> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.trashpandatravel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Best points for booking flights to Japan
- URL: https://www.trashpandatravel.com/best-points-for-booking-flights-to-japan/
- Published: 2026-03-10T04:06:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-10T16:08:22.000Z
- Author: James Cox

The best airline points for travel to Japan are **ANA Mileage Club** (via Amex), **American Airlines AAdvantage** (for JAL), and **Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan** (for JAL), which offer the lowest redemption rates for business and first-class, often for 50,000–80,000 miles one-way. For economy, **Air Canada Aeroplan** and **Virgin Atlantic** are top choices for Star Alliance (ANA) or SkyTeam (Delta). **Top Airline Points Programs to Japan**

- [**ANA Mileage Club**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-lm&q=ANA+Mileage+Club&ved=2ahUKEwjn6-ShuZSTAxX4LUQIHQm4PQYQgK4QegQIAxAB&ref=trashpandatravel.com) **(All Nippon Airways):** Often considered the best for business class, starting at 75,000–90,000 miles round-trip during low season. Transfers from Amex Membership Rewards. **Note: award availability has been really hard to find lately in a premium class.**
- [**American Airlines AAdvantage**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-lm&q=American+Airlines+AAdvantage&ved=2ahUKEwjn6-ShuZSTAxX4LUQIHQm4PQYQgK4QegQIAxAD&ref=trashpandatravel.com)**:** Excellent for booking Japan Airlines (JAL) with low fees. Rates start at 60,000 miles for business or 80,000 for first class, one-way.
- [**Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-lm&q=Alaska+Airlines+Mileage+Plan&ved=2ahUKEwjn6-ShuZSTAxX4LUQIHQm4PQYQgK4QegQIAxAF&ref=trashpandatravel.com)**:** Offers competitive, low-mileage rates for JAL and enables free stopovers in Tokyo.
- [**Air Canada Aeroplan**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-lm&q=Air+Canada+Aeroplan&ved=2ahUKEwjn6-ShuZSTAxX4LUQIHQm4PQYQgK4QegQIAxAH&ref=trashpandatravel.com)**:** Best for flexibility to book Star Alliance partners (ANA, United) with reasonable fees, transferring from Chase, Amex, or Capital One.
- [**Virgin Atlantic Flying Club**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-lm&q=Virgin+Atlantic+Flying+Club&ved=2ahUKEwjn6-ShuZSTAxX4LUQIHQm4PQYQgK4QegQIAxAJ&ref=trashpandatravel.com)**:** A top option for booking ANA business class, specifically for West Coast flights.

**Best Transferable Points for Japan** 

- **American Express Membership Rewards:** Transfer to ANA, Aeroplan, or Delta.
- **Chase Ultimate Rewards:** Transfer to United, Aeroplan, or British Airways (for JAL).
- **Capital One Miles:** Transfer to Aeroplan or British Airways.
- **Bilt Rewards:** Excellent for transferring to JAL with bonuses.

**Key Tips**

- **Book Early:** Premium award seats (especially "The Room" on ANA) fill up 10–12 months in advance.
- **JAL via AA:** Using American Airlines miles for Japan Airlines is generally the cheapest method for luxury travel.
- **ANA via Virgin/Amex:** Using Virgin Atlantic or ANA miles directly often offers the best value for ANA flights.

For the best current sign up bonuses for credit cards, [go here](https://www.trashpandatravel.com/best-current-credit-card-bonus-offers/).