Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 3 日 by 総合編集組
2025 Ultimate Guide: All 12 Japanese Airlines Compared – Which One Should You Fly?
Planning a trip to Japan in 2025? Choosing the right airline can save you thousands of yen and dramatically change your travel experience. Here are the 12 major Japanese carriers ranked and reviewed based on service, seat comfort, food, punctuality, and real passenger feedback.
Flagship Full-Service Airlines
All Nippon Airways (ANA) ANA proudly holds SKYTRAX 5-Star rating for 12 consecutive years (as of 2025) and continues to dominate “World’s Best Airport Services” and “Best Cabin Staff in Asia.” Domestic Premium Class offers 50-inch seat pitch, personal entertainment screens, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat. Even economy class receives hot towels and excellent Japanese/Western meals. Passengers consistently praise the thoughtful service – many say cabin crew remember your drink preference throughout the flight.
Japan Airlines (JAL) The other Japanese legacy carrier famous for its outstanding inflight meals. JAL partners with Michelin-starred chefs and offers economy passengers the option to upgrade meals for around ¥3,000. The famous “Sky Wellness Kitchen” in collaboration with Tanita Café remains a highlight. JAL’s economy seats are slightly wider than ANA’s in some aircraft, and the airline maintains a warm, approachable service style.
Best Value & Hybrid Airlines
Skymark Airlines The hidden champion for domestic travel. All Boeing 737-800 fleet with 177 seats, 31-inch pitch, USB+AC power at every seat. Forward rows and emergency exit “Stretch Seats” give generous legroom. Regular fares are 30-50% cheaper than ANA/JAL, and punctuality rate reached 88.07% in 2024. Japanese travelers vote Skymark as their favorite domestic carrier year after year.
StarFlyer Often called “the most comfortable Japanese airline you’ve never heard of.” Based in Kitakyushu, all-black leather seats with 34-35 inch pitch, personal touch-screen IFE, free Starbucks-quality coffee. 2024 on-time performance: 90.39% – the highest in Japan. Perfect for Tokyo–Fukuoka or Tokyo–Kitakyushu routes.
Low-Cost Carriers (LCC)
Peach Aviation Japan’s largest LCC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ANA. Operates the most extensive domestic network including remote islands. Fares regularly drop below ¥2,000 one-way during sales. Three fare types (Simple/Value/Prime) let you customize baggage and flexibility.
Jetstar Japan Unique among LCCs for offering a real Business Class (12 seats, 38-inch pitch, 30kg baggage, meals & drinks included) at half the price of legacy carriers. Standard economy has 29-inch pitch but wider 18-inch seats.
Spring Japan Formerly Spring Airlines Japan, now part of JAL Group. Focuses heavily on Japan-China routes with very competitive pricing.
Regional & Niche Airlines
AIR DO Hokkaido-based carrier operating many ANA-coded flights to Sapporo. Famous for free Hokkaido onion soup and high passenger satisfaction (average 4.3/5 across categories).
Solaseed Air Serves Kyushu and Okinawa routes with comfortable 32-inch pitch seats and free orange juice.
Japan Transocean Air (JTA) & Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) The only airlines serving Okinawa’s remote islands (Miyako, Ishigaki, Yonaguni, etc.). RAC cabin crew greet passengers in Okinawan dialect – a heartwarming cultural touch.
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Category | Best Choice | Price vs ANA | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate luxury | ANA / JAL | +200-400% | 5-star service & meals |
| Best value domestic | Skymark / StarFlyer | -40-60% | Large seats + high punctuality |
| Cheapest fares | Peach / Jetstar Japan | -70-90% | ¥1,000–3,000 flash sales |
| Hokkaido | AIR DO | -40% | Onion soup + local charm |
| Okinawa remote islands | JTA + RAC | No alternative | Only operators |
| Most comfortable mid-size | StarFlyer | -50% | 34–35″ pitch + touchscreen IFE |
Final Recommendation for 2025
- Pure luxury → ANA or JAL
- Smart comfort → Skymark (domestic) or Jetstar Business Class (international)
- Pure budget → Peach during sales
- Hokkaido → AIR DO
- Okinawa islands → JTA/RAC
- Unique black-leather experience → StarFlyer at least once
Book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals. Happy flying!
