Zac Trip Report: Falling in Love with Japan (and its hotels)

by Zac Hood | Oct 31, 2023 | Member Success Stories
Collage titled Trip Report: Japan with the Japanese flag and Mt. Fuji icons. Features scenic shots of nature, a man on a boat, a group selfie, a temple scene, and a man standing against a starry backdrop. Travel Freely logo with a globe and airplane.

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Points prices mentioned in the story reflect the redemptions at the time of the trip. Award pricing changes over time, so today’s cost may be different.

Hey there, free travelers! My family and I are deep into our 9-month trip to Australia and New Zealand, but I took a left turn (or North turn) and went to Japan for 5 days! Here’s a quick recap of the trip featuring some unforgettable experiences and hotel stays. Psst… Have you seen our latest points & miles update? Click here to unlock your dream vacation like Zac. Fair warning: This is not my typical report where I go into detail about booking the flights and hotels, and how you can do it. It’s more of a photo journal of the trip meant to inspire those of you who are interested in visiting Japan, and inspire others who never considered Japan. Outside of the Hoshinoya Kyoto hotel, all hotels were booked with points or free night awards, so hopefully this inspires you to see what’s possible with hotel stays! I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. It’s been my #1 Travel Goal on the Travel Freely app for a while. I finally got within an 8-hour nonstop flight since we’re in northern Australia right now. So, I pulled the trigger! This was planned just a few days in advance. Doing it this way was both exciting and stressful at the same time. I didn’t get the fun of “OMG I’m going to Japan in 6 months!” kind of anticipation. But I got the “OMG I’m going to Japan in 3 days!” adrenaline rush. I’ve always wanted to just show up at an airport on a whim and take an international flight to somewhere cool. So this is the closest it’s gotten. I did not have a ton of time to plan any kind of daily agenda, but I started with my flights and hotels. Then, I created a big wish list and tried to piece it together. I didn’t have any “If I don’t do this I’m going to be heartbroken” things on the list. So it was actually a gift to have very few goals in a country with a million things to do. Everything was a gift, and I could soak in every moment. My favorite thing about traveling solo is the ability to adjust and be flexible on the fly. That said, it all came together incredibly well. I was able to use the bullet train to save a lot of time. Then through a random fly fishing Facebook group, I even managed to sneak in an epic fly fishing experience in the mountains north of Tokyo. Quick transportation note: I also used Uber a lot (and fairly affordably) instead of using a bus or subway to get around. It was much more expensive than taking the subway, but it was a great use of my travel budget and probably got me 4-5 hours of extra sight seeing in Japan + I didn’t have to navigate subway maps. Uber doesn’t work as normal in Japan, but you can use the Uber app to get a taxi in Japan. So that was so smooth for payment and putting in my destination. Here’s a quick look at my flights and hotels before getting into the trip and photos.

Flights

Unfortunately, there were no business class seats available when I searched in or out of Tokyo or Osaka (Kyoto). But, there was a really good deal on a cash price to Osaka. So, I paid cash on a very cheap deal with Jetstar for my flight there into Osaka (next to Kyoto). Then, I used 25,000 Air Canada miles to book a flight on Virgin Australia for the flight back. I transferred Chase points over to Air Canada to make the booking. This is the beauty of getting cards with transferable points! You can transfer points from Amex, Bilt, Bonvoy, Capital One, or Chase to Air Canada to make the booking. There are 2 important lessons here. One, you don’t always have to use points or miles. If it’s cheap, then it’s cheap. Go ahead and buy it and save points and miles for better use. Two, I booked 2 one-way tickets instead of 1 roundtrip. This is flight booking 101 for a points and miles beginner because you can often get better flights if you choose separate tickets. In my case, it was 2 different airlines AND flying in and out of 2 separate cities. This was perfect for my itinerary, for the use of the bullet train to get from Kyoto to Tokyo (that came with a glimpse of Mount Fuji!), and saved me a lot of money and points. Screenshot of a flight summary showing a non-stop trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Departure at 21:45 and arrival at 06:15. Economy Class Standard Reward is selected. Includes redemption options for Aeroplan points and cash payment. If you are trying to get to Japan (or any country in Asia) from the US, consider checking out our extensive article on using points and miles to get to Asia. It requires a good amount of knowledge around transferable points, but it’s easier than you think if you can key in on a few programs that could work for you. You can also use a tool like Point.me to save you time and hold your hand through the process.

Hotels 

I had heard that Japanese hospitality and hotels were among the best in the world. So, it was really fun to search for them and cash in on some great value at some truly world-class hotels. Plus, because it was last minute, I felt lucky that the availability was there. I used points and free night awards from Hyatt and Marriott to book some incredible stays. Instead of doing a summary, I’m just going to share about the hotels throughout this post below. I was lucky to get 3 nights at 3 awesome hotels: Hyatt Place Kyoto (incredible deal for a category 1-4 award), Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. In case it’s helpful, I also looked at the Conrad Tokyo (Hilton), Grand Hyatt Tokyo, and Park Hyatt Tokyo  but the Andaz seemed like the best fit for me, a favorite among other blog reviews, and the absolute best Hyatt in Tokyo alongside the Park Hyatt Tokyo (of Lost in Translation fame).

Kyoto: Embracing Tradition in the Lap of Luxury

Because I flew into Osaka (next to Kyoto), I made Kyoto my first stop. It’s a city steeped in history and tradition. I am so glad I included it on my short trip as opposed to focusing only on Tokyo. If I could only go back to one city, I think it would be Kyoto. It is culturally and historically rich with incredibly unique neighborhoods to walk through. As a tourist, it was really easy to get around compared to Tokyo, which is a huge city. My first night was spent at the cozy Hyatt Place Kyoto, booked entirely with a basic Hyatt category 1-4 free night award. This place served as an excellent introduction to Kyoto’s charm. Who’s glad to be off an 8 hour economy flight, 1 hour train, and at a surprisingly awesome Hyatt Place? This guy… A person stands smiling in a well-lit hotel room with arms outstretched. They hold a small snack in one hand. The room features a neatly made bed, bedside tables, and a large window with curtains. Next, I redeemed an 85k free night certificate for ridiculous value at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, one of the top-rated hotels in the world. This was my second night ever in a Ritz-Carlton, and it was so cool to experience the luxury without paying the price for it. =) This hotel was well over $1,300 per night if booked with cash. A man stands in a modern hotel room with light wood accents. The room includes a double bed, a dining area with chairs, and a window with a view of greenery. A bathroom with a bathtub is visible through a partially open sliding door. That night, I had the best Japanese steakhouse experience of my life. A personal Japanese-trained chef cooking in front of only you. This was not the “throw the shrimp in your mouth and giggle” teppanyaki that we have in the US. This was like watching Van Gogh paint something for you in his personal studio. It was incredible to see the chef’s skills and attention to detail. He literally seared individual garlic slices one by one. I grew up with a Japanese steakhouse playset when I was 4. So this was a dream come true. But, the tangible and intangible lessons of watching a master at work will never leave me. I remember thinking, “I hope I am able to do something with 1/100th of the skill and focus that this chef has.” A chef prepares food on a teppanyaki grill, slicing beef. In the foreground, a plate has steak, sauces, and seasonings. Chopsticks, a bowl, a glass of water, and a beer are on the table.
The next morning, I checked out of the Ritz-Carlton with the undisputed thought that “This was the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at.” The Ritz-Carlton held that title for one day. The highlight of my Kyoto stay was undoubtedly the Hoshinoya Kyoto, a magnificent 5-star hotel tucked away by a peaceful river. This secluded retreat, accessible only by boat, was a dream come true. It had manicured hillsides that dated back to royal family vacations in previous centuries. (This hotel has no affiliations with any hotel brands, and you can only book it directly. So, I paid cash for the hotel using all the savings on getting all my other hotels for free. If you wanted to get this hotel for free, you could use a Capital One Venture Card and reimburse yourself for the purchase using miles.) To reach the hotel, you board a boat on the outskirts of Kyoto. A person in a blue shirt stands on a boat with a metal roof, docked on a calm river. Behind, lush green hills and a partly cloudy sky frame the scene. Two people are seen rowing a blue boat in the background.
This hotel was a modern and traditional blend of the ryokan experience. If you don’t already know,, “ryokan” means “a traditional Japanese inn” and features tatami-mat (bamboo mat) rooms and usually includes breakfast and dinner. My “room” had multiple rooms with sliding doors. This is the view from the outside of my place with the entrance on the hillside.
Stone steps ascend a garden path leading to a traditional Japanese building with wooden doors and shoji windows, surrounded by lush green foliage and a hillside. The serene setting evokes a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
And this is the view from the bedroom out into the river.
Cozy window seat in a traditional room with soft cushions, offering a scenic view of lush greenery and a flowing river outside through large windows with wooden frames and latticework. Before leaving Kyoto, I went to one of my two “must-see” bucket list items, the Arashiyama bamboo forest. (The other was Tokyo TeamLab further below). I’d seen photos, and this place looked so cool online. Before going, I read reviews that it was disappointing. My experience fell somewhere in the middle. It was cloudy when I was there, but I could imagine how cool it would be in the morning with the sun streaking through. A person taking a selfie on a pathway through a lush bamboo forest. Tall bamboo stalks rise on either side, creating a green canopy overhead. The path is bordered by low fences, and the scene is serene and natural. Glamour shot of bamboo canopy… Looking up at a dense bamboo forest, the tall, thin trunks stretch upwards toward the sky. Green leaves create a natural canopy, allowing patches of light to filter through. The view forms a circular frame of foliage and sky.

Tokyo: Big City, Amazing Hotels, and Unique Experiences

From Kyoto, I hopped onto the bullet train and made my way to Tokyo. I got lucky with availability at the super popular Hyatt Andaz Tokyo for a two-night stay. The rooms start on the 48th floor. So there are some amazing views. This hotel has crazy high retail prices of over $1,200 per night, but my stay was $0 with no taxes or fees, and an incredible (and free) breakfast buffet (breakfast is free because I have Globalist status). Here’s my room with the Tokyo Tower in the background… Hotel room with a large bed, a TV on a wall, a desk and chair, and a sofa. The window offers a city view with the Tokyo Tower in the distance. The room has modern decor with light walls and a warm-colored carpet. Bathroom area: A modern hotel bathroom with a wooden vanity and sink on the left, featuring a mirror and toiletries. To the right is a glass-enclosed shower and toilet. Towels are neatly stacked on shelves under a mirrored cabinet. View from the entrance of the room: A chic hotel room entryway features dark wood paneling, glossy floors, and a mirrored wall. To the right, a small desk with a lamp is visible. The room opens into a living area with a sofa, bright artwork, and large windows in the background. Hospitality is huge in Japan. I had a letter with “pancake” cookies waiting when I arrived. A small wooden pedestal on a table holds wrapped treats. Beside it is a welcome card from Andaz Tokyo and an envelope labeled Mr. Kwon. A sofa is in the background. And then some super cool pajamas and extra items in the room: Two sets of folded blue and white polka dot garments with navy sashes on wooden trays, a pair of white slippers with green dots, a box of colored bars, a small sign, and an object wrapped in white cloth on a brown textured surface. Not pictured here is the spa and pool area at the Andaz Tokyo. It was super modern, where you feel like you are on a futuristic spaceship. Plus, they had a carbonated hot tub (which is apparently a thing in Japan) that makes all your skin pores bubble up. I felt like I was an ice cube in a freshly poured Sprite. Coming back to the room at night was awesome, with the floor-to-ceiling windows. View of Tokyo at night from a high-rise window, showcasing the illuminated Tokyo Tower in the distance. The citys skyline is filled with twinkling lights, and a cozy interior with a couch is visible in the foreground. Outside of the hotel experiences, my favorite experiences were about getting a taste of Japanese culture, history, food, and its people. This was my first trip to Asia, let alone Japan. It was fascinating to see a different way of doing so many things. A photo from Sensō-J, with the multi-level temple in the background and famous for the photos of cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in the background. It was my photo of Japan for my #1 Travel Goal in Travel Freely! Update: Thanks to Travel Freely member Kevin, I realize I was wrong about this being from my Travel Goal photo. The one in the Travel Goal photo is Chureito Pagoda. Looks like I have to go back to Japan now. =) A person taking a selfie in front of a traditional Japanese temple with large red lanterns and a crowd in the background. An arrow points to the top with a travel goal post of Japan and a pagoda. The person is making a peace sign and smiling. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to go fishing with two Japanese men who were excellent fly fishermen, casting instructors, and professional fly tyers. We spent a few hours doing traditional Japanese Tenkara fishing a couple of hours north of Tokyo. A person with a blue backpack and hat is fly fishing on a rocky riverbank surrounded by lush green trees. The water flows gently beside them, and the sky is overcast, creating a tranquil outdoor setting. Back at the fly shop after fishing: Four people smiling and making peace signs inside a shop filled with fishing equipment. Various fishing rods and accessories are displayed on the walls. The group appears cheerful and relaxed. If all that wasn’t enough, I made it to TeamLab in Tokyo on my final day. I love unique, immersive experiences. And this didn’t disappoint. It’s hard to describe TeamLab or even get a photo to explain it, but it’s basically lights and mirrors everywhere: A man in a blue shirt and beige shorts smiles while standing barefoot on a reflective floor. The background is filled with hanging, sparkling LED lights, creating an immersive, futuristic environment. Thanks for making it to the end! As a reminder, if you are trying to get to Japan (or any country in Asia) from the US, consider checking out our extensive article on using points and miles to get to Asia. It requires a good amount of knowledge around transferable points, but it’s easier than you think if you can key in on a few programs that could work for you. For more in this series, here’s our report after one month in Australia. 👉 Inspired by Zac’s story? Start tracking your cards with Travel Freely today – it’s free, beginner-friendly, and built to make stories like this possible. Have a success story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it! Reach out to us at or fill out our form here. Inspired by Japan with all these free hotels? Check out our specific post on Best Cards for Hotels or our Monthly Best Offers to fill up your points and miles treasure chest.
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