A sensational news comes from the land of the rising sun: Japan Airlines, one of the leading airlines in Japan, has announced a promotion that may change the face of tourism in the country. The company is offering free domestic flights to international tourists, in a bold move designed not only to attract more visitors to Japan, but also to encourage them to explore areas beyond the big, well-known cities.

The goal of the unprecedented operation in the country is to expose visitors to the vast variety of cultures, landscapes and traditions that Japan offers beyond Tokyo and Osaka. Indeed, with a domestic network covering 64 airports on 133 routes, the possibilities for planning the itinerary are almost endless.

Mount Fuji, Japan (credit: REUTERS)
Mount Fuji, Japan (credit: REUTERS)
Imagine yourself strolling the ancient alleyways of Kyoto, a city that boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ancient temples and traditional Japanese gardens offer a glimpse into Japan's glorious past. From there, on a short, free flight, you can find yourself in the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, The northern island of Japan. Here, natural hot springs (onsen) and some of the world's leading ski resorts await visitors.

But the adventure does not end here. The promotion also opens up for you the possibility to discover Kagoshima, known as the "Gateway of the Southern Islands", to travel between active volcanoes and beautiful beaches. And if you're looking for a perfect combination of nature and culture, the Japanese Alps offer spectacular hiking trails alongside relaxing hot springs.

So how can you enjoy this benefit?

At the moment, the promotion is open to tourists who purchase the tickets from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and some Asian countries, with plans to expand soon. All you have to do is book an international flight to Japan with JAL and choose a domestic connecting flight in the same booking. It is important to pay attention to the special conditions, such as Stopover fee for a stay of more than 24 hours at the first destination.