150k Points Challenge: Discovering Japan – A 15-Day Journey of Luxury & Culture

For many Indian travelers, Japan represents the pinnacle of aspirational travel – a land where ancient traditions meet futuristic innovation, where culinary artistry thrives, and breathtaking landscapes unfold around every corner. The thought of exploring Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Kyoto’s serene temples, and perhaps even the majestic Mount Fuji, is a dream. But can this dream be realized with a strategic allocation of 150,000 points?

In our latest ‘150k Points Challenge,’ we embark on an ambitious 15-day itinerary across Japan, demonstrating how savvy use of airline miles and hotel loyalty points can unlock premium experiences. This isn’t just about finding cheap flights and hotels; it’s about maximizing value to enjoy Japan’s unique blend of luxury and cultural immersion. Get ready to discover how to turn your accumulated credit card rewards into an unforgettable Japanese adventure!

Our 150k Points Challenge Strategy for Japan

Japan, a land of captivating contrasts, demands a strategy that blends luxury with cultural immersion, especially when traveling as a family of three (2 adults, 1 child). For our ambitious 15-day journey with 150,000 total points, we’ll focus on maximizing premium hotel experiences while ensuring efficient use of points and cash for other stays. This challenge aims to deliver an unforgettable Japanese adventure, with points intelligently allocated across Marriott Bonvoy, Accor ALL, and potentially Airmiles, all to secure 1-2 truly aspirational hotel nights while filling the rest with excellent value.

Flight Strategy: Maximizing Value (Cash or Points+Cash)

• From Delhi/Mumbai/Bengaluru to Tokyo (NRT/HND) / Osaka (KIX): For travelers from these major Indian cities, ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) regularly offer phenomenal cash fares. Round-trip tickets, including even one local flight within Japan, can often be found for an incredible ₹38,000 – ₹41,500 per person. Given this exceptional value, we highly recommend paying cash for these international flights to preserve your 150,000 points for aspirational hotel stays. This also allows you to earn valuable credit card points on your flight booking for future travel.

• From Chennai (No Direct Flights): For those departing from Chennai, a smart points + cash combination offers a viable route. Consider booking Chennai to Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific using Qatar Avios (approx. 13,000 Avios + ₹3,000 in taxes for a one-way journey per person). From Hong Kong, a round-trip flight to Tokyo (or Osaka) on Hong Kong Airlines can be booked for approximately ₹30,000 per person using credit cards like Axis Atlas or Magnus TravelEdge, earning points on this segment too. We can also go to any of the above cities( DEL/BOM/BLR) and reach Japan. Plan accordingly to your needs
• Internal Flights/Train: We’ll primarily rely on Japan’s efficient rail network (e.g., Shinkansen). Any short internal flights will be cash-paid, as our 150k point budget is best utilized for high-value hotel redemptions.

Hotel Strategy: Blending Marriott Luxury with Accor & Value Stays

With 150,000 total points (across Marriott Bonvoy and Accor ALL) as our primary budget, our strategy is precise:

1. Aspirational Stays (1-2 Nights): Our top priority will be to secure 1 or 2 truly premium nights at a high-end Marriott or Accor property (e.g., a Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Fairmont, or Pullman) using a significant portion of our 150k points pool. This will be the “splurge” element of the trip.
2. Strategic Accor Points Redemption: For other parts of the trip, we’ll leverage Accor ALL points for comfortable family stays. Accor points offer a fixed value redemption of 2,000 points = €40. At an approximate rate of €1 = ₹100, this means 2,000 Accor points are worth ~₹4,000. This makes redeeming Accor points for hotels like Ibis Styles, Mercure, or Novotel a highly effective way to cover accommodation costs while preserving our Marriott points.
3. Value-Driven Paid Stays: For any remaining nights, we’ll select well-located Accor or Marriott properties (e.g., Moxy, Courtyard, Ibis Styles) that offer excellent cash value. These paid stays will still earn points, contributing to your overall loyalty program balances.

This approach ensures a balanced itinerary, maximizing the value of our 150k points for aspirational experiences while providing comfortable and cost-effective accommodations for the rest of a 15-day family trip.

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The 15-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima (Family of 3)

Days 1-5: Tokyo – Metropolitan Marvels & An Aspirational Accor Stay (5 Nights)

• Arrival: Fly into Tokyo (Narita – NRT or Haneda – HND). Utilize Japan’s efficient public transport (Narita Express or Limousine Bus from NRT, Keikyu Line from HND) to reach your hotel.
• Accommodation Strategy for a Family of 3:
  • Aspirational Accor Points Stay (2 Nights): Pullman Tokyo Tamachi. Your research indicates ₹22,666 per night (average cash rate for a 15-day stay).
    • Points Cost: At 2,000 Accor ALL points = €40, and assuming a rough €1 = ₹100, the Pullman at ~₹22,666 is ~€227/night. This requires approximately 11,400 Accor ALL points per night (€227 / €40 * 2,000 pts).
    • For 2 nights, this totals ~22,800 Accor ALL points (~€454 in value from our 150k pool). This secures a fantastic, aspirational stay for the family in a prime Tokyo location.
  • Accor Points / Value Cash Stay (3 Nights): Ibis Styles Tokyo Bay. Your data shows an average of ~₹10,333 per night (~€103/night).
    • Points Cost: This would cost ~5,200 Accor ALL points per night. For 3 nights, this totals ~15,600 Accor ALL points (~€312 in value from our 150k pool). This is an excellent, family-friendly option.
    • (Alternative: If Accor points are limited, you could pay cash for these 3 nights at Ibis Styles Tokyo Bay to earn points, or use 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for 1-2 nights at a lower-tier Marriott (e.g., Courtyard) to utilize the Marriott segment of our 150k pool, and pay cash for the rest.)
  • Total Points Used for Tokyo (Accor): ~38,400 Accor ALL points (for 2 nights Pullman + 3 nights Ibis Styles).
    • Remaining Points: This leaves us with ~111,600 points from our initial 150k pool (available across Marriott/Accor) for the rest of the trip!

• Activities for a Family of 3 (Approximate Costs): Immerse yourselves in Tokyo’s diverse districts:
  • Disneyland or DisneySea: An absolute must for families.
    • Cost: Approx. ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 for 1-day tickets for 2 adults + 1 child.
  • Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko: Iconic, bustling, and fun to witness.
    • Cost: Free (transport cost applies).
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Metropolitan Government Building: Serene park and free panoramic city views.
    • Cost: Garden entry ~₹300 per adult; Observatory Free.
  • Harajuku & Takeshita Street: Youth fashion and unique shopping (older child might enjoy).
    • Cost: Free (shopping extra).
  • Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Traditional Tokyo, oldest temple.
    • Cost: Free (souvenirs/food extra).
  • TeamLab Planets/Borderless: Immersive digital art museum – incredible for all ages.
    • Cost: Approx. ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 for 2 adults + 1 child.
  • Day Trip to Hakone/Mount Fuji: Scenic views, hot springs, Lake Ashi cruise (use Japan Rail Pass).
    • Cost: Covered by Japan Rail Pass for transport, attraction costs extra (~₹3,000-₹5,000 depending on activities).

Days 6-10: Kyoto – Traditional Charm & Serene Beauty (5 Nights)

• Travel to Kyoto: Activate your Japan Rail Pass (if purchased for multiple days) and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. This is a thrilling experience in itself!
• Accommodation Strategy for a Family of 3: Kyoto offers a blend of traditional and modern, and we’ll split our stay to maximize value and experience.
  • Marriott Paid Stay for Comfort (3 Nights): Hotels like Moxy Kyoto (~₹8,900/night) or Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (~₹11,125/night) offer excellent cash value for comfortable Marriott stays. For a family of three, a Courtyard or similar would provide a good balance of space and location.
    • We will plan for 3 nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
    • Cash Cost (approx): ₹33,375 (3 nights x ₹11,125). This allows us to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on this paid stay.
  • Accor Points / Value Cash Stay (2 Nights): For the remaining two nights, we’ll opt for another Accor property, utilizing Accor points if available, or paying cash for good value.
    • Mercure Kyoto Station: Averages ~₹10,000 per night (from your data).
    • Points Cost: ~5,000 Accor ALL points per night (~€100/night). For 2 nights, this totals ~10,000 Accor ALL points (~€200 in value from our remaining pool).
    • (Alternatively, Dhawa Yura Kyoto, though pricier at ~₹16,000/night, could be an aspirational Accor points splurge if the remaining point budget allows.)

• Activities for a Family of 3 (Approximate Costs): Immerse yourselves in Kyoto’s timeless beauty:
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: Iconic thousand red torii gates (early morning visit recommended).
    • Cost: Free (transport cost applies).
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple: Serene bamboo forest and beautiful Zen temple.
    • Cost: Bamboo Grove Free; Tenryu-ji Temple entry ~₹500 per adult.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Famous wooden temple with panoramic views.
    • Cost: Entry ~₹300 per adult.
  • Gion District: Stroll through historic geisha district, especially at dusk.
    • Cost: Free (performances/tea ceremonies extra, can be expensive).
  • Nijo Castle: UNESCO World Heritage site, former residence of the Shogun.
    • Cost: Entry ~₹800 per adult.
  • Day Trip to Nara: Famous for its friendly deer and Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha).
    • Cost: Covered by Japan Rail Pass for transport; Todai-ji Temple entry ~₹400 per adult.

Days 11-12: Osaka – Culinary Delights & Vibrant City Life (2 Nights)

• Travel to Osaka: Take a short Shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Osaka (covered by Japan Rail Pass if active).
• Accommodation Strategy for a Family of 3: Osaka offers several great Marriott options. We’ll opt for a value cash stay here, earning Bonvoy points.
  Marriott Paid Stay (2 Nights): Your research shows Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (~₹15,130/night). This is a great property for a family and allows us to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on our paid stay. Cash Cost (approx): ₹30,260 (2 nights x ₹15,130).

• Activities for a Family of 3 (Approximate Costs):
  • Dotonbori: Iconic entertainment district with neon lights, street food, and the Glico Running Man sign.
    • Cost: Free (food/shopping extra, can vary greatly).
  • Osaka Castle: Historic landmark with impressive architecture and museum.
    • Cost: Entry ~₹400 per adult.
  • Universal Studios Japan (USJ): Home to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – a major draw for families.
    • Cost: Approx. ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 for 1-day tickets for 2 adults + 1 child.
  • Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower: Retro neighborhood with an old-world charm.
    • Cost: Tower entry ~₹500 per adult.

Days 13-14: Hiroshima – History, Peace & Poignancy (2 Nights)

• Travel to Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (covered by Japan Rail Pass).
• Accommodation Strategy for a Family of 3: Hiroshima offers solid options. We’ll use our remaining points or opt for a value cash stay.
  • Value Cash Stay (2 Nights): Sheraton Grand Hiroshima at ~$175/night (~₹15,575/night). This is an excellent premium-level property for a comfortable stay and earns Marriott Bonvoy points.
    • Cash Cost (approx): ₹31,150 (2 nights x ₹15,575).
    • (Alternative: If we had significant Marriott points remaining, we could use them here, likely 30,000-40,000 points/night for the Sheraton Grand.)

• Activities for a Family of 3 (Approximate Costs):
  • Peace Memorial Park & Museum: A solemn and essential visit to reflect on history.
    • Cost: Museum entry ~₹100 per adult.
  • Atomic Bomb Dome: The iconic skeletal remains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Cost: Free.
  • Day Trip to Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its “floating” torii gate. Take a short ferry from Hiroshima (covered by Japan Rail Pass).
    • Cost: Ferry covered by JR Pass; Shrine entry ~₹200 per adult.

Day 15: Departure from Japan

• Travel to Airport: Take the Shinkansen back to Osaka (Kansai International – KIX) or Tokyo (Narita – NRT / Haneda – HND) depending on your international flight departure point (covered by Japan Rail Pass).
• Final Thoughts: Reflect on an incredible 15-day journey through Japan, made possible by strategic points usage.

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Total Points & Estimated Cash Spent for a Family of 3 (excluding International Flights)

Let’s summarize how our 150,000 points challenge budget was meticulously utilized for hotel stays, alongside our estimated cash outlays for other accommodations, activities, and internal travel for a family of three:

Points Utilized (from 150,000 total pool):

• Accor ALL Points:
  • 2 Nights Pullman Tokyo Tamachi: ~22,800 Accor ALL points
  • 2 Nights Ibis Styles Tokyo Bay: ~10,400 Accor ALL points
  • 2 Nights Mercure Kyoto Station: ~10,000 Accor ALL points
  • Subtotal Accor ALL Points: ~43,200 Accor ALL points
• Marriott Bonvoy Points:
  • 1 Night Premium Marriott Tokyo (e.g., W or Westin): ~70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
  • Subtotal Marriott Bonvoy Points: ~70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
• TOTAL POINTS UTILIZED (Accor ALL + Marriott Bonvoy):~113,200 points
  • This leaves us with ~36,800 points remaining from our 150k budget. This flexibility means you could splurge on an extra night at a lower-tier property, cover an internal flight if it’s high value, or use them to reduce our Cash Outflow at some hotels!

Estimated Cash Outlays (for 2 Adults + 1 Child, all amounts approximate INR):

• International Flights: (As per your strategy – Delhi/Mumbai/BLR: ~₹38,000-₹41,500 per person; Chennai: ~₹34,000 per person + Avios points).
• Internal Transport (Japan Rail Pass): A 14-day Ordinary JR Pass for 2 adults + 1 child (child half price) is approx. ₹65,000 – ₹75,000. Highly recommended for a 15-day itinerary covering multiple cities.
• Hotels (Paid Stays – 7 Nights):
  • 3 Nights Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma: ₹33,375 (3 x ₹11,125)
  • 2 Nights Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka: ₹30,260 (2 x ₹15,130)
  • 2 Nights Sheraton Grand Hiroshima: ₹31,150 (2 x ₹15,575)
  • Subtotal Paid Hotel Stays (7 Nights): ~₹94,785
• Activities & Sightseeing (Approximate Totals across all cities):
  • Theme Parks (Disney/USJ, one park): ~₹15,000 – ₹25,000
  • Museum/Temple Entries: ~₹5,000 – ₹8,000
  • Other attractions: ~₹3,000 – ₹5,000
  • Subtotal Activities (Estimated): ~₹23,000 – ₹38,000
• Food & Local Transport (estimated daily for 15 days, highly variable): ~₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per person per day (excluding JR Pass transport).
  • Total Food/Local Transport: ~₹45,000 – ₹90,000

TOTAL ESTIMATED CASH OUTLAY for 15 Days in Japan (for 3 People, excluding Visa/Insurance):

• International Flights: ₹1,60,000
• Internal Transport (JR Pass): ₹70,000
• Paid Hotel Stays: ₹94,785
• Activities & Sightseeing: ₹30,000
• Food & Local Transport: ₹65,000
• GRAND TOTAL ESTIMATED CASH: ~₹4,19,785

This Cash Flow can be reduced if we use Accor Hotels for all our stay, we can save around 1Lakh rupees.

Conclusion: Japan Unlocked – An Epic 15-Day Adventure on Points & Smart Spending

Our 150,000 points challenge to Japan demonstrates that an extended, luxurious, and culturally rich journey to the Land of the Rising Sun is well within reach for the savvy Indian traveler. By strategically allocating our Accor ALL and Marriott Bonvoy points for aspirational stays in Tokyo and value redemptions in other cities, we unlocked premium experiences that would otherwise cost a fortune. The meticulous planning of flights and paid accommodations, combined with the power of the Japan Rail Pass, ensures a seamless and memorable adventure for a family of three.

This itinerary proves that points and miles aren’t just for quick getaways; they are a powerful currency that, when combined with smart budgeting for cash expenses, can transform a dream destination like Japan into a tangible 15-day reality. So, start accumulating those points, mark your calendars, and prepare for an unforgettable journey where ancient traditions meet modern marvels, all while maximizing your loyalty rewards!