ANA’s Hello Blue Sale Opens the Door to Japan’s Hidden Treasures

All Nippon Airways has dropped a deal that changes the game for Indian travelers eyeing Japan. Running from January 9 to 15, 2026, the Hello Blue Sale lets you fly to Tokyo and explore smaller Japanese cities at the exact same price. Yes, you read that right.

Same Price, Double the Adventure

Here's the kicker: domestic flights within Japan cost nothing extra when booked with your international ticket. Delhi travellers can grab Economy fares starting at ₹45,500 for travel between April 26 and September 30, 2026. Mumbai folks get an even longer window, from February 1 to September 29, 2026, with fares beginning at ₹47,700.

This isn't just about Tokyo anymore. Think Fukuoka's legendary ramen stalls, Kanazawa's gold leaf workshops, or Hokkaido's flower fields minus the tourist madness. Japan's pushing hard to spread visitors beyond the usual suspects, and ANA's making it ridiculously easy.

Link: https://www.ana.co.jp/en/in/

Why This Matters Now

Japan welcomed 40 million visitors in 2025, creating serious overcrowding in Kyoto and Tokyo. The government's response? New tourist taxes and dual pricing at major attractions coming in 2026. Himeji Castle will charge foreign visitors 150% more starting March 2026.

But here's what most people miss: places like Matsuyama, Kurashiki, and Takayama remain blissfully quiet. You get authentic Japan without wrestling through selfie sticks at every temple. ANA's domestic network covers over 50 airports, including gems like Kagoshima, Ishigaki, and Hakodate.

Making Your Money Work Harder

Smart Indian travellers know the drill. Use credit cards with zero or low forex markup to book this deal. RBL World Safari charges 0% on foreign transactions, while HDFC Infinia keeps it at 2%. For flight bookings through platforms like Smartbuy, cards like HDFC Infinia can return up to 16.6% in rewards.

That Business Class option from Mumbai? It starts at ₹1,72,000 for select April to September dates. Premium cards with lounge access and travel insurance sweeten long-haul journeys considerably.

The Bigger Picture

Japan's betting big on regional tourism in 2026. The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, new digital art museums in Osaka, and revamped infrastructure across smaller cities all point to one thing: now's the time to explore before everyone else catches on.

Cities like Kanazawa rival Kyoto's charm without the chaos. Takayama gives you Edo-era streets and sake breweries with just 6% of Japan's tourist traffic. The Seto Inland Sea islands offer contemporary art and coastal calm.

Book Smart, Travel Smarter

This promotion runs for exactly seven days. Sale ends January 15, 2026. Book both legs together through ANA's multi-city search tool to lock in the domestic connection at no extra base fare (airport taxes still apply).

Tokyo makes a perfect stopover point between your international arrival and regional exploration. Two days in the capital, then off to places where English menus are rare but experiences are real.

Japan's changing fast. Prices are climbing, rules are tightening, and popular spots are bursting. But ANA just handed you a pass to skip the queues and discover the Japan most visitors never see. The question isn't whether to book. It's which hidden gem you'll visit first.