How to Stay in Tokyo for Free: Part 2 – Our $200 Business Class Flights to Japan

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My boyfriend and I recently flew from Austin to Japan for ~$200 round trip in Business Class.  And for 3 weeks of lodging (including some fancy hotels), I spent ~$450!

Japan is a beautiful country with LOTS to see and do, from high-rise skyscrapers to old temples to hot springs.  I loved Tokyo for its energetic neighborhoods, shopping, and delicious restaurants.

How To Stay In Tokyo For Free Part 2 Our 200 Business Class Flights To Japan
Aboard the Final Plane Before Our Japan Adventure!  I Loved Business Class, but Was SO Excited to Arrive in Okinawa

Wherever you go, you’re sure to have an amazing time!  In this series, I’ll go into detail about where I stayed in Tokyo, what to do, and some of my favorite restaurants, and show you how you can do it, too!

How to Stay in Tokyo for Free Trip Report Index:

Flights to Japan on Miles

We flew to Japan for ~$200 in Business Class.  I redeemed 190,000 American Airlines miles, which was before the American Airlines devaluation.  Unfortunately, it now costs 240,000 American Airlines miles for 2 round-trip Business Class flights between the US and Japan.

I wanted to book First Class awards, but had trouble finding available seats.  So instead I booked into Business Class.  I found a route with a few layovers, but it would still be a long trip!

How To Stay In Tokyo For Free Part 2 Our 200 Business Class Flights To Japan
We Enjoyed Our Layovers Though, Especially the Taipei Airport!

I called the American Airlines customer service line to book the less-than-ideal flights (booking with miles usually takes some level of flexibility).  The agent asked where I wanted to go, and the dates I wanted to travel.

I let her know I wanted to fly as close to Okinawa, Japan, as possible, and then fly out of mainland Japan.  She was excellent, and found better seats for me than I found for myself!

You Can Do It, Too!

Flights

Each round-trip Business Class flight to Japan cost me 95,000 American Airlines miles + $110 in taxes and fees.  For an even better flight experience, try to find a seat on Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines!

How To Stay In Tokyo For Free Part 2 Our 200 Business Class Flights To Japan
If You’ve Never Flown in Business or First Class, It’s Something You Should Try at Least Once!

You can read more about our flights to Japan in this post.

How To Stay In Tokyo For Free Part 2 Our 200 Business Class Flights To Japan
Our Visit to Japan Felt Modern and Futuristic, and Japan Airlines Was No Different!

If you need more American Airlines miles, consider cards like:

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can read more about our return flight to the US.

Bottom Line

Getting to Japan for free is definitely possible with miles & points!  However, it can take some time to find availability that works for your schedule.  To me, what’s part of the fun!

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to call American Airlines, and work with a representative.  Sometimes they can find seats that you can’t!

I paid 190,000 American Airlines miles and ~$200 to book two round-trip Business Class flights from the US to Japan.  It was a lengthy itinerary, but that just meant we got to spend more time in comfy Business Class seats! 🙂

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