Japan Airlines Enhances Collaboration with Public Transportation within Hokkaido
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced the strengthening of its JAL MaaS (route search and digital ticket service) to improve mobility within Hokkaido. Aiming to enhance regional accessibility, this initiative involves collaboration with 8 airports in Hokkaido and 13 local transportation services. The effort is designed to meet the increasing demand for travel styles that explore Hokkaido, providing a seamless and stress-free travel experience from start to destination, thereby promoting tourism. The announcement included enhancements in travel between the following airports and areas:
- Memanbetsu Airport and the Kitami & Abashiri area
- Kushiro Airport and the Kushiro, Nemuro, Nakashibetsu, & Rausu area*
- Nakashibetsu Airport and the Kushiro, Nemuro, Nakashibetsu, & Rausu area
- Hakodate Airport and the Hakodate & Kikonai area
- New Chitose Airport and the Sapporo area*
- Asahikawa Airport and the Asahikawa, Furano, & Biei area*
- Memanbetsu Airport and the Shiretoko area*
- Obihiro Airport and the Obihiro area*
The public transportation situation in Hokkaido significantly differs from other regions of Japan, due to its vast area and the limited nature of its railway network. While the convenience of Japan's public transportation system, intricately woven in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, is well-known, Hokkaido stands as the largest area in Japan with a low population density, resulting in prevalent automobile use and a limited railway network. On the other hand, Hokkaido has the highest number of airports among Japanese prefectures, facilitating easy access from both within and outside the region. This announcement from JAL can be considered an effective measure to utilize Hokkaido's characteristics to enhance its tourability.
An increase in tourability is expected to positively impact the planning of incentive trips as well. To fully enjoy the attractions of vast Hokkaido, moving between various areas is essential. Among the collaborations announced, those marked with an asterisk* are expected to directly contribute to our proposed "4 Incentive Travel Plans in Hokkaido.".