Key Points

• Transfer flexible points to ANA or JAL partners for 30-50% better value than booking through travel portals.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards offer the most transfer options to Japanese airlines.
• Book ANA awards 355 days out and JAL awards 330 days out for best business class availability.

Introduction

Dreaming of exploring Tokyo's neon streets, soaking in an onsen in Hakone, or experiencing Kyoto's ancient temples? The flight to Japan is often the biggest expense, with round-trip economy tickets from the US averaging $800-$1,200 and business class soaring to $4,000-$8,000. Here's the good news: with the right travel credit card strategy, you can book those same flights for just the taxes and fees, typically $50-$150 round-trip.

Japan's two major carriers, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), both offer excellent award availability and are accessible through US credit card points. Let me show you exactly how to maximize your points for this bucket-list destination.

Quick Answer: Best Cards for Japan Flights

For flights to Japan, prioritize cards earning Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers the best entry point with 60,000 points after $4,000 spend, while the Amex Platinum provides premium perks and 80,000 points. Both point currencies transfer to ANA and JAL's partner airlines at 1:1 ratios, giving you multiple booking options.

Understanding Japanese Airline Award Programs

ANA Mileage Club

ANA operates one of the world's best business class products and offers reasonable award pricing. They're part of Star Alliance, which opens up booking opportunities on United, Lufthansa, and other partners.

Key Benefits:

• Round-trip business class to Japan: 75,000-88,000 miles
• Round-trip economy: 40,000-55,000 miles
• Excellent award availability, especially on their own flights
• Book up to 355 days in advance
• No fuel surcharges on most Star Alliance partners

JAL Mileage Bank

JAL provides exceptional service and competitive award pricing through the oneworld alliance, including American Airlines partnerships.

Key Benefits:

• Round-trip business class to Japan: 80,000-100,000 miles
• Round-trip economy: 40,000-50,000 miles
• Strong availability on American Airlines transpacific routes
• Book up to 330 days in advance
• Reasonable fuel surcharges

Best Credit Cards for Japan Award Flights

Premium Transfer Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out for serious Japan travelers with its comprehensive benefits and point-earning power.

Why It Works for Japan:

• Earn 3x points on dining and travel
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel
• $300 annual travel credit offsets flights or hotels
• Transfer to United (Star Alliance partner for ANA)
• Priority Pass lounge access for long layovers

Award Strategy:Transfer Chase points to United MileagePlus, then book ANA flights. A round-trip business class seat costs 80,000-90,000 United miles plus minimal taxes.

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve to maximize your Japan travel potential.

American Express Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum excels for booking premium cabin flights to Japan through its diverse transfer partners.

Why It Works for Japan:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines
• Transfer to ANA at 1:1 ratio (unique among US cards)
• Also transfers to multiple Star Alliance and oneworld partners
• International lounge access through multiple programs
• $200 airline credit and hotel benefits

Award Strategy:Transfer Amex points directly to ANA Mileage Club for the best availability and pricing. ANA's round-trip business class awards to Japan are 75,000-88,000 miles.

Get the Amex Platinum for direct ANA transfers and premium benefits.

Best Mid-Tier Options

Chase Sapphire Preferred

For most travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers the best value-to-cost ratio for Japan redemptions.

Why It's Ideal:

• 60,000-point welcome bonus covers a round-trip economy ticket
• 5x points on Chase Travel, 3x on dining
• Lower $95 annual fee
• Same transfer partners as Sapphire Reserve
• Solid travel protections

Award Strategy:Combine the welcome bonus with everyday spending to reach 80,000-90,000 points for business class within 6-12 months. Transfer to United for ANA flights or British Airways for JAL flights (though BA charges higher fuel surcharges).

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred as your first transfer card.

Citi Strata Premier

The Citi Strata Premier provides an alternative path to Japan through its transfer partnerships.

Why It Works:

• 3x points on travel, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets
• Transfers to Virgin Atlantic (books ANA flights)
• Also transfers to several oneworld partners for JAL
• Competitive welcome bonus
• Lower annual fee than premium cards

Award Strategy:Transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which offers some of the best rates for ANA flights. Round-trip business class can be as low as 90,000 miles.

Check current Citi Strata Premier offers for Japan travel flexibility.

Best For Maximizing Earning

Chase Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex

These no-annual-fee Chase cards turbocharge your points earning for Japan flights.

Combined Strategy:

• Freedom Unlimited: 1.5% back on everything
• Freedom Flex: 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 quarterly)
• Pool points with Sapphire cards for transfers
• Maximize grocery, gas, and category spending

Why This Matters:A family spending $3,000 monthly can earn 60,000+ Chase points annually from these cards alone, enough for a round-trip economy ticket to Japan.

Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited to maximize everyday earning.

Transfer Partner Strategies

Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Options

Chase offers multiple paths to Japanese airlines through partner airlines.

Best Transfer Partners for Japan:

1. United MileagePlus (Best for ANA)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Instant transfers
   • Book ANA flights online
   • No fuel surcharges on ANA
   • Round-trip business class: 80,000-90,000 miles
2. British Airways Executive Club (For JAL)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Instant transfers
   • Books JAL flights
   • Higher fuel surcharges ($300-$400)
   • Round-trip business class: 100,000 miles
3. Air France/KLM Flying Blue (Alternative routing)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Can book Delta or Air France to Japan
   • Variable award pricing
   • Sometimes finds good deals

Learn more about maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners in our complete guide.

American Express Membership Rewards Options

Amex provides the most direct route to Japanese airlines plus excellent alternatives.

Best Transfer Partners for Japan:

1. ANA Mileage Club (Direct - Best Option)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Only US card that transfers directly to ANA
   • 24-48 hour transfer time
   • Round-trip business class: 75,000-88,000 miles
   • No fuel surcharges
2. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (Also books ANA)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Sometimes better award availability
   • Round-trip business class: 90,000 miles
   • Minimal fuel surcharges
3. British Airways Executive Club (For JAL)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Access to JAL flights
   • Watch for transfer bonuses (15-40% common)

Citi ThankYou Points Options

Citi provides solid alternatives through its airline partnerships.

Transfer Partners for Japan:

1. Virgin Atlantic (Books ANA)
   • 1:1 transfer ratio
   • Good ANA availability
   • Watch for transfer bonuses
2. JetBlue (Partners with JAL)
   • Can book some JAL flights
   • Limited availability
   • Better for domestic Japan flights

Read our guide to maximizing Citi ThankYou Points for complete transfer strategies.

Award Booking Strategy Guide

When to Book

ANA Flights:

• Opens 355 days before departure
• Book immediately for peak seasons (cherry blossom season March-April, fall foliage October-November)
• Summer and holiday availability fills quickly
• Business class more available than economy on popular routes

JAL Flights:

• Opens 330 days before departure
• Similar demand patterns to ANA
• American Airlines partnership provides alternative routing
• Watch for last-minute business class openings

Best Routes to Japan

West Coast Departures:

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT/HND): Most award availability
• San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo: Strong ANA presence
• Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo: Good Alaska partnership opportunities

East Coast Departures:

• New York (JFK) to Tokyo: Multiple daily flights
• Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo: United hub with good availability
• Washington DC (IAD) to Tokyo: ANA and United service

Tip: Consider positioning flights to major hubs if you're not near a gateway city. The points saved on direct transpacific flights often justify a domestic connection.

Economy vs. Business Class Strategy

Economy Class Redemptions:

• Best value: 40,000-55,000 miles round-trip
• Easier availability
• Book 6-8 months out for good options
• Consider paid economy if prices drop below 2 cents per point

Business Class Redemptions:

• Premium value: 75,000-100,000 miles round-trip
• Book as far in advance as possible
• Incredible hard product on ANA and JAL
• Worth the extra 30,000-40,000 miles for 12+ hour flights

Combining Cards for Maximum Value

The Chase Trifecta for Japan

Build the ultimate Chase ecosystem for Japan flights:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve (Transfer capability)
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5x on everything)
3. Chase Freedom Flex (5x rotating categories)

Annual Earning Potential:

• $30,000 annual spending across all three cards
• Approximately 50,000-60,000 Chase points
• Plus welcome bonuses: 60,000-75,000 points
• Total Year 1: 110,000-135,000 points (enough for business class)

The Amex Strategy

Pair Amex cards for direct ANA transfers:

1. Amex Platinum (Premium earning and benefits)
2. Amex Gold (4x dining and groceries)
3. Blue Business Plus (2x on everything up to $50,000)

Why This Works:Pool Membership Rewards points across all cards, then transfer directly to ANA. The Gold Card's 4x on dining and groceries accelerates earning on large spending categories.

Check out our complete guide to American Express Rewards Programs for detailed strategies.

Real-World Booking Examples

Example 1: Los Angeles to Tokyo Business Class

Route: LAX to Tokyo Haneda on ANACost: 88,000 ANA miles + $56 in taxesHow to Book:

1. Transfer 88,000 Amex points to ANA (from Platinum welcome bonus)
2. Call ANA or book online
3. Total out-of-pocket: $56 vs. $5,500 paid ticket

Points Required: One Amex Platinum welcome bonus covers this entirely.

Example 2: New York to Osaka via Tokyo

Route: JFK to Osaka via Tokyo NaritaCost: 80,000 United miles + $89 in taxes
How to Book:

1. Transfer 80,000 Chase points to United
2. Book ANA metal through United.com
3. Add domestic Japan segment for same miles

Points Strategy: Combine Chase Sapphire Preferred (60,000) and Freedom Flex bonuses (20,000).

Example 3: Family of Four Economy

Route: San Francisco to Tokyo NaritaCost: 180,000 Chase points (45,000 each) + $280 taxesHow to Book:

1. Each parent gets Chase Sapphire Preferred (120,000 points)
2. Add Freedom cards for additional earning
3. Transfer to United, book ANA

Timeline: Achievable in 6-8 months with welcome bonuses and moderate spending.

Additional Card Benefits for Japan Travel

Travel Insurance and Protections

Premium cards offer valuable protections for Japan trips. The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes trip cancellation insurance up to $10,000, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage coverage, and emergency evacuation. The Amex Platinum provides similar travel insurance plus car rental and purchase protection. These benefits can save hundreds if delays or cancellations occur.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Critical for Japan: Use cards with no foreign transaction fees:

• All Chase Sapphire cards
• All Amex premium cards
• Most travel-focused credit cards

Avoid: Cards charging 3% foreign transaction fees add $90 to every $3,000 spent in Japan. Learn more about best cards for foreign transactions in our dedicated guide.

Airport Lounge Access

Many travel cards include Priority Pass membership with access to multiple lounges at Narita and Haneda airports. The Amex Platinum also provides access to ANA and JAL lounges when flying business class on award tickets or as a Star Alliance/oneworld guest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Booking Too Late

Problem: Waiting until 6 months before travelResult: Limited or no business class availabilitySolution: Book ANA 355 days out, JAL 330 days out for peak seasons

Not Considering Positioning Flights

Problem: Living far from gateway cities but not booking connectionsResult: Missing out on better transpacific availabilitySolution: Use Chase or Amex points for domestic positioning flights too

Ignoring Transfer Times

Problem: Transferring points when finding availabilityResult: Award space gone before transfer completesSolution: Transfer Amex points 2-3 days before booking; Chase transfers instant

Booking Through Travel Portals

Problem: Redeeming Chase/Amex points through their travel portalsResult: Getting 1-1.5 cents per point valueSolution: Transfer to airline partners for 2-3 cents per point value (40-50% better)

Read our analysis of when to transfer Chase points versus using the travel portal.

Only Considering One Airline

Problem: Fixating on ANA or JAL exclusively
Result: Missing alternative routing optionsSolution: Check both ANA and JAL plus their partners (United, American)

Maximizing Your Trip Beyond Flights

Best Cards to Use in Japan

Use Chase Sapphire cards for 3x dining points with no foreign transaction fees. While Amex Gold earns 4x on dining, Visa cards like Chase Sapphire are more widely accepted in Japan. Cash remains common at convenience stores and smaller establishments.

Earning Points While Traveling

Maximize your points earning while in Japan by using Chase Sapphire cards for 3x points on dining or Amex Gold for 4x points. You can easily earn 10,000+ points on dining alone during a 2-week trip. Consider booking Hyatt or Marriott hotels to earn points on both the stay and credit card spending.

Check our guide to best hotel credit cards for Japan properties.

Domestic Flights in Japan

Book Japan domestic flights with the same award ticket when possible. ANA and JAL offer multi-city options that often include flights between Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, or Okinawa at no additional mileage cost. For budget travel within Japan, consider paying cash for domestic carriers like Peach or Jetstar and save your miles for international flights.

FAQ: Credit Cards and Japan Flights

Can I book ANA flights with Chase points?

Yes, transfer Chase points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio, then book ANA flights through United's website or phone line. ANA business class requires 80,000-90,000 United miles round-trip from the US. This is one of the best ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards for international travel.

Which credit card transfers directly to ANA?

Only American Express Membership Rewards transfers directly to ANA Mileage Club at a 1:1 ratio. This makes Amex cards like the Platinum and Gold particularly valuable for booking ANA flights, as you bypass partner programs and get access to full ANA award availability.

How many points do I need for business class to Japan?

You'll need 75,000-100,000 points for round-trip business class depending on the program. ANA charges 75,000-88,000 miles, United charges 80,000-90,000 miles, and JAL through British Airways costs about 100,000 miles plus higher taxes. Book 10-11 months in advance for best availability.

Do I need separate credit cards for ANA and JAL?

No, you can book both airlines using Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards. Chase transfers to United (for ANA) and British Airways (for JAL). Amex transfers directly to ANA and also to British Airways for JAL. One good transferable points card gives you access to both airlines.

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

Book as early as possible: 355 days for ANA and 330 days for JAL. Cherry blossom season (March-April) and fall foliage (October-November) require booking the moment the calendar opens. Summer and winter holidays also fill quickly. Off-peak months like January-February and June offer easier availability.

Are Capital One miles good for Japan flights?

Yes, Capital One miles transfer to several partners that fly to Japan, including Air Canada (for ANA Star Alliance flights) and Turkish Airlines (for ANA or JAL). However, Chase and Amex offer more direct and valuable transfer options for Japanese airlines specifically.

Conclusion

Booking flights to Japan with points isn't just possible—it's one of the best uses of credit card rewards available. With the right transfer card and booking strategy, you can turn $4,000 in minimum spending into a $6,000 business class ticket to Tokyo.

Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum for your first transfer card, focusing on one point currency to build quickly. Book early (355 days for ANA, 330 days for JAL), transfer points only after finding availability, and consider business class for the long transpacific flight. The 12+ hour journey to Japan becomes an experience rather than an ordeal when you're in a lie-flat seat.

Your dream trip to Japan is more accessible than you think. With strategic credit card use, that ramen shop in Tokyo, that ryokan in Kyoto, and that view of Mount Fuji can happen sooner rather than later.

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