Whether it’s the neon-illuminated streets of Tokyo or the dazzling temples of Kyoto, we’ve all got our own reasons for wanting to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.
While millions of travellers, especially those visiting for the first time, settle into Japan’s major cities with the occasional hop around, there’s so much more beyond the most densely populated hub.
With overtourism an increasingly pressing issue and many jetsetters seeking out lesser-known destinations, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways is promoting the country’s most underrated corners by offering complimentary stopovers.
Book an international flight from Europe to Japan, in economy class, before Saturday 31 January with ANA, and benefit from a stopover of 24 hours or more in Tokyo before heading onto lesser-visited territory on a domestic flight at no extra cost.
The offer applies to economy class only and, while the airfare is free, taxes and other fees may apply. Transportation costs other than the flights are not included in the total fare, and the complimentary domestic flights don’t have to arrive and depart from the same airport.
There are more than 40 destinations to choose from thanks to ANA’s extensive domestic network, with a handful spotlighted on the airline’s information page.
One of the destinations highlighted is the Niseko Area, referred to as the ‘St. Moritz of the Orient’. Hokkaido’s premier ski resort draws in more and more travellers each year thanks to the famous ‘champagne snow’ that easily sprays into the air as a result of its super-low water content.
If beachy escapes are more your thing over snowy peaks, look no further than the tropical southern islands, where glittering high-end hotels and resorts sit beside crystal-clear waters, from the remote islands of Okinawa to the streets of Taketomi Island lined with red-tiled homes.