Fly JAL Business Class to Japan for 60K Miles

Fly Japan Airlines Business Class to Japan from 60K miles each way to Tokyo NRT from San Diego SAN or Vancouver YVR, but book as soon as possible, as this space won't last. Flights are on JAL's 787-8, with a 2-2-2 suite configuration.

SAN-NRT: several dates in April, July-September
NRT-SAN: several dates in May-October
YVR-NRT: several dates in April and July-October
NRT-YVR: several dates April-May and Sep.-October (best availability in October)

Reserve this with 60,000 American AAdvantage miles or 60,000-75,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles, or with 95,000 Finnair Avios (transfer points to British Airways then convert British Airways Avios to Finnair Avios).

Here's our Japan Airlines Business Class Review on the 777-300ER, a different aircraft type, but rather similar seats to the 787-8.

Where to Stay in Japan

In Tokyo, we highly recommend the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi, which we recently reviewed, and which we reserve for clients with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. For clients who will be arriving early or departing late, The Peninsula Tokyo has the advantage of offering our clients early check-in (from 6am) and late check-out (until 10pm); if your reserved room or suite isn't available, a courtesy room will be provided.

In Kyoto, we especially like the boutique feel and location of the Park Hyatt Kyoto, in the Higashiyama area, although families are likely to prefer the Four Seasons Kyoto, which has larger rooms and suites that can more easily accommodate them, as well as a swimming pool. We're also excited for the new Capella Kyoto, which opens in March 2026. The Six Senses Kyoto has a great hard product and spa, having opened in April 2024, but guests have had mixed experiences, as the service and service recovery when things go wrong isn't as polished as expected for this caliber of hotel.

With more time in Japan, consider adding a ryokan such as Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen or a stay at a luxury hotel with its own onsen (hot spring water) such as the Ritz-Carlton Nikko or Park Hyatt Nikseko in Hokkaido.