Japan Domestic Travel Tip - LCC List Part 2

1. Peach Aviation

In spring 2012, Peach Aviation started operations in Japan, revolutionizing the cost of air fares to a level never seen before in the country. Domestic routes can go as low as 2,555 JPY (22.25 USD) for a one-way airfare from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Because of its genuine low airfares, its average passenger load is generally higher than other LCCs such as Jetstar Japan. In addition, its focus on a great passenger experience in terms of reservations and check-in systems have also reinforced a stronger foothold in the stiff competition faced by LCCs in Japan.

Based at Osaka’s Kansai Airport, Okinawa’s Naha Airport and Tokyo’s Narita Airport, Peach offers services to 12 destinations within Japan. In addition, it also offers international services to nearby Asian destinations such as Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Taipei. Like other LCCs, food and beverages are available on board at an extra cost and there is a strict baggage policy. Cost-conscious travelers looking to travel within Japan as well as regionally in Asia cheaply, will find Peach a great alternative to conventional full service carriers.

Peach Aviation

2. Vanilla Air

1/2 Vanilla Air JA8391 in LOHACO livery

2/2 Vanilla Air destinations

Wholly owned by All Nippon Airways (ANA), Vanilla Air began operations on 20 December 2013, with its head office at Narita International Airport. Compared to Peach Aviation, it operates to a limited number of domestic destinations, such as New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and Naha Airport in Okinawa.

However, it is the only budget airline to offer services to the beautiful beaches on Amami Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. Fly there with a quick and convenient flight of 2.5 hours, from 5,840 JPY (50.90 USD) for a one-way ticket from Narita Airport. In addition, Vanilla Air will also fly to Hakodate, a new destination in Hokkaido Prefecture from March 2017 from 4,990 JPY (43.45 USD) per one-way ticket. There are also a small number of international destinations Vanilla Air serve, with Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Cebu, Philippines as unique destinations not offered by other Japan LCCs. Travel to these offbeat destinations, be it domestically or internationally, from Tokyo at ease with Vanilla Air affordably!

Vanilla Air

3. Air Do

Previously known as Hokkaido International Airlines, Air Do is a Japanese LCC operating inexpensive flights within the country. In cooperation with ANA, Air Do focuses on domestic routes from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to six airports in Hokkaido, and from Sapporo and Hakodate in Hokkaido to multiple cities across Japan’s main island, such as Nagoya.

Foreign visitors who are interested in traveling to Hokkaido can consider Air Do’s Welcome to Hokkaido Fare that is applicable on all its routes at 8,800 JPY (76.65 USD) per flight. Unlike Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air where strict checked baggage policies are enforced, Air Do not only offers a relatively generous checked baggage allowance to its passengers, but it also provides complimentary drinks on board the flights. It is certainly a great value low cost carrier to check out, especially if you are planning to include Hokkaido in your itinerary.

Air Do

Where does Air Do fly domestically?:

Tokyo to/from Sapproro, Asahikawa, Nyomanbetsu, Kushiro, Obihiro, Hakodate (all Hokkaido)

Sapporo to/from Sendai (Miyagi pref.)

Sappro to/from Nagoya (Aichi pref.)

Sappro to/from Kobe (Hyogo pref.)

Sappro to/from Okayama

Sappro to/from Hiroshima

Hakodate to/from Nagoya (Aichi pref.)

4. Spring Airlines Japan

Founded in 2012, Spring Airlines Japan operates as a subsidiary of Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. from China. It operates a small fleet of four aircraft, connecting Tokyo’s Narita Airport with five Japanese cities: Hiroshima, Saga, Takamatsu, Osaka and Sapporo. In addition, it also offers direct international services to several destinations in China, like Chongqing, Harbin and Shanghai. As the only Chinese airline to have established a subsidiary in Japan, Spring Airlines Japan has made air travel between China and Japan much more convenient. Foreign visitors from China or those planning to visit China and Japan together definitely benefit from the low cost flights Spring Airlines Japan offers to its customers.

Spring Airlines Japan (Japanese only)

Where does Spring Airlines Japan fly domestically?

Tokyo to/from Sapporo

Tokyo to/from Hiroshma

Tokyo to/from Osaka

Tokyo to/from Saga

5. Scoot

Owned by the reputable Singapore Airlines, Scoot is a low cost airline focusing on medium to long-haul routes from Singapore’s Changi Airport. Since it commenced operations on 4 June 2012, Scoot has expanded its network to include 23 cities in the world, with the longest-haul route from Singapore to Athens, Greece commencing on 20 June 2017. Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo are the three cities that Scoot offers services to within Japan.

On 16 May 2016, Scoot also joined Value Alliance, the largest LCC alliance in the world. Passengers traveling with Scoot to Japan can look forward to a seamless travel experience amongst the many LCCs within the alliance, such as Tigerair, Japan’s Vanilla Air and Korea’s Jeju Air. Compared to other LCCs, feel the difference of traveling with Scoot the moment you board its relatively roomier 787 fleet of aircraft. Unique amenities such as on-board Wi-Fi internet connectivity, in-seat power and new seats are offered for the comfort of its passengers. Positioning itself as a low cost airline for the value-seeking and young-at-heart, Scoot stands out amidst the fierce competition. Check Scoot out for yourself where you can travel in style without a hefty price tag!

Scoot

Pack your bags to travel with one of these LCCs now

Before the proliferation of low cost airlines in recent years, traveling by air was deemed to be an expensive option. However, that has become a thing of the past as more and more LCCs are established. Domestic air travel in Japan is no longer limited to high-speed trains (shinkansens) or long journeys on the road for the cost-conscious traveler. Do not hesitate to book your air ticket to the alluring Japanese City you have been longing for any further. Be smart and take advantage of the numerous LCCs featured in the two-part Japan LCC series to cut your travel costs. Book your ticket and pack your bags for that fantastic trip now!