If you’re heading to Japan and want to squeeze in more than just Tokyo and Kyoto, this is something worth knowing about. The Japan Explorer Pass, offered by Japan Airlines (JAL), is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for international travellers to hop around the country.

It’s not a rail pass. It’s actually a flight deal. And it’s surprisingly affordable.

Designed specifically for people who live outside Japan, the pass gives you access to over 30 destinations across JAL’s domestic network. That means you can fly between major cities or escape to places that aren’t as easy to reach by train. Think remote islands or far-flung prefectures you probably wouldn’t visit otherwise.

Japan Explorer Pass Fare Structure

The JAL Japan Explorer Pass offers three fare levels, each corresponding to different route categories:

From JPY 7,700 (Per Flight / Tax included): Applicable for short routes, such as Tokyo-Nagoya, Osaka-Matsuyama, and Okinawa main island-Ishigaki.
From JPY 11,000 (Per Flight / Tax included): Covers middle routes, including Tokyo-Akita, Osaka-Aomori, Nagoya-Okinawa main island, and routes within Hokkaido.
From JPY 14,300 (Per Flight / Tax included): Designed for long routes, such as Tokyo-Kyushu, Nagoya-Sapporo, and Osaka-Amami island.

All fares are per flight and include tax. The prices are for Economy Class, but if you’re feeling lucky, you can try your chances at the airport for a same-day upgrade to Business or First Class. It depends on seat availability, so no guarantees.

The actual amount you’ll pay depends on the currency where you’re buying the ticket. So if you’re purchasing it in Malaysia, for instance, the fare will be charged in MYR, converted from Japanese Yen. Additional airport taxes and fuel surcharge may apply.

Japan Explorer Pass Eligibility

To qualify for the JAL Japan Explorer Pass, travelers must:

Reside outside of Japan.
Possess an international air ticket to and from Japan.

It’s a pretty simple process. Once you’ve chosen your domestic route, you’ll be asked to enter your details including the ticket number from your international flight to confirm you’re eligible.

Searching For Flights

Let’s say you’re flying from Tokyo to Osaka on 8 April 2025. A quick search shows that the one-way fare under the Japan Explorer Pass comes out to about MYR 285, including taxes. That’s pretty decent, considering bullet trains can sometimes cost a bit more and take longer depending on the route.

Once you’ve selected your flight time, you’ll need to key in your travel details and international flight info. Booking is all done online. It’s simple.

Free Wi-Fi Included

Japan Airlines provides complimentary internet access on Wi-Fi-enabled flights within Japan. Passengers can enjoy seamless browsing, including streaming YouTube, checking emails, staying active on social media, and online shopping. Wi-Fi availability for your flight can be confirmed starting one day before departure by checking the latest departure and arrival details.

Final Thoughts about the Japan Explorer Pass

The Japan Explorer Pass is one of those little travel hacks that not many people know about, or they hear about it too late, after they’ve already spent half their budget on train passes and overpriced domestic flights.

If you’re planning to explore Japan beyond the usual cities, or want the freedom to hop between islands and rural towns, this pass is definitely worth looking into. It’s affordable, flexible, and surprisingly easy to use.

And sometimes, flying actually ends up being faster and cheaper than taking the train, especially if you’re heading somewhere like Okinawa, Hokkaido, or the outlying islands of Kyushu.

So, if you’ve got your international flight booked and your itinerary is still open, give this a look. Especially if you’re combining your trip with a stay at Club Med. You’ll thank yourself later for not missing out on places you didn’t even plan for.