Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 18 日 by 総合編集組
Skymark Airlines’ Historic Taipei-Kobe Charter Flights: Your Ultimate Guide to Kansai in 2025
In a landmark move, Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third-largest carrier, is set to launch its first-ever international charter flights from Taipei (Taoyuan) to Kobe in October 2025. This limited-time operation, running from October 4 to October 10, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the airline, which has primarily focused on domestic routes since its founding in 1998.
With its unique positioning between traditional and low-cost carriers, Skymark offers a high-quality yet affordable travel experience, making this an exciting opportunity for Taiwanese travelers to explore the Kansai region during the Mid-Autumn and Double Tenth holidays. Below is a comprehensive overview of this special charter service, its significance, and how you can make the most of it.
Flight Details and Schedule
Skymark’s Taipei-Kobe route will operate eight flights (four round-trips) using a Boeing 737-800 with 177 seats. The flights are scheduled to align with Taiwan’s holiday season, ensuring convenient travel timing. The detailed schedule (in local time, with Taiwan one hour behind Japan) is as follows:
- October 4–6, 2025: Taipei (TPE) to Kobe (UKB), Flight BC1194, departing 12:55 PM, arriving 4:45 PM.
- October 7–10, 2025: Kobe (UKB) to Taipei (TPE), Flight BC1193, departing 9:25 AM, arriving 11:25 AM.
These flights are designed for efficiency, with a flight duration of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. The Boeing 737-800 offers a spacious cabin compared to typical low-cost carriers, with complimentary in-flight meals and the option to purchase local delicacies like Kobe Pudding, a signature dessert. Additionally, Skymark provides 23 kg of free checked luggage and 10 kg of carry-on luggage, surpassing the standard 7 kg carry-on limit of most budget airlines.
Why Kobe Airport?
Choosing Kobe Airport (UKB) as the entry point is a strategic move. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Kobe, it offers a less congested alternative to Kansai International Airport (KIX), allowing travelers to start their journey swiftly. Kobe’s proximity to major Kansai cities—Osaka (30 minutes), Kyoto (1 hour), and Nara (1.5 hours)—makes it an ideal hub for exploring the region. Additionally, Kobe itself is a vibrant destination, boasting romantic harbor views, historic foreign residences in Kitano-cho, and the renowned Kobe beef. For those seeking relaxation, Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, is just an hour away.
Travel Packages and Itineraries
Skymark has partnered with leading Japanese travel agencies, including JTB, Hankyu Travel, H.I.S., Airtrip, and Skypak Tours, which collaborate with Taiwanese agents like Lion Travel and Gouni Travel to offer tailored packages. Priced between TWD 23,900 and TWD 33,900, these five-day, four-night itineraries cater to diverse preferences, from family-friendly adventures to cultural explorations. Highlights include:
- Lion Travel Packages:
- Kobe Universal 5 Days (from TWD 29,888): Features Universal Studios Japan, Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, and kimono-wearing experiences. Ideal for families and theme park enthusiasts.
- Kansai Expo & Sake Tasting 5 Days (from TWD 32,900): Includes the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and sake brewery visits. Perfect for culture lovers.
- Amanohashidate & Miyama 5 Days (from TWD 33,900): Showcases the scenic Amanohashidate and traditional thatched-roof villages, with tea-making workshops. Suited for nature and heritage enthusiasts.
- Gouni Travel Packages:
- Kyoto-Osaka-Nara & Omihachiman 5 Days (from TWD 29,900): Visits Katsuo-ji Temple, Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge, and offers a hot spring stay. Great for relaxed travelers.
- Kansai Universal & Suma Seaworld 5 Days (from TWD 30,000): Combines Universal Studios Japan, the new Kobe Suma Seaworld, and Nara deer interactions. Ideal for families.
- Kobe & Arima Onsen Free-and-Easy 5 Days (from TWD 23,900): Offers a flexible itinerary with a day to explore Arima Onsen. Perfect for independent travelers.
Bookings opened on June 18, 2025, and are available through the respective travel agencies’ websites. Given the limited seats (222 secured by Gouni Travel for the first three days), early reservations are recommended.
Skymark vs. Other Japanese Low-Cost Carriers
Skymark stands out in Japan’s competitive aviation market. Unlike Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan, which prioritize ultra-low fares with minimal luggage allowances (7 kg carry-on only), Skymark offers a premium experience with generous luggage policies and more comfortable seating. Compared to Spring Japan, which focuses on rock-bottom prices but cramped cabins, Skymark balances affordability and quality. Its four consecutive years (2020–2024) of topping Japan’s long-haul transport customer satisfaction rankings underscore its commitment to service excellence.
Why This Matters
The Taipei-Kobe charter flights signify Skymark’s bold step into international markets and highlight Taiwan’s importance as a travel hub. With over 2.68 million Taiwanese visitors to Japan by May 2025, this route taps into the growing demand for unique travel experiences. Kobe’s accessibility and Skymark’s traveler-friendly policies make this an unmissable opportunity for a memorable Kansai adventure.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Use Kobe Airport’s Port Liner (JPY 330) for quick city access. Consider a JR Pass or Kansai Wide Area Pass for regional travel.
- Best Time to Visit: October offers cool weather and early autumn foliage, perfect for sightseeing.
- Currency: Bring Japanese yen (JPY) for small shops; Suica/Pasmo cards are handy for transit and convenience stores.
- Language: English signage is common in Kobe, and apps like Google Translate can assist with Japanese communication.
Conclusion
Skymark Airlines’ Taipei-Kobe charter flights in October 2025 offer Taiwanese travelers a unique chance to explore Kansai with unparalleled convenience and comfort. From Kobe’s scenic harbor to Kyoto’s historic temples and Osaka’s vibrant attractions, this route opens new possibilities for unforgettable journeys. Book now through Lion Travel or Gouni Travel to secure your spot on this historic flight!
