The Complete Points & Miles Breakdown of our Japan Trip 2024
How to book a 2024 Japan trip using Points & Miles.
Scott Kobayashi • June 5, 2024
Our originally projected expense for our Japan journey totaled $16,357.34. However, we managed to cover the entire cost using points and miles, with just a $408 expenditure on taxes. Intrigued? Allow me to unravel the process in three phases:
Flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Accommodation at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Return flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)
I'll dive into both our point redemption strategy and the methods we employed to accumulate these points at an accelerated pace."
1. Flying Business Class on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu, Hawaii to Narita, Japan - 65,000 Hawaiian Miles + 52,500 American Airlines Miles
Hawaiian Airlines Business class product to Japan
On our first flight, we booked two business class tickets on Hawaiian Airlines (H821) from Honolulu to Narita, Japan. This flight was on Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft and left Honolulu at 12:40pm on May 20 and arrived in Narita at 4:00pm on May 21st.
I booked my ticket using 52,500 American Airlines miles to book a Hawaiian Airlines award flight through my American American account. You can use America Airlines miles to book Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines flights when available. Those flight awards are hard to come by these days, but I was able to find one on the dates I was looking at.
The only way to earn these miles from credit cards is by applying for Citi American Airlines branded credit cards that earn American Airlines Miles.
Hawaiian Airlines Business class flight for 52,500 AA Miles.
For my wife, I transferred 65,000 BILT Rewards points to her Hawaiian airlines account to book her business class ticket for 65,000 Hawaiian miles which are 50% the regular price of 130,000 Hawaiian miles.
At the time of booking, a one-way business class ticket on Hawaiian Airlines costed $2439.15. Discovering dates with a 50% discount for business class flights on Hawaiian Airlines equates to a redemption value of 2.8 cents per Hawaiian mile, which is exceptionally favorable! I regularly share these 50% off deals on my Instagram page @thecredithacker.
2. A 4 Night Stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
ザ・プリンス パークタワー東京 4 Chome-8-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-8563, Japan
Our view from our room on floor 31
Our stay at this luxurious 5-star hotel marked the most significant expense of our entire trip. I had meticulously researched this property months in advance, and it was a must-stay for me. Without a doubt, it ranks as my favorite hotel experience to date. Room prices are decent, but I paid for a special room with a tower view and Premium club floor access.
Japanese Style breakfast at SHIBAZAKURA
Some extra perks that came with our stay were:
Access to the Premium Club, floor 32 which had appetizers, snacks and drinks all throughout the day
Daily Breakfast credit ($38 USD each)
Access to private driver for one drive a day up to 10km from the hotel (only if you stay at least 3 nights)
Free Access to the Hotel Onsen, Spa, & Gym
24/7 Concierge service for floors 29-31 (premium club floors)
I paid a total of 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points through Chase’s Travel portal. I currently hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card so I get a 50% bonus value on my points when I redeem through the portal. The costs of our hotel stay would have been $2,203.04.
3. Flying Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Haneda, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii - 70,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
As of 23rd May 2024, VIRGIN has raised prices to 75,000 miles round trip, it previously was 70,000 miles.
I was eagerly anticipating this flight, primarily because we secured business class seats for just 35,000 points each, but also because we could finally enjoy some much-needed rest on lie-flat seats as we headed back home to Honolulu.
Securing these seats wasn't simple, as most award seats had already been claimed. However, ANA releases four seats daily, ten days prior to departure. Admittedly, it's a risky endeavor, but the payoff is substantial considering the retail cost of each seat exceeded $4,000! Utilizing Seats.aero, I managed to locate two business class seats for May 25th. Having already transferred my Chase points to Virgin Airlines miles, I promptly used them to book the ANA seats. For a step-by-step guide on using Chase points to book ANA flights through Virgin Atlantic, check out "HOW TO FLY TO JAPAN."
After confirming the availability of award seats, I immediately contacted Virgin Atlantic to secure our booking on May 16th, just nine days prior to departure. Throughout the year, I've closely monitored this flight on Seats.aero and observed that ANA typically releases 4 Business class seats every nine out of ten days leading up to departure. Hence, I estimate there's about a 90% chance of securing a seat. If you're apprehensive about the risk involved, I recommend:
Booking a refundable flight using cash. If award flights become available, simply cancel your cash booking and switch to the rewards flight.
Maintaining flexibility and ensuring you have a two-day window prior to departure to increase your chances of finding business class availability.
Leveraging Chase points to book a last-minute economy flight through the portal if business class seats don't open up on your preferred date.
High risk, High Reward! Retail value of each seat was $4,638.00 x 2 = $9,276.00, bring our cost per point to an astonishing 13.2 cents!
Final Costs Breakdown
Hawaiian Airlines Business class from HNL -> NRT
Dollar Cost Total: $4,878.30
What we paid in Points: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA Miles = 117,500 miles
Hotel stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Dollar Cost Total: $2,203.04.
What we paid in Points: 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
All Nippon Airways Business class from HND -> HNL
Dollar Cost Total:$9,276.00
What we paid in Points: 70,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points + $408 tax
Total cost of the trip = $16,357.34
We paid = 334,369 Points + Miles + $408 in taxes
Points Breakdown: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA miles + 216,869 Chase Points
*Want to earn 415,000 chase points in a year?
We have a 5-card strategy that we will walk you through to earn those points for a combined credit card annual fee of $190.
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"Unlocking Value: The Top 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
"Unlocking Value: 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
One of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Reward points for travel is by transferring them to one of Chase's 14 Transfer Partners. If you're unsure how to transfer Chase points, check our how to guide here. Remember, you'll need a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred card to transfer points. Some transfer partners are better than others, so let's explore five of my favorites.
1. Hyatt: Optimal Hotel Redemption
When it comes to hotel redemptions, Hyatt is the shining star among Chase's transfer partners. With a 1:1 transfer ratio, your Chase points go a long way with Hyatt. What sets Hyatt apart is its fixed award chart, providing predictability and transparency in redemption rates. Whether it's an off-peak getaway or a peak season retreat, you'll always know how many points you need for your stay, ensuring excellent value for your Chase points.
12,000 Hyatt points per night at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay
15,000 points for Hyatt House at Anaheim for hotels near Disneyland.
2. Iberia: Affordable Business Class Flights
Iberia offers some of the most affordable rates for international business class flights, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking luxury without breaking the bank. With just 34,000 points one way from the East Coast and Midwest to Madrid during off-peak periods, Iberia provides a full business class experience at an economy price. Add in frequent transfer bonuses, and you've got yourself a winning strategy for maximizing your Chase points.
17,000 Avios for Economy & 34,000 Avios for Business Class
3. British Airways: Access to OneWorld Alliance
While you can't transfer Chase points directly to American Airlines, you can transfer them to British Airways, a member of the OneWorld Alliance. This opens up opportunities to book flights with American Airlines and other OneWorld partners using British Airways Avios. With competitive redemption rates and access to a vast network of airlines, including Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines, British Airways offers flexibility and value for your Chase points.
Economy flights on Japan Airlines starting at 25,750 miles + fees from HNL to Nagoya, Japan.
4. Flying Blue: Flexible Redemption Options
Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, offers flexibility and value for Chase Ultimate Reward Points. With competitive redemption rates for both economy and business class flights, Flying Blue is a versatile option for travelers. Take advantage of monthly promo rewards and occasional transfer bonuses to score excellent deals on award flights to Europe and beyond. With diligent search efforts, you can unlock hidden gems and maximize your travel experience.
Direct Business class seats from JFK - AMS (Amsterdam)
5. Aeroplan: Comprehensive Star Alliance Access
Aeroplan, the loyalty program for Air Canada, provides comprehensive access to the Star Alliance network, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking diverse redemption options. With a wide range of partner airlines, including United, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, Aeroplan offers flexibility and convenience in booking award flights. Compare redemption rates and availability across different programs to make the most out of your Chase Ultimate Reward Points.
Direct United flights from HNL to SFO for 12,500 Aeroplan Points
Conclusion
Your Chase Ultimate Reward Points offer endless possibilities for unforgettable travel experiences. By leveraging transfer partners like Hyatt, Iberia, Flying Blue, British Airways, and Aeroplan, you can maximize the value of your points and unlock premium rewards. Whether you're dreaming of luxury hotel stays or business class flights, these strategies provide achievable and rewarding options for travelers of all kinds.
Making the Most of Your Disney's Aulani Vacation: 5 Insider Tips
Making the Most of Your Disney's Aulani Vacation: 5 Insider Tips
Are you planning a magical getaway to Disney's Aulani resort? Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, Aulani offers a perfect blend of Disney magic and island paradise. My family got to have a little staycation this past week, and a friend of mine who previously worked there gave us 5 insider tips to ensure we’d have an unforgettable experience at Aulani! Here tare the tips she shared with us!
1. Unlock the Magic with the Aulani App
Your key to a seamless vacation starts with the Aulani app. This handy tool provides up-to-date information on daily schedules, including free events and character meet-ups. By keeping track of the app, you'll never miss a chance to interact with your favorite Disney characters or participate in exciting activities.
2. Time Your Character Encounters Wisely
Meeting beloved Disney characters is a highlight of any Aulani vacation, but it can get crowded. To beat the crowds, aim to catch characters towards the end of their scheduled appearances. Position yourself strategically near restrooms or breakfast areas where characters often pass by, allowing for quick and convenient interactions.
VIEW THE DAILY CHARACTER & ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
3. Snack Smart: Bring Your Own Treats
My 1 year old daughter snacking on fruits we bought for the staycation.
While Aulani offers a tempting array of snacks and treats, dining expenses can add up quickly. Save some extra vacation dollars by packing your own snacks in a cooler. Whether it's refreshing drinks or delicious munchies, having your own stash ensures you can indulge without breaking the bank.
Here are the nearest grocery stores to Aulani:
Island Country Markets (0.2 miles away)
Island Cafe by ABC Stores (0.2 miles away)
Target (2 miles away)
Down to Earth Organic & Natural - Kapolei ( 2.3 miles away)
Foodland (3 miles away)
4. Dive into Fun with Early Pool Time
Make a splash from the moment you arrive at Aulani by heading straight to the pool. Drop off your bags at the front desk and dive into a day of aquatic adventures. Beat the midday heat by finding shaded areas like the back lawn, where you can relax and recharge. Take advantage of complimentary activities like DVD rentals and iPad scavenger hunts to keep the excitement going between pool dips.
Don't forget to preregister for free activities, such as the new beach pau hana, to maximize your Aulani experience. With these insider tips in hand, you're ready to embark on a vacation filled with Disney magic and island bliss at Aulani. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this tropical paradise!
5. Skip the Moana Costume Program offered by Painted Sky at Aulani
While the Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique is a beloved staple at Disneyland and Disney World, you can recreate the magic right in your Aulani room. Simply pack your little one's favorite princess dress and accessories, or pick up some affordable ones at Walmart's princess party section. Prices at Aulani’s Painted Sky HI Style Studio start at $172 which we think is greatly overpriced for the experience!
Instead, with a little creativity and some budget-friendly shopping, you can create unforgettable memories for your little princess during your Aulani vacation! Walmart has everything you need to transform your child into royalty without breaking the bank. And if you're looking to bring home some Disney magic, both Walmart and Target offer a range of affordable Disney toys and souvenirs.
To add an extra dose of enchantment to your Aulani nights, don't forget to pack some glow sticks. Whether it's a glow-in-the-dark dance party or a magical bath time adventure, these inexpensive additions will keep the fun going long after the sun sets. So skip the lines and the expense of Painted Sky and opt for a DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience at Disney's Aulani.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, with these five insider tips, you're well-equipped to make the most out of your Disney's Aulani vacation. From utilizing the Aulani app to stay updated on schedules to creating your own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, there are plenty of ways to enhance your stay and create magical memories. By timing your character interactions wisely, discovering hidden character strolls, bringing your own snacks and treats, and maximizing pool time, you'll ensure a truly unforgettable experience for you and your family. So pack your bags, prepare for adventure, and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney's Aulani!
3 Best Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
3 Easy Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
I was recently interviewed by Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel to discuss credit and travel hacks to Hawaii. Click here to listen to the Podcast.
My Credit & Travel Hacking Journey
I was born and raised here in Hawaii and grew up around the travel business. My grandfather & father were in the travel business, both owning a travel booking service and tour bus company.
I started to travel and credit hack in early 2016 because I was eager to find a cheaper & more efficient way to travel, while still saving up for financial investments. So I got my first credit card, the Barclay Arrival+ card. The 80,000 points sign-up bonus is what attracted me to the card, but I later realized that after redeeming the points earned from the sign-up bonus, points were hard to earn afterward and that Barclay’s points weren’t valuable, each point only worth 1 cent.
Following this discovery, a friend turned me onto the Chase Trifecta, which is the trio of these 3 Chase credit cards the CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED, & the CHASE FREEDOM FLEX. With these three cards, I built a more sustainable model to earn points and my points are worth more when redeeming them through the Chase travel portal at 1.25-1.5 cents per point.
After mastering the Chase trifecta, I then opened a dozen more credit cards, using my own strategies as well as tips from other travel hackers, while still maintaining a credit score over 800. This is only a short summary of my journey, but I did want to share some deals with you all as a credit hacker and resident of Hawaii.
Look for these Deals when traveling to Hawaii
1.WEST COAST TO HAWAII UNDER $60 or 10,000 points on Southwest Airlines.
In March 2019, Southwest Airlines announced it would begin routes from the west coast to Hawaii. Prior to their arrival, Hawaiian airlines held the majority of the interisland travel and west coast travel, but Southwest Airlines has come in and taken the majority of those routes. Their cheap prices, customer service & unique boarding style have made it the preferred choice of travel to and from the islands.
On low travel seasons, direct flights can be purchased at under 10,000 southwest points. Not enough Southwest points? Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card for an extra 40,000 southwest points or transfer your points directly from your Chase account at a 1 to 1 transfer ratio.
2. INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL UNDER $30 or 2,000 Points on Southwest Airlines.
Along with the cheap west coast flights, Southwest started routes in between the islands of Hawaii. Those routes include flights between the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, & Oahu. Prices average between $39-59 (2500 - 5000 points) one way, but on occasion, prices have dropped below $29 (2,000 points ) during off-seasons. Do your research and look for these deals on inter-island flights.
3. LUXURY STAY at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort at 30,000 points a night.
Hyatt is regarded as the best hotel transfer with Chase, with The Points Guy valuing one Hyatt point at 1.7 cents (April 2021). This is an incredible redemption rate, but the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is part of the Hyatt Collection boasts an even higher value for your points at over 3 cents per Hyatt point. At the time of this article, booking a standard room costs $1097.00 per night. Hyatt’s category point system allows this Category 7 resort to be priced no more than 30,000 Hyatt points a night! If you do the math, that’s 3.65 cents per Hyatt point. To top this amazing deal off, Chase transfers points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Chase also has a co-branded Hyatt Visa credit card that you can get for a 60,000 point sign-up bonus, a free anniversary night, and other travel benefits.
Updated Nov 2023: As a Category 8 Hyatt, the Andaz Maui at Wailea will cost you 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
There are many other travel deals when traveling to Hawaii, but these 3 will bring the most value to your points. If you would like to get started with your credit/travel journey, you can support our channel by applying for your cards HERE.