Tokyo is a city you could visit a dozen times and still find something new. Between its bustling neighborhoods, centuries-old temples, incredible food, and easy connections to the rest of Japan, there’s plenty to build a trip around.
And if you’re hoping to visit using points and miles, you have options. Several airlines fly nonstop between the U.S. and Tokyo, and many of those flights can be booked through multiple loyalty programs.
Here’s what to know about getting there, which airports to search, and how to find flights and hotels using your rewards.
Getting to Tokyo: Haneda vs. Narita
Tokyo has two major international airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Both serve flights from the United States, but they’re not equally convenient for getting into the city.
Around 40–60 minutes by express train to major Tokyo stations
Haneda is the more convenient option for most visitors, particularly those staying in central Tokyo. Narita is farther away, but express trains make getting into the city straightforward without relying on a taxi, which can be expensive in Japan.
When searching for award flights, it’s worth checking both airports. You can also search the entire Tokyo metropolitan area using the code “TYO.” You might find a redemption into Narita when nothing is available into Haneda, or vice versa.
And if you’re connecting onward to another destination in Japan, double-check your itinerary. Transferring between Haneda and Narita can take well over an hour, even before accounting for check-in and security.
Which Airlines Fly to Tokyo?
Tokyo has nonstop flights from major U.S. gateways, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
ANA, Japan Airlines, United, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Delta are among the airlines connecting the U.S. and Tokyo. Depending on where you’re departing from, you may have several routes and carriers to choose from.
If you’re starting from a smaller airport, consider searching from nearby airports or major international gateways. Sometimes, booking a separate positioning flight can open up award availability that isn’t showing from your home airport.
Flying to Tokyo With Points and Miles
You don’t necessarily need miles with the airline you’re flying to book a ticket. Airline partnerships make it possible to use several loyalty programs to book flights to Tokyo.
Here are some of the major airlines and programs worth checking.
Airline
Loyalty Programs Worth Searching
ANA
ANA Mileage Club, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
United Airlines
United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan
Japan Airlines
American AAdvantage, Atmos Rewards, British Airways Club, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
American Airlines
American AAdvantage, Atmos Rewards, British Airways Club
Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Alaska Airlines
Atmos Rewards, American AAdvantage, British Airways Club
Partner award availability varies, and not every flight can be booked through every program.
For example, you may be able to transfer Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan to book an ANA flight, or American Express points to British Airways Club to book Japan Airlines.
ANA and Japan Airlines are particularly worth checking if you’re hoping to fly in a premium cabin. Both offer long-haul business class products, although finding award availability can require flexibility with your dates and departure airport.
With two major airports and several airlines to choose from, searching broadly can make a big difference when planning a trip to Tokyo.
PointsYeah lets you search bookable award flights across multiple loyalty programs, search flexible travel dates, and explore options from different departure airports.
Flight Search
Once you’ve found a flight, you can also search for hotels bookable with points, whether you’re looking to stay in central Tokyo or elsewhere in the city.
Consider flying into another Japanese city. If you’re struggling to find award availability to Tokyo, try searching for flights to Osaka (KIX). Japan’s extensive rail network makes it possible to reach Tokyo from Osaka by bullet train in roughly two and a half hours, though you’ll need to factor in the additional cost.
Compare different loyalty programs. The same flight can have different award prices and taxes depending on where you book it. Check your options before deciding which points to use.
Transfer points only when you’re ready to book. Credit card transfers are irreversible, and award availability can change quickly. Find the flight you want and confirm the booking options before transferring your rewards.
