Traveling to Japan Using Points and Miles (2024)

Japan offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders, making it a dream destination for many travelers. However, Japan’s high cost of airfare, accommodation, and dining can make visiting seem out of reach. Thankfully, leveraging points and miles can help make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to traveling to Japan using points and miles in 2024.

Using Points and Miles for Flights

Flying to Japan using airline miles is both attainable and cost-effective, with various programs offering competitive rates for economy, business, and first-class tickets. Below are the top airlines and their award flight options:

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

ANA is a Star Alliance carrier that offers some of the lowest mileage rates for flights to Japan.

• Economy Class: 40,000–55,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 75,000–90,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 150,000–165,000 miles round-trip

How to Earn ANA Miles: ANA miles are easily accessible through American Express Membership Rewards, which transfers at a 1:1 ratio. Consider these cards:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines partners with Japan Airlines (JAL), making it an excellent choice for flying to Japan.

• Economy Class: 60,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 100,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 140,000 miles round-trip

How to Earn Alaska Miles: Alaska miles can be earned through co-branded credit cards:

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card: Earn 40,000 bonus miles and a companion fare after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles, a $100 statement credit, and a companion fare after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic offers excellent rates for ANA flights, particularly in business class:

• Economy Class: 60,000–65,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 90,000–95,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 145,000–170,000 miles round-trip

How to Earn Virgin Atlantic Miles: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are easy to earn via:

• American Express Membership Rewards

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

• Citi ThankYou Points

• Capital One Miles

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines provides award charts, so you know exactly how many miles are needed for flights to Japan.

• Economy Class: 70,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 120,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 160,000–190,000 miles round-trip

How to Earn AAdvantage Miles: Citi and Barclays co-branded cards make it easy to earn AAdvantage miles:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months.

• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and payment of the $99 annual fee.

Using Points for Hotels

Japan boasts an extensive range of hotels, many of which can be booked using loyalty points from major hotel chains:

Tokyo: Park Hyatt Tokyo

• Cost: 25,000 Hyatt points per night

• How to Earn Points: Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Kyoto: The Chapter Hotel (Marriott)

• Cost: ~50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night

• How to Earn Points: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers up to two free nights with its welcome bonus.

Osaka: Conrad Osaka (Hilton)

• Cost: ~95,000 Hilton Honors points per night

• How to Earn Points: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides up to one free night with its welcome bonus.

Hakone: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora

• Cost: ~65,000 IHG points per night

• How to Earn Points: The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card provides up to two nights on points.

Activities and Transportation in Japan

Even with airfare and accommodation covered, activities and transportation can add up. Use points to offset costs for:

Transportation:

• Rail Passes and Train Tickets: Use Capital One Venture Miles to erase travel purchases at 1 cent per mile.

Activities:

• Book tours and experiences through the Chase Travel™ portal, where points are worth 1.25 cents with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or 1.5 cents with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Bottom Line

Traveling to Japan with points and miles is both rewarding and budget-friendly. By leveraging the right airline programs and credit card strategies, you can cover flights, accommodations, and even activities. Start planning now to make your dream trip to Japan a reality in 2024.