Blog >> The Best Business Class Award Sweet Spots To Japan

The Best Business Class Award Sweet Spots To Japan

By Kevin Zanes / September 24, 2024
Image

Flying Business Class to Japan is one of the most coveted ways to redeem points and miles, especially for a long-haul journey that calls for some extra comfort. However, nabbing those hard-to-get award seats can feel like a challenge. Japan, with its high demand and popular routes, can make finding good availability tricky, but the payoff of flying in a luxurious seat is worth the effort. Fortunately, having a variety of airline and points programs to choose from increases your chances of securing that dream Business Class seat. Whether you are eager to explore the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, soak in the serenity of the temples in Kyoto, or dive into the food scene in Osaka, flying Business Class will help you arrive refreshed and ready to embrace the unique Japanese charm.

The Best Business Class Award Redemptions To Japan

A Business Class flight to Japan does not have to come with an enormous points price tag. By leveraging the best award redemptions, you can experience the luxury of a lie-flat seat and personalized service, all while spending fewer points than you might expect. Here are some of the best options to fly Business Class to Japan for the fewest points.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

United Airlines Business Class To Japan: 100,000 Points

United Airlines 777-300ER Business Class

Credit. United Airlines. United Airlines 777-300ER Business Class.

United Airlines Business Class, branded as “Polaris,” focuses on comfort and convenience for long-haul travelers. The Polaris seats offer fully flat beds with direct aisle access, designed to maximize privacy and space. The cabin has a sleek, modern design, featuring calming tones and ample storage. The in-flight dining includes a variety of international and American dishes, with a curated wine and cocktail selection. Passengers can enjoy premium bedding by Saks Fifth Avenue, enhancing the overall rest experience. While the service is generally attentive, it can vary by flight.

  • Operating Airline: United Airlines
  • Booking Award Program: United Airlines MileagePlus
  • Transfer Partners: BILT and Chase
  • Points: 100,000 (West Coast) / 100,000 (East Coast)
  • Taxes & Fees: $50
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER / Boeing 787 (-8, -9, -10)
  • Availability: Low

Singapore Airlines Business Class To Japan: 75,000 Points

Singapore Airlines 777-300ER Business Class

Credit. Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines 777-300ER Business Class.

Singapore Airlines Business Class is renowned for its exceptional service and attention to detail, offering a premium experience for long-haul travelers. The spacious seats, which convert into fully flat beds, provide ample room for relaxation, and the wide seat design adds extra comfort. The elegant décor of the cabin, featuring warm tones and luxurious finishes, creates a tranquil and refined atmosphere. Dining is a standout, with a curated menu of gourmet international and Asian dishes, complemented by a premium selection of wines and champagne. The crew delivers impeccable, personalized service, ensuring every need is met.

  • Operating Airline: Singapore Airlines
  • Booking Award Program: Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Transfer Partners: American Express, BILT, Capital One, and Chase
  • Points: 75,000 (West Coast)
  • Taxes & Fees: $50
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
  • Availability: Low

Note: The Business Class award redemption rate for the same flight via Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is 103,500 points. However, there is significantly more Business Class award availability when booking directly via Singapore Airlines.

Japan Airlines Business Class To Japan (AS): 60,000 Points

Japan Airlines A350-1000 Business Class

Credit. Japan Airlines. Japan Airlines A350-1000 Business Class.

Japan Airlines Business Class, known for its understated elegance and exceptional service, offers a peaceful and luxurious travel experience. The seats, which convert into fully flat beds, are spacious and provide excellent privacy, especially in the Sky Suite configuration or new A350-1000 cabins. The cabin features a minimalist design with calming tones, reflecting a serene Japanese aesthetic. Dining is a highlight, offering a choice between Japanese kaiseki meals and Western cuisine, paired with fine wines and sake. The attentive and courteous crew ensure that every detail is taken care of with precision.

  • Operating Airline: Japan Airlines
  • Booking Award Program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan / Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
  • Transfer Partners: American Express and BILT
  • Points: 60,000 (West Coast) / 80,000 (East Coast)
  • Taxes & Fees: $50
  • Best Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
  • Availability: Medium

Japan Airlines Business Class To Japan (AA): 60,000 Points

Japan Airlines A350-1000 Business Class

Credit. Japan Airlines. Japan Airlines A350-1000 Business Class.

Japan Airlines Business Class, known for its understated elegance and exceptional service, offers a peaceful and luxurious travel experience. The seats, which convert into fully flat beds, are spacious and provide excellent privacy, especially in the Sky Suite configuration or new A350-1000 cabins. The cabin features a minimalist design with calming tones, reflecting a serene Japanese aesthetic. Dining is a highlight, offering a choice between Japanese kaiseki meals and Western cuisine, paired with fine wines and sake. The attentive and courteous crew ensure that every detail is taken care of with precision.

  • Operating Airline: Japan Airlines
  • Booking Award Program: American Airlines AAdvantage
  • Transfer Partners: N/A
  • Points: 60,000 (West Coast) / 60,000 (East Coast)
  • Taxes & Fees: $50
  • Best Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
  • Availability: Medium

Related: The Best Ways To Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class To Japan: 52,500 Points

NA 777-300ER Business Class

Credit. ANA. ANA 777-300ER Business Class.

The Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA), particularly with its “The Room” seats on select routes, offers a top-tier travel experience with a focus on space and privacy. The wide seats transform into fully flat beds, with a sliding door for added seclusion, making it one of the most private Business Class products available. The cabin design is sleek and modern, with subtle Japanese influences that create a calm and refined atmosphere. Dining is exceptional, offering a choice of beautifully crafted Japanese or Western cuisine, accompanied by premium wines, sake, and champagne. The service on ANA is attentive, with an always polite and professional crew.

  • Operating Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Booking Award Program: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • Transfer Partners: American Express, BILT, Capital One, Chase, and Citi
  • Points: 52,500 (West Coast) / 60,000 (East Coast)
  • Taxes & Fees: $300
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
  • Availability: Low

Note: To book ANA Business Class using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points, you will need to call Virgin Atlantic (1-800-365-9500), as ANA award bookings are not available online. Be sure to check Business Class award availability on award programs like United Airlines MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan before calling.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class To Japan: 100,000 Points*

NA 777-300ER Business Class

Credit. ANA. ANA 777-300ER Business Class.

The Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA), particularly with its “The Room” seats on select routes, offers a top-tier travel experience with a focus on space and privacy. The wide seats transform into fully flat beds, with a sliding door for added seclusion, making it one of the most private Business Class products available. The cabin design is sleek and modern, with subtle Japanese influences that create a calm and refined atmosphere. Dining is exceptional, offering a choice of beautifully crafted Japanese or Western cuisine, accompanied by premium wines, sake, and champagne. The service on ANA is attentive, with an always polite and professional crew.

  • Operating Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Booking Award Program: ANA Mileage Club
  • Transfer Partners: American Express
  • Points: 100,000 (West Coast)* / 100,000 (East Coast)*
  • Taxes & Fees: $500
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
  • Availability: Low

*ANA only allows round-trip bookings when using points, and the mileage required is always quoted as a round-trip price. You can not book one-way flights.

Final Thoughts

Booking a Business Class flight to Japan with points and miles may seem challenging, but with a range of top airline options like Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines, you have plenty of opportunities to make it happen. Each of these airlines offers a unique experience, from the world-class service of Japan Airlines and ANA to the reliable award availability with Singapore Airlines, giving you the flexibility to choose the best option for your trip. With persistence and a smart use of points, you can turn a long-haul journey into a relaxing, premium experience. It is time to put those points to work and enjoy a journey that is as memorable as the destination. Start exploring your award options now, so you can enjoy a comfortable and rewarding journey to Japan.