Best Hotels to Book in Tokyo With Points

The world of travel is opening again, and if you’ve been itching for something new and different, it’s possible that the typical “London – Paris – Rome” getaway might not cut it for you this time. While the trans-Atlantic route certainly offers several intriguing itineraries, it’s important to remember that the trans-Pacific routes are waiting to whisk you away to a brand new adventure.

If you haven’t yet, we highly recommend that you check out buzzing, glittering Tokyo. Even for those who have never set foot outside of the US or visited a non-English speaking country, Japan is absolutely a safe bet and Tokyo serves as an excellent introduction to East Asia.

Even if you don’t readily recognize it, Japan’s fingerprints are deeply etched into our popular culture, food, and music. For such a small island nation to have such a profound impact on Western culture is amazing, and it’s well worth checking out yourself. Tokyo is enormous with so many neighborhoods to explore, so we recommend budgeting enough time in Tokyo to work your way through several different boroughs. For that, here are a few points properties in the Japanese capital that we think would be perfect for a Tokyo home base this summer.

Marriott

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

For an excellent location right in the heart of Tokyo, book in with The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho. This luxury property is a destination itself, with stunning views of Tokyo’s impressive skyline and plenty of space to relax and unwind. However, don’t miss the perks of this location; fantastic urban green spaces like Hibiya Park, Kokyogaien National Garden, and Chiyoda City are just steps away. It’s simple to explore the farther corners of Tokyo from here, as this hotel is located right on the Tokyo Metro. Enjoy a central location, five-star luxury, and easy connections all in one hotel.

A night at this property is available from 70,000 Marriott Rewards Points.

Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel

A bit out of town, the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel is best suited for guests who are visiting Tokyo primarily to explore Japan’s most famous Disney properties. This hotel is located adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, and guests are able to purchase entry passes to the parks directly through the property. Design elements at this waterfront hotel include everything from comforting minimalist touches to fantastic, cartoonish pops of color — perfect for the whole family. While away from the parks, spend time enjoying the recreational activities onsite such as mini-golf, a ball pit, arcade, and swimming pools.

A night at this property is available from 50,000 Marriott Rewards Points.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open a line of credit with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card from Chase. Not only do cardholders have the opportunity to earn more Bonus Points on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply by being cardholders. Cardholders earn 6X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott Properties and 2X points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

With all of these benefits, this card is well worth the $95 annual fee; however, there is another way to skip the annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card from Chase. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite Status and earn 3X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott properties. You’ll also earn 2X points per $1USD spent on travel purchases and 1X points per $1USD on all other purchases.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

Hilton Tokyo

Located right in the middle of one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods, the Hilton Tokyo is ideal for visitors who wish to be well connected to the rest of Tokyo, and even the rest of Japan. This property is adjacent to Shinjuku Station, often lauded as the world’s busiest railway station. The Shinjuku neighborhood is ideal for dining and nightlife, with its incredible highrises full of Japanese barbecue, sushi, and ramen joints. While back at the hotel, enjoy a round of rooftop tennis or relax by the pool. Either way, this property is ideal for a perfect blend of excitement and rest.

A night at this property is available from 57,000 Hilton HHonors Points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four different co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card. Here, we’ll mention the perks of our favorite personal card as well as the business card.

Hilton Honors Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits. While it comes with a $95 annual fee (see Rates and Fees), cardholders earn 12X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 6X Bonus Points per $1USD on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly through select car rental agencies, and 3X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

In addition, this card is an excellent way to jump straight to Gold Status; a $95 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay considering that benefit. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond Status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a definite bonus.

Hilton Honors Aspire

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is our favorite credit card in the collection, and it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee (see Rates and Fees). At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a high-fee card when the Bonus Points earning potential is only marginally better than the other three cards in the collection. However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Cardholders earn 14X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 7X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies, and 3X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other eligible purchases. Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

IHG

InterContinental Tokyo Bay

Close enough to downtown but right on the water, the InterContinental Tokyo Bay is the perfect mix of sea and city. This gorgeous luxury property features lovely views of Tokyo Bay and the Tokyo skyline, and it is located adjacent to Takeshiba and Hinode Piers. From these piers, one can take a ferry to the islands south of Tokyo for a sunny getaway; otherwise, hop on the train and head into the city center. Be sure to explore the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens as well as the famous Tokyo Tower, then return to your room to enjoy a relaxing bath under the dazzling skyline.

A night at this property is available from 77,000 IHG Rewards Points.

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Points

IHG One Rewards Premier Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase is the premium card in the IHG collection.

This card comes with an $99 annual fee, but it includes automatic Platinum Elite Member status and up to 26X points per $1 spent at IHG properties, which include existing reward benefits from your status.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Card

Of course, the Premier level card doesn’t suit everyone. If you are an IHG Rewards member interested in opening an IHG line of credit but don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then signing up for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase could be a better move.

This card does come with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Club Member status. Additionally, you can earn up to 17X points per USD spent at IHG properties worldwide when combined with your status.

Hyatt

The Tokyo Station Hotel

The storied facade of The Tokyo Station Hotel is unlike anything else you’ll find in Tokyo; neither the neon-and-concrete neighborhoods nor the secluded garden shrines are similar to this building at all. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this Tokyo Station landmark serves as an intimate, stylish accommodation for those who appreciate simple luxuries and elegant design. Being a part of Tokyo Station itself gives this property an impeccable location, but the historical vibe sets it apart from the din. Enjoy access to Tokyo’s beating heart outside, and relish the tranquility of your accommodation inside.

This members-only property is available from 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Also impeccably located but perhaps opposite in ambiance compared to the aforementioned property, the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is perfect for guests seeking a luxury highrise hotel. Situated at the top of a 52-story skyscraper, this property offers unbeatable views of Tokyo Tower as well as nearby boroughs and gardens. With urban green spaces in nearly all directions and attractions galore, visitors are never short on things to do while staying in this bustling neighborhood. The property itself hosts a variety of onsite amenities including restaurants and a spa, and there is ample meeting space for those who are traveling on business.

A night at this property is available from 30,000 World of Hyatt Points.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by – you guessed it – opening up a line of credit.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card holders earn 9X Total Points per $1USD spent at Hyatt properties, 2X Bonus Points on transportation, restaurants, flights purchased directly through the airline, and fitness club memberships, and 1X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

Chase Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Tokyo, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling credit card rewards instead of brand-specific hotel rewards, a trip to Tokyo could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When Chase points are redeemed on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Portal, they are worth 50% more than other select categories. That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Tokyo! Here are a couple of example properties in Tokyo that you can book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ueno-Okachimachi

For a pleasant budget option in a relaxing corner of Tokyo, book in with the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ueno-Okachimachi. This simple property is located near the south end of Ueno Park, famous for the cherry blossom bloom each spring as well as sculptures, museums, galleries, cultural halls, walking paths, temples, and shrines. This locale is ideal for tourists who enjoy museum-hopping because there are several located within Ueno Park itself. This hotel is also conveniently located adjacent to Ueno-Okachimachi station, making it very well connected to the rest of Tokyo.

A night at this property is available from 4,215 Ultimate Rewards points.

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International

Even though it isn’t Shinjuku or Shibuya, Asakusa is a celebrated, favorite neighborhood of Tokyo and shouldn’t be missed. To stay near the Asakusa action, redeem your points with the Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International. Asakusa is a wonderful dining and shopping district that holds quite a bit of Japanese heritage and culture within its boundaries. Check out Senso-ji, a stunning historical temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy. There are usually impressive street markets surrounding the temple by day, and it is located just a pleasant stroll away from the hotel.

A night at this property is available from 8,294 Ultimate Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a $550 annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good time, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred instead. With a $95 annual fee and an even more impressive  sign-up bonus offer, this card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo is overwhelming in the best way; it holds deep cultural roots, buzzing centers of commerce, delectable flavors, and colorful entertainment all in one fantastic city. If you haven’t made the journey to Japan yet, take this as your sign to redeem your stockpile of points in order to visit this fantastic and memorable city.