This Japanese airline is offering free domestic flights for UK and European travellers

The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), along with All Nippon Airways (ANA), is offering free domestic flights across the airline’s entire Japanese regional network to UK and European travellers.

The initiative, which will run from 24 November to 31 January 2026, has been introduced to encourage visitors to travel to Japan’s lesser-known regions and ease pressure on crowded destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo.

It is part of a “Stopover & Add-on Free Fare” offer, which will allow eligible economy passengers from the UK and Europe to book up to two free domestic flights on an international booking by 31 January. However, the actual departures of these flights can take place anytime after 31 January.

It means that whether you are heading to Tokyo or travelling on to Hiroshima, Aomori or the Izu Peninsula, you’ll pay the same airfare. ANA says it allows travellers to build a multi-stop itinerary for no extra cost.

While the airfare for these two flights will be free, taxes and fees will still apply. The offer is also subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or dates.

Passengers can book this deal through travel agents, ANA offices outside of Japan or directly through ANA.

Japan aims to promote tourism to less-visited regions

Popular Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto have faced rising pressure from overtourism in the last few years. A record 36.9 million tourists visited Japan in 2024, according to Nippon.com.

Though more than 90 per cent of travellers who visit Japan say they want to visit regional areas, fewer than 10 per cent have done so.

Japan is now looking to redirect visitors to under-touristed regions and balance overall tourism through initiatives like the “Stopover & Add-on Free Fare” offer.

The scheme will offer access to more than 40 ANA hubs, Japan’s largest domestic network, which will make it much easier and more affordable for visitors to create multi-stop itineraries. It is also expected to promote regional economic development.

By driving travellers into lesser-visited destinations, ANA says it intends for the campaign to help address over-tourism in Japan’s popular hotspots and connect its customers with more authentic tourism experiences.