Travelling to Japan is a yearly tradition for me, so I am so happy that the boarders are finally opening again! From October 11, there will be barrier free entry into Japan and you can bet I’ve already booked my tickets. My favourite itinerary is always Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto. Most people prefer to take the Shinkansen via Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), but my preferred way is to fly. I find that it’s much more comfortable, very efficient and I can take all my luggage without worrying about space. Check out my full review of the JAL Japan Explorer Pass Review below!
What is the JAL Japan Explorer Pass?
The JAL Japan Explorer Pass is an affordable fare for tourists and foreign nationals to explore Japan domestically. The fare can be used to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network. There are three fare level – 5,500 JPY, 7,700 JPY and 11,000 JPY. The only caveat is that you need to reside outside of Japan with an international air ticket to and from Japan. Your original flight ticket does not have to be with JAL. It is very simple to book and you can do it directly through the JAL website. Tickets can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
How to use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass
For me, I usually fly Vancouver (YVR) to Haneda Airport (HND) and then I take a flight to Osaka. I like starting my trip in Osaka and then ending in Tokyo. Because the flight from Tokyo to Osaka is domestic you don’t have to clear customs again after you arrive in Tokyo from Vancouver. You board the plane directly on the tarmac and the flight takes just over an hour. The flight ticket is approximately 160 CAD round trip.
In my experience the planes have had very spacious seats (usually 2 rows with 3 seats per row), free and fast Wi-Fi and 2 baggage luggage allowance for check-in.
How much do you save using the JAL Japan Explorer Pass?
Generally, I spend two weeks in Japan. If I were to do my usual itinerary: Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto I would need to purchase the The Ordinary JR Pass which is 448 CAD. In comparison I usually purchase a combination of the following:
- Tokyo – Osaka JAL Japan Explorer Pass (160 CAD)
- Kyoto – Osaka Sightseeing Pass via the Keihan Railway (1,400 JPY approx 13 CAD)
- Osaka Amazing Pass (Tourist sightseeing pass including transit) (3,600 JPY approx 34 CAD)
- Tokyo Subway Ticket on the Tokyo Metro:
- 24 hour ticket (800 JPY approx 7 CAD)
- 48 hour ticket (1,200 JPY approx 11 CAD)
- 72 hour ticket (1,500 JPY approx 14 CAD)
I usually spend a week in Osaka – Kyoto and then a week in Tokyo. So I’ll need 2 72-hour tickets and 1 24-hour ticket for the Tokyo Subway. So for transportation I generally spend around 242 CAD. The Tokyo Metro network is just as expansive as the JR network, so I highly recommend it. So your savings will be about 200 CAD which you can spend on more food and shopping!
Overall I have found the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to be extremely efficient and cost effective when travelling domestically in Japan. It’s fuss free, hassle free and saves so much time!
Thanks so much for this post! I was confused about the baggage allowance for domestic flights on the JAL explorer pass. Good to know that it allows 2 🙂
Yes! I think that’s the best part that the baggage allowance is so generous 🙂
How early in advance do you recommend purchasing the tickets? I’m travelling to Japan in April and tickets are available already. From your experience, do they tend to sell out? As they are non-refundable I’m a bit worried! Thanks! Marta
I usually try to book it as soon as I can. I believe you can purchase up to 3 months in advance of your travel date. They do tend to sell out, because even though the fare is special for foreigners, it’s still a domestic flight that Japanese people are allowed to book for travel. It is non-refundable in my experience.
I called up JAL and they told me your international round trip flight has to be with JAL to be eligible for the Japan Explorer Pass however, their terms and conditions does not mention this. I can see you mentioned that the round trip does not need to be with JAL so I was wondering how recently you have tested this?
Hi Ash, I called up JAL as well, and it does not have to be with JAL. But you need to have a round trip ticket to and from Japan (for example from LA – Tokyo roundtrip). I booked my tickets with ANA and was able to book my JAL Explorer Pass ticket with no problems last month. I hope that helps!