Flying Low-Cost Carriers Within Japan

Learn how Peach, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan work, from airports and terminals to baggage rules that decide whether a cheap fare stays cheap.

Published October 26, 2026 at 8:48 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Japan's domestic low-cost carriers are Peach, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan. They sell low base fares but charge extra for checked bags, seat choice and onboard food, and they often use secondary terminals such as Narita Terminal 3 or Kansai Terminal 2. Check terminal, baggage limits and check-in deadlines before you book.

A flight can be the fastest way to reach Hokkaido, Kyushu or Okinawa, and a low-cost carrier can make it the cheapest too. Yet the experience differs from the full-service airlines in ways that surprise first-time visitors: different terminals, firm carry-on limits, add-on fees and tighter check-in deadlines. This guide explains the three main domestic low-cost carriers, how each uses its home airports, what the fare usually includes, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Prices and routes change often, so treat the details here as a map and confirm every figure on the airline's official site before you travel.

Who flies low-cost within Japan

Peach started in 2012 as Japan's first genuine low-cost carrier and is based at Kansai International Airport near Osaka. It was formed with All Nippon Airways as its main owner, and in 2019 it absorbed another low-cost brand, Vanilla Air. Peach mainly flies domestic routes and also serves selected destinations in East and Southeast Asia, and it has a codeshare agreement with ANA.

Jetstar Japan began flying in 2012 and operates from Narita, Kansai and Chubu Centrair near Nagoya. It is backed by Japan Airlines and other investors and is generally described as having the largest domestic network among the low-cost carriers. Spring Japan, based at Narita, is a smaller operation, with a handful of domestic routes such as Hiroshima and Sapporo, and a majority stake held by the Japan Airlines group. Ownership and branding can change, and reports suggest the Jetstar Japan name may be replaced in the future, so the name on your ticket may differ from older guides while flights continue as normal.

Airports and terminals matter

Low-cost carriers often use secondary terminals to keep costs down, and that changes how you get to the airport. At Narita, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan use Terminal 3, which opened in 2015 as a low-cost terminal about 500 meters from Terminal 2. It uses outdoor gates and airstairs instead of jet bridges, and it has a 24-hour food court. Peach uses Terminal 1 at Narita. Narita itself is about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, so allow extra time for the journey from the city.

At Kansai, Peach uses Terminal 2, a single-story building with no jet bridges. It is not directly connected to Terminal 1 or the rail station, but free shuttle buses link it to both, and you can also walk through a nearby park. At Chubu Centrair, Terminal 2 serves budget airlines for domestic and international flights and connects to Terminal 1 by shuttle bus. Always check which terminal your airline uses before you leave your hotel, and check the airport's transit pages for the best route.

What the fare includes

A basic low-cost fare usually covers the seat and a limited carry-on allowance. Checked baggage, seat selection, drinks and snacks are typically extra, and a few fare bundles include some of them. Cabins are economy only with tight seat spacing, and onboard food is for sale rather than included. These features are the reason the base fare is low, and they are fine for many travelers on short flights.

The total price can climb as you add options. Seat selection and checked baggage fees can make a low-cost fare more expensive than a full-service fare in some cases, so compare the final price, not just the headline number. Booking early often helps, though last-minute fares are sometimes still reasonable. Read the fare conditions on the airline site, because change and refund rules also differ from full-service airlines.

Baggage and packing tips

Carry-on limits are strict. One aviation guide reports a combined limit of 7 kilograms for the personal item and cabin bag on all three carriers, with an option on Jetstar Japan to pay for more. Size limits apply too, and staff may measure and weigh bags at the airport. Because rules change, check the current allowance on the airline site before packing.

If you are traveling with large suitcases from a city hotel, consider luggage forwarding or a small overnight bag to keep things simple. Buying checked baggage online in advance is often cheaper than paying at the airport, so check the airline's fee table. Pack liquids and batteries according to the airline's published rules, and keep valuables and medications in your cabin bag.

Check-in and boarding deadlines

Deadlines are firm and often earlier than expected. One guide lists check-in closing about 30 minutes before departure for Jetstar Japan, Peach and Spring Japan, with boarding cut-offs a few minutes before departure that differ by airline. Because those figures can be updated, rely on the deadline printed in your booking confirmation. Arriving well ahead of the deadline is a sensible habit, particularly at large airports where the terminal may be a short bus ride away.

Many travelers check in online and use a mobile boarding pass to save time. Staff may weigh bags before accepting them. If you miss the deadline, rebooking can be expensive, so build in a margin.

Choosing between low-cost, full-service and the train

For long distances such as Tokyo to Sapporo or Osaka to Okinawa, a low-cost flight can save time and money. Deregulation and competition have brought domestic fares down since the 2010s, and flights can compete well with the shinkansen on some routes. For shorter trips, the train is often easier because stations are in city centers, and rail passes can offset the cost if you plan many rides.

Full-service carriers such as Japan Airlines and ANA offer a more generous baggage allowance and drinks, and they usually fly from the main terminals at Haneda and other large airports. If you travel with a lot of luggage, plan to add a bag, or need flexibility, the extra cost of a full-service fare can be worth it. Compare the total, including airport transfers, before deciding.

Planning around airports

Think about the whole journey, not only the flight. Narita and Kansai are far from city centers, and low-cost flights can leave early in the morning, when trains and buses are less frequent. Check the first train or bus times and consider staying near the airport the night before. Some airports have capsule-style rest options, and a few cities offer overnight buses as an alternative.

When you arrive, follow the signs for your terminal, find the airline counter or bag drop, and keep your boarding pass ready for the gates. A calm, well-prepared start is the best way to enjoy the savings a low-cost flight can offer.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Tokyo Info Guide is available on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which low-cost airlines fly within Japan?

The main domestic low-cost carriers are Peach, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan. Peach is based at Kansai, while Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan are based at Narita, with Jetstar Japan also operating from Kansai and Chubu. Routes and branding change, so check each airline's current network before booking.

Do low-cost carriers in Japan include checked baggage?

Usually not in the base fare. Checked baggage, seat selection and drinks are typically extra, although some fare bundles include them. Carry-on limits are strict, with one aviation guide reporting 7 kilograms combined. Check your airline's current rules before you pack, since fees and allowances can change.

Which terminal do low-cost flights use at Narita and Kansai?

At Narita, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan use Terminal 3, while Peach uses Terminal 1. At Kansai, Peach uses Terminal 2, which is linked to Terminal 1 and the station by free shuttle bus. Terminal assignments can change, so confirm in your booking details before you travel.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Domestic Flights in Japan, Highway Buses and Domestic Flights: Budget Ways to Cross Japan and Narita Airport to Tokyo: Every Transfer Option Explained.