must meet the minimum connecting time specified by the airport or airline you are using. The terminals you use may be far apart, so let's estimate the transfer time to be about 2 hours.
*Transfers from international flights operated by some airlines such as JAL and ANA to domestic flights operated by the same airline group do not require procedures. For details, please check the official website of each operating company.
Q4: How early should I check in at the airport for a domestic flight?
A4: We recommend 1 hour before the departure time.
In general, the check-in and baggage check-in deadlines are 20-30 minutes before the departure time. After that, pass through the security checkpoint at least 20 minutes before the departure time and arrive at the boarding gate at least 10 to 25 minutes before the departure time.
However, during summer holidays, the year-end and New Year holidays, and consecutive holidays, it may take an hour and a half from check-in to boarding, so during the high season, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport early with a little more time to spare.
Q5: Do I need to show my passport when boarding a domestic flight?
A5: No need to show it on domestic flights. It's safe to keep it handy in case of trouble though!
There is no immigration or departure inspection during transit, so you don't need to show your passport. It is OK if you present the boarding pass printed out in advance or the e-ticket displayed on your smartphone or tablet PC to the airport staff.
However, it is recommended that you carry your passport or printed boarding pass with you just in case you cannot connect online due to communication problems. Also, if you are boarding with a discount ticket for tourists visiting Japan, you will need to present your passport with a "Temporary Visitor" stamp at the check-in counter. (See Q7 for discount domestic flight tickets.)
Q6: Can I bring beverages, liquids, cosmetics, etc. onto domestic flights?
A6: You can carry them on domestic flights.
On international flights, beverages, liquids, and cosmetics in plastic bottles exceeding 100ml per container cannot be brought onboard, but on domestic flights, there are different restrictions on the types and amounts that can be brought on board.
- Beverages such as water and tea: no restrictions
- Alcoholic beverages: restrictions vary by alcohol content
- 24% or less: no limit
- 24% to 70%: up to 5L per person
- 70% or more: neither carry-on nor checked baggage
- Cosmetics, perfumes, pharmaceuticals (non-radioactive): 0.5 kg/L or less per container, up to 2 kg/L per person
As with international flights, dangerous items such as fireworks and spray cans cannot be carried onboard or checked in as checked baggage under the Civil Aviation Law.
Q7: Are there discount domestic flight tickets for tourists visiting Japan?
A7: Two companies, JAL and STARFLYTER, sell discount tickets
Two companies, JAL and STARFLYER, sell discount air tickets that can only be used by tourists visiting Japan. Conditions include being a resident of any country beside Japan and having a passport issued in a country other than Japan.
*"ANA Experience JAPAN Fares" by ANA are currently on hold.
There are some restrictions such as you can only choose from the designated routes and you can't get a refund, but compared to regular fares, it's a great value.
| JAL Japan Explorer Pass | Fly JAPAN Value Fare | |
| Airline Company | JAL | STARFLYER |
Example route/fare ① | Starting from 5,500 yen
| 7,150 yen
|
| Example route/fare ② | Starting from 7,700円 yen
| 9,150 yen
|
Comments