Tokyo is one of those bucket list cities that people assume costs a fortune to visit. And yeah, the flights can be expensive. \$900-\$1,400 round trip in economy if you're paying cash. But if you've been accumulating credit card points (even casually), a Tokyo trip is way more accessible than you think. I went last fall entirely on points and the out-of-pocket cost was embarrassingly low.
Getting There: The Points Options
Here's how the major programs price Tokyo from the US in economy: - United MileagePlus: 35,000-45,000 miles one-way (transfer from Chase) - ANA Mileage Club: 30,000-40,000 miles one-way (transfer from Amex) - Virgin Atlantic: 25,000-30,000 miles one-way on ANA (transfer from Chase, Amex, or Citi)
That Virgin Atlantic trick is the real gem. You can transfer Chase or Amex points to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA flights at their lower award rates. Round trip to Tokyo for 50,000-60,000 points total. That's one credit card signup bonus.
From Florida, you'll likely connect through a West Coast hub (LAX, SFO, SEA) or through Houston on United. From Texas, IAH to NRT on United is available as a direct award booking for 35,000 miles one-way when saver space exists.
Business Class If You're Feeling Fancy
ANA business class (The Room) is consistently rated top-3 in the world. You can book it through Virgin Atlantic for 55,000-65,000 miles one-way. Cash price: \$4,000-6,000. That's insane value. If you have Chase and Amex points combined, this is achievable.
Once You're There: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
Tokyo has this reputation for being wildly expensive but it's honestly not true in 2026, especially with the weak yen. Here's what things actually cost:
- Bowl of incredible ramen: \$6-8
- Conveyor belt sushi (surprisingly good): \$10-15
- 7-Eleven onigiri (legitimately delicious): \$1.50
- Train day pass: \$5-8
- Capsule hotel (the experience): \$25-40/night
- Nice business hotel: \$60-90/night
The First Timer Itinerary
Day 1-2: Shibuya and Shinjuku (the neon-lit, chaotic Tokyo you imagined) Day 3: Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple (old Tokyo, traditional vibes) Day 4: Harajuku and Meiji Shrine (fashion, culture, tranquility side by side) Day 5: Day trip to Hakone or Kamakura (mountains or giant Buddha, your call)
Get a Suica card at the airport, it works on all trains, buses, and most convenience stores. The train system looks overwhelming but Google Maps handles Tokyo transit perfectly.
The Strategy
Start earning transferable points now if you haven't already. A Chase Sapphire Preferred (60k bonus) plus an Amex Gold (60k bonus) gives you 120,000 points to split between programs. That's enough for two economy tickets to Tokyo or one business class ticket.
See our plans to get points strategy alerts, or sign up free for basic flight deal notifications. We alert members when award availability opens up on premium Asia routes.