Let's get something out of the way: Japan is not as intimidating as you think.
Yes, the language is different. Yes, the trains are bewilderingly precise. Yes, there's an entire etiquette around hot towels, bowing, and the correct way to eat noodles (loudly, it turns out — and we love that).
But here's what nobody tells you about Japan: it is one of the most welcoming, navigable, safe, and genuinely delightful countries on Earth for travelers over 55. The infrastructure is immaculate. The food is transcendent. The people are extraordinarily kind.
It's also one of the single best destinations in the world to reach using credit card points. We're talking about flying ANA's legendary business class for the same points other people burn on a domestic economy flight.
This is your complete guide to Japan on points.
Getting There: The ANA Business Class Sweet Spot
ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates one of the best business class products in the world. Lie-flat seats, Japanese-Western fusion multi-course meals, impeccable service, premium sake and champagne, pajamas, and an attention to detail that makes other airlines look like they're not even trying.
The sweet spot: you can book ANA business class by transferring Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles — which you get by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Business Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast → Tokyo | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | 90,000–95,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| East Coast → Tokyo | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | 90,000–120,000 | $7,000–$14,000 |
| Any US City → Tokyo | ANA Mileage Club (via Amex MR) | 85,000–95,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
A $10,000 seat for 90,000 points. That's over 11 cents per point. No other redemption in the points world comes close to this consistently.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Dominates Japan
Tokyo Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Tokyo | 7 | 25,000–35,000 | $600–$1,000 |
| Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills | 7 | 25,000–35,000 | $500–$900 |
| Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo | 5 | 17,000–23,000 | $300–$500 |
| Hyatt Regency Tokyo | 4 | 12,000–18,000 | $200–$350 |
The Park Hyatt Tokyo — the "Lost in Translation" hotel. The views, the pool, the New York Bar. At 25,000–35,000 Hyatt points per night versus $800+ in cash, you're looking at 2.5–3.5 cents per point.
Kyoto Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Kyoto | 8 | 35,000–45,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Hyatt Regency Kyoto | 6 | 17,000–25,000 | $350–$600 |
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto sits adjacent to the Sanjusangendo temple and has a beautiful Japanese garden. Four nights here: 68,000–100,000 Hyatt points versus $1,400–$2,400 in cash.
Getting Around: The Japan Rail Pass
The Shinkansen (bullet train) runs at 200 mph, arrives within seconds of its scheduled time, and connects every major city.
| Pass Duration | Standard | First Class |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ~$200 | ~$310 |
| 14 days | ~$320 | ~$500 |
| 21 days | ~$410 | ~$640 |
For our 10-day itinerary, the 14-day Ordinary JR Pass (~$320) is the right choice.
Practical Rail Tips
- Reserve seats in advance at any JR ticket office (free with your JR Pass)
- Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin): Send your suitcase from your Tokyo hotel to your Kyoto hotel for ~$15–$20. It arrives the next day.
- IC cards (Suica/Pasmo): Prepaid transit cards for local trains, buses, and vending machines
Cultural Guidance for 55+ Travelers
- Bowing: A slight bow (15 degrees) is a polite greeting. The intention matters more than the angle.
- Shoes off: Remove shoes when entering homes, restaurants, temples, and ryokans.
- Cash still matters: Carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 ($65–$130). 7-Eleven ATMs accept most US cards.
- Tipping: Don't do it. Excellent service is the standard in Japan.
- Walking: Plan for 10,000–15,000 steps per day. Comfortable shoes are essential.
The 10-Day Japan Itinerary
Days 1–4: Tokyo
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, activate JR Pass | Check in to Park Hyatt | New York Bar — cocktails with the skyline |
| 2 | Meiji Shrine, Harajuku | Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku Gyoen | Dinner in Memory Lane |
| 3 | Tsukiji Outer Market | Imperial Palace Gardens | Ginza sushi counter |
| 4 | Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa | TeamLab Borderless | Early night before Kyoto |
Day 5: Tokyo → Kyoto via Shinkansen
Board at Tokyo Station. Reserve a seat on the right side for Mount Fuji views. 2 hours 15 minutes at 186 mph.
Days 6–9: Kyoto + Day Trips
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Fushimi Inari Shrine (arrive early) | Nishiki Market | Pontocho Alley dinner |
| 7 | Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Kaiseki dinner |
| 8 | Day trip to Nara (45 min) | Tea ceremony | Quiet evening |
| 9 | Day trip to Hiroshima (80 min) | Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island | Farewell dinner |
Day 10: Kyoto → Osaka → Home
Morning in Osaka's Dotonbori district for street food, then fly home from Kansai Airport.
The Points Budget (Two Travelers)
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (ANA Business Class) | 190,000 Virgin Atlantic | $200–$400 |
| Hotels (8 nights, 3 Hyatt properties) | 180,000 World of Hyatt | $0 |
| JR Pass, transit, luggage | — | $750 |
| Dining & activities | — | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Total | 370,000 points | $2,150–$2,950 |
| Same trip in cash | $14,000–$22,000 | |
| You saved | $11,850–$19,050 |
Best Time to Visit
- Cherry blossoms (late March–mid April): Magical but crowded. Book 11+ months ahead.
- Autumn colors (mid-November–early December): Our top pick for 55+ travelers. Comfortable temps, stunning foliage, fewer crowds.
- Late May–June: After Golden Week, before summer heat.
- January–February: Lowest prices, fewest tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan hard to navigate without speaking Japanese?
Not at all. All major transit systems have English signage. Google Maps works perfectly. Restaurants often have picture menus.
Is Japan expensive?
With flights and hotels on points, Japan is remarkably affordable. Convenience store meals cost $5–$8. Mid-range restaurants run $15–$30 per person.
Can I do this trip at a slower pace?
Absolutely. Drop the Hiroshima day trip and add an extra rest day in Kyoto. Japan rewards slowing down.
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing. Award availability and costs fluctuate. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links.