Blog >> Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles: Step-By-Step Guide [2025]

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles: Step-By-Step Guide [2025]

By Kevin Zanes / December 18, 2025
Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles: Step-By-Step Guide

Flights to Japan are expensive. Business Class seats often cost more than a used car, and even Economy Class tickets can feel overpriced during popular travel seasons. Yet Japan remains one of the easiest places in the world to reach with points and miles if you know where to look.

A handful of airline programs still offer outsized value for flights to Japan, including options that can cut the cost of Economy Class tickets in half and unlock world class Business and First Class experiences for a fraction of the cash price. The challenge is knowing which programs to use, how many points you actually need, and which mistakes can quietly ruin a great redemption.

This guide breaks down the best ways to fly to Japan with points and miles, using clear examples and proven strategies. By the end, you will know which points to earn, which airlines to book, and how to turn your points into a Japan trip that feels both attainable and unforgettable.

Why Choose To Fly To Japan With Points

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Fly To Japan With Points And Miles On All Nippon Airways (ANA). Image Credit: ANA.

Flying to Japan is an experience that begins the moment you step on the plane. Long haul flights across the Pacific are demanding, and the quality of your seat, meals, and onboard service can shape the entire trip. Choosing to fly to Japan with points and miles opens the door to a far better experience, often for a fraction of the cash price.

Paid airfare to Japan can be expensive in any cabin. Economy Class tickets regularly exceed $1,500 round trip, especially during popular travel periods like cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Business Class pricing is where costs rise sharply. A typical round trip Business Class ticket from the United States to Japan often ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, and premium routes or peak dates can push prices even higher. First Class fares can reach five figures.

Points and miles change this equation entirely. Many of the best ways to fly to Japan with points and miles allow travelers to book Business Class seats for roughly 55,000 to 80,000 points one way, depending on the program and airline. First Class, one of the most aspirational experiences in travel, can sometimes be booked for under 100,000 points one way through the right partners.

Why Japan Is The Perfect Destination

Japan is one of the easiest long haul destinations to book with points and miles. All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines are consistently ranked among the best airlines in the world, and both offer excellent Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class products. Using points on these carriers often delivers far more value than paying cash.

There are also many nonstop routes between the United States and Japan from cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and New York (JFK). This wide network improves award availability and gives travelers more flexibility across multiple airline programs.

Japan works well with several popular award charts. Many programs price Japan favorably compared to other international destinations, especially when booking through partner airlines. Combined with flight times that often exceed twelve hours, using points for a better seat is one of the smartest ways to start a trip to Japan.

The Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles

Not all points redemptions to Japan are created equal. Some airline programs make it easy to find award seats with solid pricing, while others add restrictions, limited availability, or high surcharges that reduce overall value. Knowing which loyalty programs consistently offer a good balance of value, flexibility, and reliability is key to booking flights to Japan with points and miles.

When deciding how to book flights to Japan, it helps to start with airlines that operate nonstop routes from North America. From there, the focus shifts to which loyalty programs partner with your transferable credit card points, since these programs often unlock the best pricing and availability. Each option has its own award charts, transfer partners, and booking rules.

Note: This guide focuses only on nonstop routes from North America to Japan.

Japan Airlines

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000. Image Credit: Japan Airlines.

Japan Airlines, commonly referred to as JAL, is the flag carrier of Japan and one of the most highly regarded airlines in the world. Known for its consistency, calm onboard atmosphere, and exceptional service, Japan Airlines is a strong option for travelers flying to Japan with points and miles across economy, business class, and first class.

JAL operates an extensive nonstop network between North America and Japan, primarily serving Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT). Across its long haul fleet, the airline offers a polished experience that emphasizes comfort, quality dining, and thoughtful service. Even in Economy Class, Japan Airlines stands out for seat comfort and meal quality, while its premium cabins are considered among the best ways to cross the Pacific.

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
Example Japan Airlines Business Class Award Booking Via Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. Image Credit: Japan Airlines.

Below are the key details to know when flying to Japan with Japan Airlines using points and miles.

  • Airline: Japan Airlines
  • Award Program: Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
  • Transfer Partners: Bilt Rewards and Capital One Miles
  • Points + Taxes & Fees (Economy | Premium | Business | First):
    • East Coast: 27,000 points | 40,000 points | 55,000 points | 110,000 – 140,000 points + 200 USD
    • West Coast: 27,000 points | 40,000 points | 55,000 points | 110,000 – 140,000 points + 200 USD
    • Canada: 27,000 points | 40,000 points | 55,000 points | 110,000 – 140,000 points + 200 USD
  • Award Availability: Low to Moderate
  • North American Airports: Boston (BOS), Dallas (DFW), New York City (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), San Diego (SAN), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and Vancouver (YVR)
  • Key Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-300ER
  • Unique Program Feature: Japan Airlines Mileage Bank often offers discounted pricing on round trip award bookings compared to booking two one way awards.
  • Airline Reviews: N/A

TPA Pro Tip: Japan Airlines also operates nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Osaka Kansai (KIX). Award availability on Osaka flights is often better than Tokyo routes, and flying directly into Kansai can save time and reduce the need for domestic connections or long train rides after arrival.

Alternative Award Booking Option

One of the most reliable and accessible ways to book Japan Airlines flights is through American Airlines AAdvantage. As a oneworld alliance partner, American offers fixed partner award pricing and does not pass along fuel surcharges, making it a popular option for booking Japan Airlines across all cabins.

  • Award Program: American Airlines AAdvantage
  • Transfer Partners: Citi ThankYou Rewards
  • Points + Taxes & Fees (Economy | Premium | Business | First):
    • East Coast: 35,000 points | 50,000 points | 60,000 points | 80,000 points + 5 USD
    • West Coast: 35,000 points | 50,000 points | 60,000 points | 80,000 points + 5 USD
    • Canada: 35,000 points | 50,000 points | 60,000 points | 80,000 points + 5 USD

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Image Credit: ANA.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the largest Japanese airline and one of the most respected carriers in global aviation. ANA is especially well known among points and miles travelers for offering some of the best value premium cabin redemptions between North America and Japan. Across Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class, ANA delivers a refined, reliable, and highly comfortable long haul experience.

ANA operates an extensive nonstop network between North America and Japan, primarily serving Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT). Its long haul fleet features modern cabins, high quality dining, and consistently strong service. ANA Business Class is widely regarded as one of the best ways to cross the Pacific, while ANA First Class is considered one of the top First Class products in the world.

Below are the key details to know when flying to Japan with ANA using points and miles.

  • Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Award Program: ANA Mileage Club
  • Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards
  • Points + Taxes & Fees (Economy | Premium | Business | First):
    • East Coast: 20,000 – 27,500 points | 31,000 – 38,500 points | 50,000 – 55,000 points | 75,000 – 100,000 points + 250 USD
    • West Coast: 20,000 – 27,500 points | 31,000 – 38,500 points | 50,000 – 55,000 points | 75,000 – 100,000 points + 250 USD
    • Canada: 20,000 – 27,500 points | 31,000 – 38,500 points | 50,000 – 55,000 points | 75,000 – 100,000 points + 250 USD
  • Award Availability: Low
  • North American Airports: Boston (BOS), Houston (IAH), New York City (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and Vancouver (YVR)
  • Key Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  • Unique Program Feature: ANA Mileage Club uses seasonal award pricing and often offers some of the lowest business class and first class round trip award rates to Japan, creating exceptional value for travelers who can plan ahead.
  • Airline Reviews: ANA 777-300ER First Class [The Suite]
Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - ANA Mileage Club
Example ANA Business Class Award Booking Via ANA Mileage Club. Image Credit: ANA.

Alternative Award Booking Option

One of the most popular ways to book ANA flights is through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Although Virgin Atlantic is not part of Star Alliance, it has a close partnership with ANA that unlocks some of the best premium cabin sweet spots in the points and miles world.

Note: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club redemptions require finding ANA saver availability and booking by phone.

Singapore Airlines

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. Image Credit: Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines is widely regarded as one of the best airlines in the world, known for exceptional service, refined cabins, and a premium onboard experience across all classes. While the airline is based in Southeast Asia, it operates a unique fifth freedom route between Los Angeles (LAX) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), giving travelers a rare opportunity to fly Singapore Airlines directly to Japan.

This route is especially appealing for points and miles travelers. It combines a world class airline with a nonstop transpacific flight, often featuring newer aircraft and well regarded cabin products. Singapore Airlines delivers a polished experience in Economy Class, a comfortable Premium Economy cabin, and highly competitive Business Class seating. Even on this shorter long haul route, the service and consistency stand out.

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Example Singapore Airlines Business Class Award Booking Via Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Image Credit: Singapore Airlines.

Below are the key details to know when flying to Japan with Singapore Airlines using points and miles.

  • Airline: Singapore Airlines
  • Award Program: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards
  • Points + Taxes & Fees (Economy | Premium | Business | First):
    • West Coast: 42,500 points | 80,500 points | 114,000 points | 224,500 points + 5 USD
  • Award Availability: Low To Moderate
  • North American Airports: Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Key Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
  • Unique Program Feature: Singapore Airlines often releases more award availability to its own KrisFlyer members than to partner programs, especially in premium cabins.
  • Airline Reviews: N/A

Alternative Award Booking Option

Another great way to book this Singapore Airlines flight is through Air Canada Aeroplan. Aeroplan is one of the most flexible and user friendly Star Alliance programs, with competitive pricing and low out of pocket costs. While availability may be more limited than booking directly with KrisFlyer, Aeroplan can offer solid value when space is open.

United Airlines

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - United Airlines
United Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. Image Credit: United Airlines.

United Airlines is one of the most practical and accessible ways to fly to Japan with points and miles. As a major US based carrier and a core member of Star Alliance, United offers a large nonstop network to Japan along with one of the easiest award booking experiences available to travelers.

United operates nonstop flights to Japan primarily through Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), with service from multiple US gateways. While United may not offer the same refined onboard experience as Japanese carriers, its strength lies in availability, flexibility, and simplicity. United flights can be booked entirely online, do not include fuel surcharges, and often release more award space than many partner airlines.

Below are the key details to know when flying to Japan with United Airlines using points and miles.

TPA Pro Tip: United Airlines also operates nonstop service between San Francisco (SFO) and Osaka Kansai (KIX). Award availability on Osaka flights is often better than Tokyo routes, and flying directly into Kansai can save time and reduce the need for domestic connections or long train rides after arrival.

Alternative Award Booking Option

United Airlines flights can also be booked through Air Canada Aeroplan, one of the most versatile Star Alliance loyalty programs. Aeroplan uses a distance based award chart, which can sometimes result in lower pricing than United Airlines MileagePlus, especially on nonstop routes from the West Coast.

How To Search For Award Space To Japan

Finding open award seats is one of the most important steps when learning how to book award flights to Japan with points. Even if you have the points / miles ready, success depends on spotting available seats before they disappear. The process is easier than most travelers realize, especially if you follow these simple steps and use the right search tools.

Step 1: Search On The Airline’s Website

Start by identifying which airline and loyalty program you plan to use. If you already have points with Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, ANA Mileage Club, or United Airlines MileagePlus, focus there first. Knowing your preferred program helps narrow your search and makes transferring points easier later.

Begin your search directly on the airline’s booking site. Checking the airline’s site first gives you the most accurate look at what is currently available.

Step 2: Use Award Search Tools

To speed up your search, use free award tools like seats.aero and roame.travel. These platforms scan multiple airline programs at once, helping you see which dates have award seats available.

  • seats.aero is great for finding hidden availability across alliances.
  • roame.travel offers an easy calendar view to identify low-point days.

Both tools have free versions that work well, but the paid versions are significantly more powerful. With a subscription, you gain access to expanded data, longer date ranges, more search filters, and faster alerts – perfect for travelers who book frequently or chase hard-to-find Business Class or First Class seats.

Step 3: Search One-Way Flights First

Award space rarely appears for both directions at once. Search for one-way flights to Japan first, then return flights separately. This approach makes it easier to find at least one leg at a lower rate or mix and match airlines.

Step 4: Be Flexible With Dates And Departure Airports

Flexibility often makes the difference between paying 60,000 points and paying 150,000 points. Try searching midweek or off-peak travel dates. Consider alternate airports too. For example, if New York City (JFK) is sold out, you may find seats from Washington D.C. (IAD) or Chicago (ORD).

TPA Pro Tip: The best times to book award flights are typically more than 11 months out, 6 – 9 months before departure, or less than 1 month before travel. These windows offer the highest chances of finding Business Class award space to Japan, especially if you stay flexible with dates and routes.

Step 5: Confirm Availability Before Transferring Points

Once you find the flight you want, confirm that it is available through your chosen loyalty program. Do not transfer credit card points until you are ready to book, since transfers are final and cannot be reversed.

Step 7: Book Immediately

Award seats to Japan, especially in Business Class and First Class, disappear quickly. If you find a strong redemption rate, particularly anything around 60,000 to 75,000 points one way in Business Class, it is best to book right away. Many airline programs offer free or low cost changes and cancellations on award tickets, which makes it safer to secure the seat first and adjust plans later if needed.

How To Earn Points For Award Flights To Japan

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Earn Travel Rewards Points And Miles With Credit Cards. Image Credit: Vendors.

To fly to Japan with points miles, you first need to build a strong balance of transferable rewards. The good news is that earning points is easier than ever. With the right credit cards and spending habits, you can accumulate enough rewards for a premium flight faster than you might think.

Focus On Transferable Point Programs

The most valuable rewards are transferable points – the ones that can be moved to multiple airline partners. These programs give you flexibility to choose the best redemption option when award space appears. 

The seven leading transferable currencies are:

Choose Credit Cards That Earn Transferable Points

The fastest way to earn enough rewards to book award flights to Japan with points is through credit cards that offer transferable rewards currencies. These cards not only deliver generous welcome bonuses but also reward you for everyday spending in key categories like travel, dining, and groceries.

By focusing on cards that earn flexible points, you can transfer your rewards to multiple airline partners – giving you the freedom to book when and where you find the best deal.

Here are some of the top-rated cards for earning transferable points:

Maximize Everyday Spending And Bonus Opportunities

Once you have the right cards, earning points efficiently becomes a daily habit. You can quickly build your balance for award travel by following a few key strategies:

  • Use Cards in Bonus Categories: Focus your biggest expenses – like dining, travel, groceries, and online shopping – on cards that offer 2x, 3x, or 5x points in those categories.
  • Leverage Welcome Bonuses: Many cards offer 60,000 points or more after meeting initial spending requirements, often enough for a one-way Business Class flight to Japan.
  • Stack Rewards Through Portals: Use airline shopping portals and dining programs to earn additional points on purchases you already make. These stack with your credit card rewards for even faster earning.
  • Track Limited-Time Offers: Watch for temporary category multipliers or seasonal promotions on your cards. For example, American Express or Chase may boost your earning rate on travel or restaurants for a few months each year.

By pairing strong earning cards with smart spending strategies, you can steadily accumulate enough transferable points to turn your next trip to Japan into a luxury experience – without paying luxury prices.

Tips And Tricks To Maximize Value

Best Ways To Fly To Japan With Points And Miles - Japan Airlines At Narita International Airport [NRT]
Combine One-Way Award Flights To / From Japan For Flexibility. Image Credit: Japan Airlines.

Once you understand which programs work best for flights to Japan and how award pricing is structured, the next step is learning how to stretch your points as far as possible. Small changes in timing, routing, or booking strategy can save tens of thousands of points and significantly improve your overall travel experience.

Below are the most effective tips and tricks to help you get the most value when booking flights to Japan with points and miles.

  • Combine One-Way Awards For Flexibility. Book two one-way flights instead of a round-trip to mix programs and find the best pricing on each direction of your journey.
  • Compare Programs Before Booking. Award prices can vary across partners, so checking several programs before you transfer points helps you find the lowest mileage cost for the same flight.
  • Avoid High Surcharges. Booking award flights through programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United Airlines MileagePlus usually results in low fees while ANA Mileage Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club add the highest surcharges.
  • Check Multiple Gateways. Some departure cities release award seats earlier or more consistently than others. Routes from New York City (JFK), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD), and Vancouver (YVR) often show stronger availability than routes from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
  • Travel During Off-Peak Seasons. Flying during shoulder seasons or midweek can reveal lower award rates and more available premium cabin seats across many partner airlines.
  • Keep Points Flexible Until Booking. Confirm saver-level award space before transferring credit card points, since most transfers are final and cannot be reversed.
  • Watch For Transfer Bonuses. Transfer bonuses can cut redemption costs by 10% to 40%, helping you book premium seats for fewer points.
  • Use Award Search Tools. Tools like seats.aero and roame.travel quickly scan multiple programs to help you find the best availability.
  • Rebook If A Better Deal Appears. Most programs now allow free or low-cost cancellations, so you can cancel and rebook if a cheaper or better itinerary opens up.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Japan with points and miles is not a secret strategy reserved for frequent flyers or luxury travelers. It is a smarter and more intentional way to experience one of the most rewarding destinations in the world. With the right planning and a clear points strategy, premium travel to Japan becomes achievable, not aspirational.

When you combine thoughtful credit card choices, transferable points, and the right airline programs, everyday spending can turn into a comfortable and memorable journey across the Pacific. Each point you earn represents more than a number on a screen. It is progress toward meaningful experiences, from your first bowl of ramen in Tokyo to a quiet walk through Kyoto or a peaceful arrival in Osaka after a restful flight.

Understanding how loyalty programs and transfer partners work together gives you flexibility and control. It allows you to choose better flights, arrive more rested, and travel on your own terms. Japan may be your destination today, but the same strategies used in this guide can unlock opportunities all over the world.

Great travel does not require spending more. It requires spending smarter. With the right approach, your points can open doors to experiences that once felt out of reach and turn long flights into an enjoyable part of the journey.

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