#Japan #ANA #Tottori #JR West

ANA and JR West Collaboration to Enhance Community Engagement

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and West Japan Railway Company (JR West) have recently initiated a collaborative effort aimed at expanding community engagement within the region. This joint initiative arises from the agreement signed on April 30, 2026, to tackle social challenges in the West Japan area. This innovative program, "ANA's Bifurcated Living BLUE SKY LIFE with JR West," is set to launch on October 21, 2026.

New Travel Plans to Tottori Prefecture

The inaugural destination for this collaboration will be Tottori Prefecture. It encompasses three towns: Yonago City, Chizu Town, and Hokuei Town, where special trial programs for bifurcated living will be introduced. This initiative will particularly cater to travelers coming from the Kansai region, offering them WESTER Points—a point system by JR West—for their travel, significantly easing transportation costs.

A Comprehensive Support System

ANA, with its robust airline network, will facilitate transit from the Kanto region, while JR West will enhance accessibility from Kansai via its railway services. This dual support system between air and rail travel will not only provide ease of movement but also encourage regional living by connecting urban dwellers with rural communities.

The Bifurcated Living Experience

The program is designed for those looking to split their living between two regions, providing an opportunity to experience the unique culture, lifestyle, and natural beauty of Tottori. These trial stays encourage participants to engage with local activities and explore the area's rich resources. By physically immersing themselves in the region, participants can get a genuine sense of community, fostering deeper connections.

Locations Highlighted:

1. Yonago City: Only 80 minutes from Haneda Airport, Yonago boasts convenient transportation with a combination of rail, highway, and air travel. Blessed with picturesque nature surrounding Daisen Mountain and the Sea of Japan, it's also known for its hot springs and culinary delights.

2. Chizu Town: Known as the “Wood Town,” 93% of Chizu's area is covered by forests. The town promotes forest therapies and educational programs for the younger generation, making it a unique model of community-driven forest resource management.

3. Hokuei Town: Nestled between the Sea of Japan and Daisen Mountain, Hokuei is rich in agriculture. The town supports business startups in farm stays and has initiatives for co-working spaces near local stations, showcasing its commitment to integrating modern work lifestyles with rich local agricultural practices.

Travel Support Overview

The travel support system includes not only air travel incentives through ANA's SKY Coins but now also includes WESTER Points, enabling smoother transitions through JR West's special express services. This framework is designed to alleviate the travel burdens of prospective bifurcated residents.

Breakdown of Travel Support by Area:

• - Yonago City and others will offer return flights from Haneda for around 20,000 ANA SKY Coins.
• - Use of express services from major Kansai hubs will enable travel to Chizu and Hokuei at reduced WESTER Point costs.

The initiative is set to commence on October 21, 2026, and will remain active through February 28, 2027, allowing travelers to engage fully in the regional living experience while enjoying significant travel sponsorship. This partnership signifies a meaningful step forward in promoting sustainable community engagement and redefining living standards across Japan’s picturesque regions.

Those interested in this innovative initiative are encouraged to sign up early, as spots will be limited. Further details can be found on the specific ANA and JR West web pages dedicated to this groundbreaking collaboration.