Japan Entices Indian Tourists with Free Domestic Flights to Combat Overtourism

• Indian tourist arrivals in Japan surged by 39.6% between January and May 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 142,400 visitors.
• Japan is offering free or discounted domestic flights to international travelers, including Indians, to redistribute tourists from overcrowded cities to quieter regions.
• Japan Airlines allows eligible international travelers to add a domestic flight at no extra airfare when booked within the same reservation, subject to conditions like economy class and limited availability.
• India is a crucial market for Japan's tourism strategy due to longer stays, higher spending, and a growing interest in diverse experiences beyond major cities.
• Travelers are encouraged to explore regions like Hokkaido, Kyushu, Okinawa, and Naoshima, which offer unique attractions and benefit from increased tourism.

Why It Matters: Japan is strategically using free domestic flights to manage overtourism and attract high-spending Indian tourists to diverse regions.