Your Dream Trip to Japan on Points & Miles: 10, 14, and 21-Day Plans

Always Turn Left: Japan on Points An Epic Travel Guide 🗾🎌 🌸🗻🗼🏯⛩️

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Booking Flights to Japan Using Points & Miles

Award flights to Japan are one of the best redemptions in the points and miles game. Depending on your starting point and desired travel class, you can fly to Japan for as little as 35,000 miles round-trip.

ANA Mileage Club (Best for Round-Trips)

• Economy: 40,000–55,000 miles RT (seasonal)
• Business: 75,000–90,000 miles RT
• First: 150,000–165,000 miles RT

ANA offers some of the best value for round-trip award flights. You can transfer points to ANA from American Express Membership Rewards. Note that ANA only allows round-trip redemptions.

Alaska Mileage Plan (Great Partner Awards)

• Economy: 60,000 miles RT
• Business: 100,000 miles RT
• First: 140,000 miles RT

You can redeem Alaska miles for flights on Japan Airlines (JAL) with generous award availability and the ability to include a free stopover.

American Airlines AAdvantage

• Economy: 50,000 miles RT
• Business: 120,000 miles RT

American partners with JAL and offers strong award availability from U.S. hubs to Tokyo.

Air Canada Aeroplan

• Flexible pricing based on distance flown and demand.

Aeroplan is a Star Alliance member, which gives you access to flights on ANA, United, and more. Transfers available from Chase, Amex, and Capital One.

Booking Hotels in Japan with Points

From Tokyo skyscraper hotels to Kyoto ryokans and beachfront Okinawan resorts, Japan has plenty of point-friendly lodging options.

Marriott Bonvoy

• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: 50,000–70,000 points/night
• Miyako Kyoto Hotel: 40,000–60,000 points/night

Marriott has a large presence across Japan and offers 5th night free on award bookings.

Hilton Honors

• Hilton Tokyo: 40,000–60,000 points/night
• Conrad Osaka: 60,000–80,000 points/night

Hilton properties are modern and centrally located. Status perks (like breakfast) are valuable in Japan.

World of Hyatt

• Hyatt Regency Tokyo: 12,000 points/night
• Hyatt Centric Kanazawa: 15,000 points/night

Hyatt points stretch far in Japan. Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards for excellent value.

Transportation in Japan: The Japan Rail Pass

If you're planning to visit multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a game-changer.

• 7-Day JR Pass: ~$275
• 14-Day JR Pass: ~$440
• 21-Day JR Pass: ~$565

You get unlimited access to JR trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train), and many local JR lines. Book in advance before arriving in Japan for the best deal.

10-Day Japan Itinerary: Urban Excitement & Cultural Classics

Days 1–3: Tokyo

• Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo (World of Hyatt), Ritz-Carlton Tokyo (Marriott)
• What to Do: Visit Senso-ji Temple, walk through Shibuya Crossing, shop in Harajuku, and relax in Ueno Park.
• Don't Miss: TeamLab Planets, Tsukiji Outer Market, and the view from Tokyo Skytree.

Day 4: Hakone (Day Trip or Overnight)

• What to Do: Take the Hakone Ropeway, enjoy Lake Ashi, and view Mt. Fuji.
• Where to Stay: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu (Hyatt partner)

Days 5–7: Kyoto

• How to Get There: Shinkansen from Tokyo (2.5 hours)
• What to Do: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Where to Stay: Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Marriott), Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Day 8: Nara

• What to Do: Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and feed the deer.
• How to Get There: 45-minute train from Kyoto

Days 9–10: Osaka

• What to Do: Dotonbori street food tour, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building.
• Where to Stay: Conrad Osaka (Hilton), Marriott Miyako Hotel

14-Day Japan Itinerary: Regional Immersion

Add these destinations to the 10-day plan:

Day 11: Hiroshima

• What to Do: Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Okonomiyaki Village.
• How to Get There: Shinkansen from Osaka (2 hours)
• Where to Stay: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima (Marriott)

Day 12: Miyajima

• What to Do: Visit Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen.
• Tip: Stay overnight on the island for a serene experience.

Days 13–14: Kanazawa

• How to Get There: Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kanazawa (via Osaka)
• What to Do: Kenroku-en Garden, samurai district, Omicho Market.
• Where to Stay: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa

21-Day Japan Itinerary: Deep Dive into the Country

Build on the 14-day plan with the following additions:

Days 15–16: Takayama

• What to Do: Explore the preserved old town, visit Hida Folk Village, and enjoy local sake.
• Where to Stay: Ryokan Asunaro or Oyado Koto No Yume

Days 17–18: Nagano/Matsumoto

• What to Do: Visit Matsumoto Castle, soak in hot springs, and enjoy alpine scenery.
• How to Get There: JR trains or limited express from Takayama

Days 19–20: Fukuoka

• What to Do: Canal City, Ohori Park, eat Hakata ramen.
• Where to Stay: Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

Day 21: Tokyo (Return)

• Spend your last day shopping, eating sushi, or relaxing at a Japanese onsen before flying home.

Maximizing Credit Card Points for Japan

To earn enough miles and hotel points, consider signing up for these cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Transfer points to Hyatt, United, and more
• Amex Platinum or Gold: Transfer to ANA or Aeroplan for flights, Marriott for hotels
• Citi Premier: Transfer to Turkish, Singapore, or Choice Hotels

Use category bonuses (like 3x on dining or travel) to rack up points fast. Don’t forget to use shopping portals and airline dining programs.

Final Tips for Traveling to Japan with Points

• Book Flights 9–12 Months in Advance: Especially for premium cabins.
• Travel Off-Peak: Late winter or early spring before cherry blossom season has better award availability.
• Leverage Free Stopovers: Some programs (like Alaska) allow stopovers even on one-way tickets.
• Mix Cash & Points: When availability is limited, use points for part of your trip and pay cash for the rest.

Japan Award Travel Checklist

✈️ Flight Planning & Booking

☐ Decide travel dates (consider cherry blossom season, fall foliage, and off-peak months)
☐ Search award availability (ANA, JAL, United, Aeroplan, Alaska, AA)
☐ Choose flight class (Economy, Business, First)
☐ Transfer points to airline program (ANA via Amex, JAL via Alaska, etc.)
☐ Book award ticket (round-trip or two one-ways)
☐ Consider free stopovers (Alaska, Aeroplan)
☐ Reserve seat selection (especially on JAL/ANA for preferred window or aisle)
☐ Check visa requirements (not required for U.S. tourists <90 days)
☐ Set travel alerts (flight tracking apps)

🏨 Hotel Planning & Booking

☐ Decide hotel loyalty program(s) (Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton)
☐ Search award availability in major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima)
☐ Book hotels using points (consider 5th-night free with Marriott, free breakfast with Hilton Gold)
☐ Mix points + cash if needed
☐ Use free night certificates from credit cards
☐ Confirm reservation includes breakfast / lounge access
☐ Download hotel apps for check-in and mobile room keys

🚄 Transportation Within Japan

☐ Buy Japan Rail Pass online (before travel)
☐ Choose appropriate duration (7, 14, or 21 days)
☐ Reserve Shinkansen seats if needed (Green Car for upgraded travel)
☐ Download HyperDia or Navitime app (for train schedules)
☐ Get IC Card (Suica/PASMO) for subway/local travel
☐ Consider regional JR Passes (if not using the national version)
☐ Map out rail connections between cities (Tokyo > Kyoto > Hiroshima, etc.)

🗓️ Itinerary Planning

☐ Choose your trip length (10, 14, or 21 days)
☐ List “must-see” cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.)
☐ Create a city-by-city itinerary
☐ Reserve cultural experiences (tea ceremonies, sumo tournaments, geisha dinners)
☐ Book popular attractions in advance (Ghibli Museum, TeamLab, Robot Restaurant)
☐ List backup activities for rainy days
☐ Include rest/onsen days

🍣 Dining & Food Planning

☐ Make reservations for popular restaurants (Sushi Dai, Ichiran, Kyoto Kaiseki)
☐ Use Tabelog or Gurunavi apps to find local favorites
☐ Consider a food tour in Osaka, Tokyo, or Kyoto
☐ Budget for vending machines, convenience store meals, and department store basements (depachika!)
☐Learn basic food etiquette (slurping ramen = okay!)
☐ Note food allergies in Japanese (carry a translation card if needed)

💳 Credit Cards & Points Prep

☐ Use travel credit cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, etc.)
☐ Earn category bonuses (dining, travel)
☐ Transfer points to airlines/hotels strategically
☐ Use airline dining and shopping portals
☐ Notify banks of international travel
☐ Bring a backup card with no foreign transaction fees
☐ Download card apps for expense tracking

🧳 Packing Essentials

☐ Passport (valid for 6+ months)
☐ JR Pass exchange voucher
☐ Universal power adapter
☐ Portable Wi-Fi or SIM card
☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Layered clothing (weather varies by region/season)
☐ Backpack or day bag
☐ Pack light for small hotel rooms and train travel
☐ Toiletries (though many hotels provide full sets)
☐ Medication & prescriptions
☐ Travel insurance policy (optional but recommended)

📱 Apps to Download

☐ Google Maps (offline areas in advance)
☐ Google Translate (Japanese-English)
☐ HyperDia or Navitime (train routes)
☐ Tabelog / Yelp Japan (restaurant reviews)
☐ TripIt or Notion for itinerary tracking
☐ Hotel chain apps
☐ Currency converter
☐ Japan Official Travel App

📄 Documents & Admin

☐ Print and carry flight and hotel confirmations
☐ Store digital copies in cloud or password manager
☐Bring proof of JR Pass purchase
☐ Optional: Carry physical cash (~10,000–20,000 yen)
☐ Bring a coin purse (Japan is coin-heavy!)

🎁 Bonus Tips

☐ Buy souvenirs from 100 yen shops or Don Quijote
☐ Check opening hours for temples and museums
☐ Learn a few polite phrases in Japanese
☐ Bring a small gift if staying with locals
☐ Respect public space: no talking on phones on trains
☐ Keep trash with you—bins are rare!

Final Thoughts

Japan is a country that rewards curiosity, respect, and thoughtful travel. Using points and miles isn’t just about saving money—it’s about unlocking experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach. From sleeping in a Kyoto ryokan to flying in a lie-flat seat across the Pacific, your dream trip to Japan is closer than you think. Plan smart, travel generously, and you’ll return home with more than just photos—you’ll come back with memories that last a lifetime.

Let the adventure begin.