Japan with points: complete travel guide

Japan is the most popular premium-cabin award destination in the world. ANA First Class at 110K round-trip via Virgin Atlantic is arguably the single best points redemption in history. JAL business at 60K via Alaska. Turkish Miles&Smiles for Star Alliance at 52.5K one-way. Multiple paths to reach Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond with points.

Top cities and gateways

Tokyo (Haneda + Narita) (HND / NRT)

Main entry point. HND is closer to central Tokyo; NRT has more award availability.

Osaka (Kansai) (KIX)

Gateway to Kyoto and western Japan. Good ANA/JAL availability.

Nagoya (NGO)

Central Japan; less common but works for off-path trips.

Sapporo (CTS)

Northern Japan; domestic connection from Tokyo.

Fukuoka (FUK)

Southern Japan; domestic connection.

Okinawa (Naha) (OKA)

Tropical Japan; typically domestic connection.

Airlines serving Japan

ANA (The Suite first class, The Room business class — world-class products)
JAL (Sky Suite business, First Class on 777)
United Polaris (non-stop US-HND/NRT from SFO, LAX, ORD, EWR, IAD, IAH)
American AA (non-stop DFW-HND, DFW-HND, LAX-HND)
Delta (SEA-HND, DTW-HND, JFK-HND)
Singapore Airlines via SIN (for SIN-Japan segment on Suites)

Best mileage programs for Japan

Virgin Atlantic (110K RT ANA First, 90K RT ANA business) — best value First Class in the world
Atmos Rewards (60K JAL business, free stopover)
ANA Mileage Club (85K RT business off-peak, round-trip only)
Turkish Miles&Smiles (52.5K one-way Star Alliance partners)

Sweet spot redemptions

ANA First Class (The Suite) round-trip at 110K Virgin Atlantic — the bargain of the century
ANA business class round-trip at 85K ANA Mileage Club off-peak
JAL business class 60K one-way Alaska with free stopover
Turkish 52.5K one-way on ANA/Singapore/EVA
Singapore Suites via KrisFlyer — LAX/JFK to Tokyo-Singapore

Travel tips

No visa required for US passport holders for stays under 90 days
Cherry blossom season (March-April) is peak; book 11 months out for premium cabins
Typhoon season (August-September) can disrupt flights
JR Rail Pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan
Tokyo Metro single-ride tickets are cheap; Suica card handles all transit

Sample itineraries on points

2-week classic: ANA First Class round-trip JFK-HND + domestic JR Pass to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
Premium honeymoon: ANA First outbound, JAL First return (110K Virgin + 85K Alaska = 195K total for two of the best cabins)
Family of 4 Tokyo run: 4× United Polaris LAX-HND at 80K each = 320K UA miles

FAQ

How many miles do I need for a trip to Japan?

Round-trip business class ranges from 85,000 miles (ANA Mileage Club off-peak) to 160,000 miles (various programs peak). For two passengers in business, budget around 250,000-300,000 miles total. Premium economy cuts this roughly in half.

When is the best time to book award flights to Japan?

Business class saver space opens 330-355 days before departure. Cherry blossom and Golden Week require booking at that window. For off-peak dates (late October, January-February non-holiday), saver space is easier to find closer in.

Is ANA or JAL a better business class experience?

Both are excellent. ANA's The Room (2024 product) has the largest seat in the sky, 1-1-1 configuration, and closing doors. JAL Sky Suite III is a superb staggered business class. ANA is marginally newer; JAL is more consistent on older routes.

Plan your trip to Japan

AwardLocker shows live availability on every airline listed above. Check your dates before transferring miles.

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