Best Time to Visit Japan and How to Get There with Points
- One-way: 55,000-75,000 Virgin Atlantic miles + approx $200 in taxes
- Round trip: 110,000-120,000 Virgin Atlantic miles
- Cash price: $10,000-$25,000 per person
- Value: 10-20 cents per point
Japan Landmarks
1 of 4 landmarks
Mount Fuji during cherry blossom season (March-April)
Photo: Unsplash
Japan is the holy grail of points travel. The combination of world-class airline products (ANA First Class), excellent hotel redemptions (Park Hyatt Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo), and genuinely unique cultural experiences makes it the most rewarding destination for points enthusiasts. The question is not whether to go -- it is when and how.
When to Visit Japan
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Award Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Blossom | Late March - Mid April | Mild (50-65F) | Very High | Extremely limited -- book 330 days out |
| Golden Week | Late April - Early May | Warm (60-75F) | Peak (domestic holiday) | Almost none -- avoid if possible |
| Summer | June - August | Hot, humid (80-90F) | Moderate | Good -- best for finding first class |
| Autumn Foliage | October - November | Cool (50-65F) | High | Moderate -- book 6+ months out |
| Winter | December - February | Cold (35-50F) | Low (except NYE) | Excellent -- easiest award availability |
Getting There: The ANA First Class Sweet Spot
The single best award redemption in travel: ANA First Class from the US to Japan via Virgin Atlantic miles.
- One-way: 55,000-75,000 Virgin Atlantic miles + approx $200 in taxes
- Round trip: 110,000-120,000 Virgin Atlantic miles
- Cash price: $10,000-$25,000 per person
- Value: 10-20 cents per point
Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Virgin Atlantic at 1:1. The key: search for availability on ANA website first, then call Virgin Atlantic to book. ANA releases first class seats at exactly 355 days before departure.
Where to Stay on Points
Tokyo
- Park Hyatt Tokyo: 25,000 Hyatt points/night ($600-800 value). The Lost in Translation hotel.
- Andaz Tokyo: 20,000 Hyatt points/night ($400-600 value). Modern design hotel in Toranomon.
- Conrad Tokyo: 60,000-80,000 Hilton points/night. Bay views and excellent breakfast.
Kyoto
- Park Hyatt Kyoto: 30,000 Hyatt points/night ($800-1,200 value). Stunning temple district location.
- Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: 60,000-70,000 Marriott points/night. River views and onsen.
Osaka
- Hyatt Regency Osaka: 12,000 Hyatt points/night ($150-200 value). Great base for street food exploration.
Search for ANA First Class availability on Pointify Search. We check ANA award space daily and alert you the moment seats open on your preferred dates.
Written by Zoheb Alvi
Published
Zoheb Alvi covers points strategies, fare deals, and travel optimization for the Pointify blog.
You might also like
Best Time to Visit Bali and How to Get There with Points
Bali offers incredible value on points -- from business class flights via Singapore to luxury resorts at 15,000 points per night. Here is the complete planning guide.
Best Award Flight Redemptions to Japan in 2026
Japan is the holy grail of award travel—incredible airlines, fixed award charts, and first class products that justify every single point. Here are the best ways to get to Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond using miles.
Europe on Points: The Complete Booking Guide
Transatlantic award flights offer some of the best value in the points-and-miles world. Here’s how to fly business class to Europe for 50,000 points or less—and the programs, routes, and timing that make it possible.