| Origin | Destination | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
🇨🇳 BeijingPEK | 🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | — | View route |
🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | 🇯🇵 SapporoCTS | — | View route |
🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | 🇨🇳 NingboNGB | — | View route |
🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | 🇨🇳 BeijingPEK | — | View route |
🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | 🇨🇳 Shanghai (Pudong)PVG | — | View route |
🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | 🇨🇳 TianjinTSN | — | View route |
🇨🇳 NingboNGB | 🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | — | View route |
🇯🇵 SapporoCTS | 🇯🇵 TokyoHND | — | View route |
🇨🇳 Shanghai (Pudong)PVG | 🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | — | View route |
🇨🇳 TianjinTSN | 🇯🇵 NaritaNRT | — | View route |
🇯🇵 TokyoHND | 🇯🇵 SapporoCTS | — | View route |
🇯🇵 TokyoHND | 🇯🇵 KitakyushuKKJ | — | View route |
Spring Japan (IATA: IJ), formerly Spring Airlines Japan, is Japan's innovative low-cost carrier headquartered in Kozunomori, Narita, Chiba Prefecture. Founded in 2012 as a subsidiary of China's Spring Airlines, it launched operations on August 1, 2014, from its primary hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT). Initially a joint venture blending Chinese efficiency with Japanese service standards, the airline underwent significant changes in 2021 when Japan Airlines (JAL) acquired a 70% stake, reducing Spring Airlines' ownership to 30% and prompting a rebrand to Spring Japan for broader appeal.
Operating a lean fleet of six Boeing 737-800s for passengers and three Airbus A321P2F freighters (leased to Yamato Transport), Spring Japan emphasizes affordability on short-haul routes. Its passenger aircraft feature a distinctive 'premium' section with 18 curtained seats offering extra legroom, catering to value-conscious travelers seeking a step above ultra-low-cost basics. The airline serves seven destinations: domestic links to Hiroshima and Sapporo-New Chitose, plus international routes to Beijing, Harbin, Ningbo, Shanghai, and Tianjin in China—ideal for business and leisure traffic between the economic powerhouses.
What sets Spring Japan apart is its hybrid heritage: Chinese low-cost DNA for rock-bottom fares combined with JAL's oversight for reliability and safety. Codesharing with JAL enhances connectivity, while cargo operations since 2024 address Japan's pilot overtime shortages innovatively. Passenger reviews highlight strong value for money and clean cabins but note typical LCC challenges like strict baggage rules and minimal frills. With an average fleet age of 12.5 years, Spring Japan continues expanding its Narita-centric network, making it a go-to for budget Japan-China travel in 2026.