East Japan Railway Co. President and CEO Yoichi Kise, left, and Japan Airlines Co. President Mitsuko Tottori pose for photos after signing a tie-up agreement in Tokyo on Feb. 6, 2026. (Kyodo)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — East Japan Railway Co. and Japan Airlines Co. said Friday they will jointly develop travel products focused on eastern and northeastern Japan to attract tourists, including inbound visitors.
The two competing transportation companies said they decided to work together to generate new travel demand and address challenges posed by the country’s shrinking and aging population.
The companies will consider offering integrated rail-air tickets and coordinating their operations where possible to make bookings and connections easier.
Unlike many conventional travel products that use the same mode of transportation for outbound and return trips, JR East and JAL aim to give travelers greater itinerary flexibility. One example would be a plan that starts with a flight to northern Japan and includes visits to various northeastern areas on the return journey, they said.
The two companies also hope to capture demand from people seeking a “dual residence” lifestyle, such as those who mainly work in urban areas and have a second home or workplace in rural regions.
“We aim to help people realize an inspiring lifestyle through comfortable and highly convenient services,” JR East President and CEO Yoichi Kise said at a press conference.
JAL President Mitsuko Tottori said, “We want to realize sustainable growth with local communities.”
AloJapan.com