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Some of us travel the globe ready to splurge, but not everyone is ready to fork over their paychecks, no matter how awesome the destination is.
Why throw all your money away on airfare before you arrive?
Tokyo isn’t exactly known as a budget-friendly haven, although solo travelers love coming here and somehow squeak by.
It could be simply that Tokyo is worth the price of admission or that you know about ZIPAIR, Japan’s flagship budget airline.
Numerous airlines fly nonstop to Tokyo from the U.S., but most will have you packing Pepto as you feel squeamish looking at the receipt.
ZIPAIR offers Americans an affordable option to visit one of the world’s most iconic cities from these four U.S. cities.
So Long, Japan Airlines! Hello ZIPAIR
It seems most major countries worth visiting now have their own low-cost carriers. What does that mean?
Well, it depends on who you ask.
Americans might’ve heard many of the most notable American budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest are undergoing major changes.
Some might argue that Southwest no longer fits the ‘budget’ mold anyway, which just goes to show how confusing airlines can be.
Across the pond, both east and west, travelers have many options to potentially save big on airfare.
ZIPAIR is one of the newest budget carriers in Asia and has grown rapidly in the U.S. market.
While Japan Airlines still operates many flights to the U.S., ‘ZIP’ is perfect for travelers looking to save on flights so you have more money to drop on Tokyo’s coolest experiences.
Real-life Mario Kart racing, anyone?
What about capybara cafes?
Or perhaps mind-boggling robot shows that make no sense at all?
Bizarre, fun, and one-of-a-kind, Tokyo’s attractions are endless!
ZIPAIR just announced their new schedule extending well into 2025, re-upping popular routes from the West Coast.
Lesser-Known Japantowns Springboard ZIPAIR’s Popularity
ZIPAIR has been no stranger to the West Coast, but you could say San Jose arrived fashionably late and is here to stay.
Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise since San Jose is home to only a handful of authentic Japantown’s remaining in the U.S.
ZIPAIR tested the waters via San Jose first, then, of course, added San Francisco, another city with a delightful Japantown (shoutout to Hotel Kabuki, one of my favorites!)
Both California cities have been a huge hit, especially since Japanese culture thrives here.
Oftentimes, we seek out Chinatowns, Little Italys, and maybe Koreatowns, but Japantowns offer their own unique distinction through food, art, and cultural museums.
Extending service through March 2025, this alternative NorCal airport is perfect for those who do not want to deal with the chaos of San Francisco.
You know, high toll fees, bridge traffic, upticks in crime, and the anxiety of not knowing if your car will make it up those dreaded hills!
San Jose will see mostly the same schedule through the next 3 seasons with flight departures on Monday, Wednesdays, Friday, and Saturday.
The main difference is that later flights are offered on Saturdays and even later departure times in March 2025.
ZIPAIR’S Full U.S. Network
Japantowns are cool, but the ultimate place to immerse yourself in Japan’s fascinating culture is undoubtedly Tokyo.
ZIPAIR is giving more Americans the opportunity to fly nonstop and hit the ground running with more money to spend on lively karaoke bars, hidden izakayas, and world-class cuisine – it simply doesn’t get any better.
Tokyo is the type of place where it would take multiple articles to even scratch the surface, partly due to being one of the biggest cities in the world but mostly because it’s incomparable and full of contradictions.
One contradiction is that it’s known for being expensive yet offering Americans cheap flights. Is anyone complaining?
Nope, didn’t think so.
Like San Jose, ZIPAIR will be extending San Francisco flights into March 2025, offering daily flights each season.
ZIPAIR also operates out of Los Angeles and Honolulu, the latter of which only runs through October 25 until further notice.
Los Angeles travelers get the same benefit as their California counterparts with flights scheduled through March 25.
ZIPAIR is based out of Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT). Tickets are on sale for all U.S. flights.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.