Tokyo on Points: Award Flights, Park Hyatt Tokyo, and the Best Japan Redemptions

Japan is one of the most magical travel destinations in the world and also one of the best for award travel. Flights to Japan can be booked via some of the most storied sweet spots in points history — including the legendary ANA First Class award — and Tokyo has several exceptional hotel redemptions.

Flights to Tokyo: The Best Award Paths

Option 1: ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (The GOAT Sweet Spot)

All Nippon Airways (ANA) First Class is widely considered the finest airline product in the sky. The “The Room” product on newer aircraft features floor-to-ceiling privacy doors, a 43-inch 4K screen, and Japanese-style service that sets the standard globally.

The price: 55,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles one-way New York (JFK) to Tokyo (NRT or HND).

That’s it. 55,000 miles for a seat that costs $10,000–$18,000 in cash. No fuel surcharges.

How to book:

1. Transfer Chase UR or Amex MR → Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 1:1
2. Go to virginatlantic.com → Redeem Miles → Flying Club
3. Search for ANA First Class availability (search for “NH” flights)
4. Note: ANA opens award space primarily for VA close to departure and in specific windows. Alternatively, search via United.com for ANA first class availability (United has a partnership)
5. Call Virgin Atlantic (+1-800-862-8621 for US) to book ANA partner awards if not visible online

Virgin Atlantic → ANA is one of a small number of remaining sub-100,000-mile First Class sweet spots globally.

Option 2: United MileagePlus → ANA First Class

United MileagePlus can also book ANA First Class, at a higher price point: approximately 55,000–75,000 miles one-way depending on origin (US West Coast prices lower). Transfer Chase UR → United at 1:1.

Option 3: American AAdvantage → Japan Airlines (JAL) Business

Japan Airlines’ business class product (“JAL SKY SUITE”) is another exceptional long-haul product. AAdvantage prices JAL business class at approximately 60,000 miles one-way from the US to Japan.

Japan Airlines operates from Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, Chicago, Boston, and San Diego to Tokyo.

Hotels in Tokyo on Points

The Park Hyatt Tokyo (Category 7, 30,000 pts/night)

Made famous by “Lost in Translation,” the Park Hyatt Tokyo occupies the top floors (39–52) of the Shinjuku Park Tower with panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Cash rates: ¥90,000–¥200,000 (approximately $600–$1,400/night).

At 30,000 Hyatt points per night, you’re getting excellent value — particularly if you book during cherry blossom season (late March–April) when cash prices spike. Transfer Chase UR → Hyatt.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Category 5, 25,000 pts/night)

A more modern design-forward option near Toranomon Hills in the Minato district. Cash rates ¥60,000–¥120,000. The Andaz is a great base for the business district and has excellent restaurant options.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo Roppongi (Category 5, 25,000 pts/night)

Excellent location in Roppongi, Tokyo’s entertainment district. Full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and close to museums and galleries.

Marriott Bonvoy Properties

The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo (Cat 7 in Bonvoy) offers spectacular high-floor views from the Midtown Tower in Akasaka. Award pricing runs 60,000–100,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Getting From Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka on Points

The Shinkansen (bullet train) between Tokyo and Osaka takes 2.5 hours. Points don’t typically cover Shinkansen tickets, but fares are reasonable (¥14,000 one-way = ~$95). Budget for rail pass or individual tickets.

For Kyoto: The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a Category 3 property (12,000 Hyatt points per night) — exceptional value in a city with beautiful temples.

Best Times for Tokyo Award Travel

• March–April: Cherry blossom season. Award availability for flights is competitive; book 10+ months out. Hotel point costs are the same but rooms fill with cash guests paying premium rates — meaning your points save more.
• October–November: Autumn foliage season; excellent weather, fewer crowds than spring.
• January–February: Coldest months but excellent award availability and very easy to find hotel point redemptions.

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Park Hyatt Tokyo award pricing verified at hyatt.com. ANA and United award pricing verified at virginatlantic.com and united.com as of June 2026.