Vancouverites looking to visit the land of the rising sun have a new option through a Canadian airline.
WestJet has announced a new codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) that will facilitate easier connections for Canadian travellers between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Japan.
The new agreement enables the Canadian carrier's "WS" code to appear on JAL-operated flights between the two airports, as well as adding Tokyo to its roster of global destinations for sale on its website. Guests can book the tickets online, through the call centre, or through the airline's travel trade partners.
Air passengers can also book travel to Tokyo via Vancouver from anywhere across the airline's domestic network.
"As transpacific air travel increases between Canada and Japan, this is an ideal time to launch this new step in our cooperation with Japan Airlines," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Both our countries have substantial inbound and outbound tourism markets and this enhancement will bring more convenient options to travellers on both sides of the Pacific."
This new development expands the long-standing codeshare agreement between WestJet and Japan airlines which has been in place since 2011.
The codeshare will offer optimized connecting times between WestJet and Japan Airlines flights, through check-in and checking baggage to its final destination from the first point of departure. WestJet passengers can also earn and redeem WestJet Dollars for members of WestJet Rewards.
The Japan Airline operated flight between Vancouver and Tokyo is operated on a Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
While the direct option is convenient, however, travellers can expect to pay roughly $2,000 for a return ticket.
Cheaper Vancouver flights to Tokyo
While the direct route is the most convenient for Vancouver travellers, locals take advantage of cheaper options if they are willing to make a stop.
Cathay Pacific generally offers the cheapest options, with only one stopover in either direction in the airline's hub city, Hong Kong.
There are several options available right now that cost roughly $1,300 including taxes and fees. However, ticket prices fall down a few hundred dollars in the new year.
For example, the total cost for a return trip departing on Feb. 8, 2023, and returning on Feb. 22, 2023, works out to $1,065 including taxes and fees.
Tokyo is the largest city in Japan and offers seemingly endless things to see and do. From breathtaking temples and shrines to elevated dining experiences, exciting nightlife to peaceful gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The city has a vibrant, bustling atmosphere, and many locals don extravagant styles on its streets. For instance, the Harajuku style includes a variety of brightly coloured clothes, garish costumes, teased hair and sky-high shoes.
Visitors may also explore Mount Fuji, the Ghibli Museum, the Zao Fox Village, Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, and much more.
