Japan is giving out free flights – but there’s a catch

Konnichi-wow.

Just like hot destinations like Italy and Spain say “Basta!” and, well, “¡Basta!” The scourge of overtourism, a popular country is apparently so happy about visitors that it gives them free flights.

Japan Airlines is currently handing out free domestic flights within the island nation to international travelers at a time when the world’s manga capital is also seeing unprecedented interest, driven in part by a sharply weaker yen.

The airline said the aim of the promotion was to promote Japan’s more remote seaside resorts. The offer is valid for travelers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, India, Indonesia and Taiwan.

To benefit from the savings, passengers must first book round-trip international air tickets and then book domestic flights with the same purchase.

If passengers do not proceed from the main hubs within 24 hours, they will be assessed a $100 penalty in the form of a stopover fee.

While the intent is to draw attention to less-appreciated attractions outside the usual circle, experts fear the cause could backfire – leading to even more people staying in already crowded areas.

Research from the World Travel and Tourism Council expects Japan to reach a record-breaking $42 billion in travel sales before the end of the year.

That’s 5.7% compared to 2019 – the last record holder.

“People will continue to flock to popular destinations like Tokyo, regardless of free tickets, because they are major attractions,” Sara Aiko, founder of travel agency Curated Kyoto, told Business Insider.

“Due to tourism, hotel prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many locals to stay in places they once enjoyed,” Aiko said.

Ben Julius, founder of Tourist Japan, agrees, noting that almost all of his customers want to see sights like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Mount Fuji, where tourists tirelessly antagonize the local community.

“The majority of visitors are first-time visitors,” he said.

“And when people visit Japan for the first time, they won’t miss the must-see cities.”

Aside from the potential for failure, Japan travel advisor Amy Thomasson also says it could be a nuisance for tourists that they end up opting out of.

She said this “doesn’t make sense for most travelers” because adding new destinations to their original trip incurs additional costs, not to mention potential stopover fees if they choose not to.