Vietjet Expands Japan–Vietnam Tourism New With Hanoi–Shizuoka Flights

Published on January 27, 2026

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Vietjet is set to broaden travel options between Japan and Vietnam with the introduction of a new direct air service connecting Hanoi and Shizuoka. Scheduled to begin operations on April 28, 2026, the route adds a fresh link between the Vietnamese capital and central Japan, expanding access for tourists travelling in both directions and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.

The service will operate three times a week as a round-trip flight, providing a new travel choice for passengers seeking direct access between the two destinations. With this addition, Vietjet continues to build its presence in the Japan–Vietnam travel market while supporting cross-border tourism flows.

New Direct Connection Between Central Japan and Vietnam

The Hanoi–Shizuoka route represents a milestone for Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, as it will be the first scheduled passenger service to connect the airport with Vietnam since it opened. It is also the first regular air route linking Shizuoka with Southeast Asia, marking a notable expansion of the airport’s international reach.

Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, offering consistent weekly travel opportunities for leisure travellers. The average flight time for the route is slightly over five hours, positioning it as a direct and time-efficient option for those travelling between the two regions.

For passengers based in Shizuoka and the wider central Japan area, the new service removes the need for indirect routings when travelling to Hanoi. At the same time, Vietnamese travellers gain direct access to Shizuoka Prefecture, a region known for its natural and cultural appeal.

Hanoi as a Gateway for Vietnam Travel

Hanoi plays a central role in Vietnam’s tourism landscape and serves as a key entry point for travellers exploring the country. As the capital, the city is recognised for its historic architecture, active street life, and established food culture, making it a major draw for international visitors.

Beyond the city itself, Hanoi functions as a hub for onward travel to several well-known destinations within Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa. These locations are accessible through domestic connections, supported by Vietjet’s wider network within the country. The new direct route from Shizuoka simplifies travel planning for visitors from Japan seeking to explore multiple parts of Vietnam through a single entry point.

For inbound tourism, the route is expected to make Hanoi more accessible to travellers from central Japan who may previously have relied on connecting flights through other airports.

Travel Appeal for Leisure-Focused Passengers

Direct air links often play an important role in shaping travel demand, particularly for leisure-focused passengers who value convenience and reduced transit times. A non-stop connection between Hanoi and Shizuoka provides a straightforward option for tourists planning holidays, short breaks, or extended stays.

For travellers, the availability of a scheduled service on fixed days each week allows for greater flexibility when organising itineraries. The route supports both outbound travel from Japan to Vietnam and inbound travel from Vietnam to Japan, encouraging two-way tourism activity.

Such connections can also influence destination choice, as easier access often makes secondary or regional airports more attractive to international visitors who prefer to avoid larger, more congested hubs.

Tourism Exchange Between Vietnam and Japan

The launch of the Hanoi–Shizuoka service contributes to broader tourism exchange between Vietnam and Japan. By adding another direct route, Vietjet increases the overall number of travel corridors available between the two countries, supporting movement for leisure, cultural visits, and general travel purposes.

Shizuoka Prefecture offers a range of attractions that appeal to international visitors, including Mount Fuji and surrounding natural areas. Direct access from Vietnam may encourage more Vietnamese tourists to consider the region as part of their travel plans, while Japanese travellers gain a more accessible route to Vietnam’s capital and nearby destinations.

The route also aligns with ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and facilitate travel between the two markets, helping to distribute tourism flows across different regions rather than concentrating them in a limited number of major cities.

Part of Vietjet’s Growing Japan–Vietnam Network

With the introduction of the Hanoi–Shizuoka service, Vietjet will operate a total of 11 routes between Vietnam and Japan. This reflects a steady expansion of the airline’s network linking the two countries and underscores its focus on developing international travel options alongside domestic connectivity.

The addition of Shizuoka broadens the geographic spread of Vietjet’s Japanese destinations, complementing existing services and offering travellers more departure and arrival points. For tourism-focused passengers, this expanded network provides greater choice when planning trips between Japan and Vietnam.

As the April 2026 launch date approaches, the new route is positioned to play a role in facilitating travel demand, supporting tourism activity, and strengthening air links between central Japan and northern Vietnam.

Image Source: AI