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PLAN YOUR TRIP

How to Book Stopover Flights in Japan and Why You Might Want to

Japan Airlines is "stopover friendly." Schedule stops and create the excursions of your dreams in Japan through Japan Airlines' multi-city booking tool and the Japan Explorer Pass.
How to book stopover flights in Japan and why you might want to

It may no longer be a "best-kept" secret: more people are learning how to schedule stopover flights and travel to multiple destinations in a single trip using this method. Stopover flights can also be called long layover flights or multiple destination trips. 

Japan Airlines multi-city booking is available, and you may conveniently schedule Japan Airlines multiple destination trips. Can you experience multiple destinations in Japan, add new experiences to your trip, and gain benefits from stopover flights? Yes! Japan Airlines supports stopover flights. Please read on to discover how you can schedule multi-city trips and gain the benefits of JAL's booking system enabling them.

What is a stopover flight?

What is a stopover flight?

A stopover flight is a break in an air journey that lasts over 24 hours. You may also have heard the term "layover." A layover differs from a stopover flight because it involves a brief stop where you typically will not leave the airport. A stopover means that you will have at least one day at the stopover destination and will be able to leave the airport to visit local sights or enjoy other activities. Stopover flights give travelers sufficient time to leave the airport and explore the city and local area where they have taken a break in their flight to their ultimate destination. 

Stopover flights may be accomplished for a lower cost than booking separate one-way trips from destination to destination. Japan Airlines supports stopover flights and makes it easy for you to book Japan Airlines multiple destinations through our convenient multi-city stopover flight booking tool.

Why would you want to book stopover flights in Japan?

Why would you want to book stopover flights in Japan?

Booking stopover flights in Japan can help you create a vacation that includes a variety of destinations in a single trip. Using multi-city booking, you can visit Hokkaido for a ski trip and spend time sunning on the beach in Okinawa: on the same trip! Or, let's say you've booked a long flight, such as Heathrow to Sydney or New York to Thailand or Manila. You may choose to stop on the way and enjoy a break in one of Japan's interesting and vibrant cities like Osaka.

Does Japan Airlines allow stopovers?

Does Japan Airlines allow stopovers?

The answer is "Yes, Japan Airlines allows stopovers." Japan Airlines is considered one of the world's most "stopover friendly" airlines. Not only does JAL offer the ability to book multi-city destinations and use stopovers, but you can also purchase the JAL Japan Explorer Pass, which allows you to access over 30 cities across JAL's domestic network.

Taking a stopover in Osaka

Taking a stopover in Osaka

If you're traveling to or through Japan, consider stopping at Kansai International Airport and visiting Osaka as an enjoyable and exciting stopover. Osaka, one of Japan's most historic cities, is known for its unique and delicious food culture, great nightlife, and modern architecture. No visit to Osaka would be complete without a trip to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's best-known historical landmarks. The castle was built in 1583 and has most recently been restored in the 1990s. Located right across the street from the castle is the Osaka Museum of History, which will show you what life was like in the city for the past 1,300 years.

Other stopover experiences in Osaka and Kyoto

Other stopover experiences in Osaka and Kyoto

If you have a stopover in Osaka, consider a shopping trip to Japan's longest shopping street, Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai. This covered shopping street is over 2.6 km 91.6 mi) long with over 800 shops of nearly every description. On the street, you'll find old-fashioned Japanese diners and traditional knife, kimono, and tea stores.

Another potential stopover visit location in Osaka is the traditional Kabuki theatre at the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre. And, you should not miss the Osaka Aquarium, an eight-story aquarium that is one of the world's largest and most sophisticated. Finally, the Umeda Sky Building will show you the heights of architecture in modern Japan. Do not miss the two 40-story towers and their connecting bridge, escalator, and floating garden observatory. 

If you would like to visit Kyoto, you can book an air and rail journey in advance through JAL's partnership with JR West. While everyone is encouraged to visit Kyoto in March and April for the cherry blossoms, you can visit many of the city's historic sites at any time, including a view of the entire ancient city from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

The benefits of a multi-city stopover itinerary

The benefits of a multi-city stopover itinerary

Japan Airlines lets you book a multi-city stopover itinerary that visits several Japanese locations. As mentioned, you may choose a stopover in Osaka, but it is far from the only city where you can choose to spend an extra day or two. What are your benefits to selecting a multi-city stopover itinerary? You will be able to schedule the trip you want affordably and efficiently. In addition, Japan Airlines can connect you to multiple locations throughout Japan, enabling you to visit destinations in all areas of the country.

Examples of multi-city stops

Examples of multi-city stops

You could fly from Tokyo to Hokkaido for a ski vacation and enjoy a visit to the famous hot springs as well. Or, you could fly to Osaka to enjoy the historic sights and vibrant nightlife. Other historic cities like Kyoto are only about 15 to 20 minutes away from Osaka via high-speed rail and about 50 minutes via other trains. You may also choose to travel south to Okinawa, where you can enjoy a private and relaxing beach vacation in some of the world's most unspoiled and secluded natural locations. 

Another multi-city option includes stopping over when flying a long-haul flight from the US, UK, or Europe to Australia, Thailand, or the Philippines. Rather than enduring a long flight, why not take the opportunity to visit Tokyo for two to three days, or perhaps fit in some skiing on Hokkaido during ski season? Combining multiple destinations allows you to build an interesting trip much more affordably than you may think.

Is it more affordable to fly multi-city?

Is it more affordable to fly multi-city?

In many cases, it is more affordable to fly multi-city and use stopovers to plan a diverse trip to multiple cities and locations. Use Japan Airlines' easy-to-use multi-city booking tool to discover prices and options for flying affordably in Japan or selecting a stopover while traveling on a long international trip.

How to book stopover flights with Japan Airlines

For flights booked more than 24 hours in advance, you may book stopover flights with Japan Airlines using the multi-city/stopover booking tool. When using the tool to make a new reservation, begin with your arrival sector (Sector 1). You may add stopovers, days, and departures by choosing to add flights and stops one Sector at a time (Sector 2, Sector 3, etc.). You will be able to select departure dates, destination airports, and the number of passengers using the online tool. You may also book stopover flights and obtain additional service by contacting the JAL call center, available for your region and location.

Is a stopover flight right for you?

If you're accustomed to traditional round-trip flights or single-destination one-way tickets, a stopover ticket that enables you to visit multiple locations could allow you to create the vacation of your dreams. It may also allow you to combine business with relaxation if you're traveling to a business destination and have time to stop over for sightseeing on the way. A stopover flight will allow you to experience the diversity that Japan has to offer. You can use Japan Airlines' digital tools to create your unique itinerary easily and affordably.

In addition to the multi-flight booking tool, you may use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to visit over 30 cities in JAL's network across Japan.

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