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The best credit card for hotels in Japan.

Updated

Why this card

Chase Sapphire Preferred for hotels in Japan.

Hyatt has unusually deep coverage across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and most properties sit in the lower point bands of the loyalty chart, which is the best place to spend Hyatt points.

Annual fee

$95

Best earn rate

3 points per dollar on travel and dining, plus a 1 to 1 transfer to Hyatt

Signup bonus

Currently around 75,000 to 100,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the Andaz Tokyo both sit in Hyatt's mid bands, which makes Chase points an efficient way to pay for them. Park Hyatt Tokyo sits at the top of Hyatt's chart (Category 8 under the May 2026 dynamic chart, with the top tier now running up to 75,000 points a night), so it is best for milestone trips rather than everyday redemptions. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers 1 to 1 to World of Hyatt instantly. The Preferred is the cheapest doorway into this transfer at $95 a year, and it covers your trip protection and primary rental car insurance while you are in Japan.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Same Hyatt transfer, but unlocks Priority Pass for Haneda and Narita layovers, plus stronger trip delay protection. Worth it only if you fly internationally more than twice a year.

ChaseAnnual fee $795

Skip this one

Not the right card for hotels in Japan: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Marriott's Japan presence is thinner outside Tokyo and Osaka, and the per-night point cost is higher relative to the cash rate. Use a Hyatt-routed card instead.

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecChase Sapphire PreferredChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$95$795
Best earn rate3 points per dollar on travel and dining, plus a 1 to 1 transfer to HyattSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 75,000 to 100,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Many Hyatts in Japan run in the mid bands of the loyalty chart, which is one of the better point-to-cash ratios in Asia. Park Hyatt Tokyo is a flagship at the top of the chart (Category 8 under the May 2026 chart, with top-tier nights up to 75,000 points) so peak nights are no longer the bargain they once were. Watch for Hyatt category sheet refreshes when planning a stay.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Japan?

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Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase. Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the Andaz Tokyo both sit in Hyatt's mid bands, which makes Chase points an efficient way to pay for them. Annual fee is $95.

How many points do you need for a free night in Japan?

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Roughly 40,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Japan. Cash rate is around $480 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve a better choice for hotels in Japan?

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Same Hyatt transfer, but unlocks Priority Pass for Haneda and Narita layovers, plus stronger trip delay protection. Worth it only if you fly internationally more than twice a year. Annual fee is $795.