Japan’s rail operators and major airlines are joining forces to encourage international visitors to explore destinations beyond the country’s main tourism hubs.
JR West has launched two partnerships, one with Japan Airlines (JAL) and another with All Nippon Airways, to provide international travellers with easier access to domestic air and rail services through integrated booking systems and regional tourism information.
“By seamlessly connecting international airports (Haneda, Narita and Kansai) with domestic flights and railway networks, we aim to expand inbound tourism to the West Japan area and alleviate overtourism in specific regions, thereby extending the length of stay across the entire area and achieving sustainable economic ripple effects,” JAL and JR West said in a joint statement.
The partners expect the integration of their reservation and payment systems to be completed during the 2030s, allowing travellers to book both air and rail journeys through a single platform.
In the current fiscal year, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027, JR West and JAL will begin joint initiatives in Wakayama. These include linking domestic flights serving Nanki-Shirahama Airport with regional rail passes, making it easier for visitors to explore the prefecture by train.
Selected Kuroshio express train services between Kyoto, Osaka and Wakayama will also feature cabin crew providing information on local attractions and food experiences.
Elsewhere, JR East and JAL have signed an agreement to promote multi-destination travel in eastern Japan. The initiative encourages travellers to combine domestic flights and Shinkansen services within a single itinerary.
Travel agency JTB is supporting the programme by developing and selling tours that incorporate flexible transport options. The partners are also working with local governments and businesses to create tourism experiences in eastern Japan.
