If you're already coming to Tokyo for the summer Olympics and Paralympics, don't just stop there. Extend your time here to explore the rest of Japan – especially since the country's flag carrier Japan Airlines (JAL) is giving away 100,000 free flight tickets (or 50,000 return tickets) to domestic destinations.
The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which stretch from July 24 to September 6, are expecting more than 10 million foreign visitors to the country’s capital alone. So when you're done with the Games, you'll want to get away from the crowds for some fresh air.
This massive giveaway, open to international tourists, is for travels between July 1 and September 30. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Osaka’s Kansai or Itami Airport will serve as the starting points for the free flights, which will encourage foreign visitors to explore other parts of Japan outside of the two aforementioned cities.
There is one small catch though – but it's an exciting one. When applying, JAL will offer you four possible destinations, but you won't know where you're going until three days after application. The best part is, you can apply as a group of up to four people. Destinations are still being finalised, but we think under-appreciated regions like onsen hotspot Oita prefecture and Kochi, which is known for its rich nature, could be prime contenders.
Do note that to be eligible, you must be traveling, or have plans to travel, in Japan between July and September 2020 and must also be a JAL Mileage Bank member. For the latter, you can apply for free from the airline's website.
Applications will open in late February. For more information, check the official website.
Excited about going on a mystery trip? Sample Japan's regional cuisines now without leaving the city.