People would often like to take their vacations in Japan to learn more of the history and culture, but when they start checking, they discover the price is too high and end up in other Asian countries that offer multi-bargains. A reader has heard of the new low fares soon to be available within Japan and wonders how he can travel to other prefectures instead of other countries without making a major investment.
So I called JAL and asked about their discount tickets. For background, Japan's airlines are restructuring their domestic air fares as a result of a recent deregulation of rules which set upper and lower price limits. From April, when the new fares come into use, travelers will be able to fly for much less than before. Sometimes.
Because new names have been created for the new fares, bargain hunters should learn the proper terms for the various types of tickets. With only a few basic words, you can explain to a Japanese travel agent what you want -- and get it. You must also be flexible. There are a variety of plans such as leaving early, advance bookings and being able to travel at a certain time. Here are some examples based on the new JAL fares that will be available from April 1 through June 30; July-August fares will be announced later. There are even some that apply during Golden Week when the price trend is ever upward the closer one gets to the holiday period. Prices are quoted from Tokyo, but they apply throughout JAL's domestic system.