For years Choice Privileges has been one of the best-value ways to book hotels in Japan with points, offering affordable, centrally located award options that made it my go-to program for trips there. Over the past four years I’ve redeemed Choice points for 45 nights, 37 of them in Japan, because even as Choice raised award caps elsewhere, many Japanese properties remained inexpensive.
That landscape is starting to change. A recent report shows Choice Privileges increased point requirements at some hotels in Japan — in a few cases by as much as 200%. But the picture isn’t uniformly bad: several properties have seen lower award rates, and many hotels remain at the low end of the program’s pricing. Here’s what to know and how to adjust your booking strategy.
What changed and where it hurts most
The most significant increases are concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka. You can check current award costs by searching for an award stay and viewing the calendar for a given property; Choice’s inventory can vary by night, though most Japan properties appear to have consistent flat award rates.
Several hotels I’ve personally stayed at have moved from bargain redemptions to much more expensive award nights. Examples I tracked:
– Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi: I paid 8,000 points per night in August 2023; that same night now lists for 20,000 points.
– Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda: I stayed here for 8,000 points in May 2024 and January 2025; it now costs 20,000 points.
– Comfort Hotel ERA Tokyo Higashi Kanda: I booked this in February 2026 for 12,000 points; it currently shows 25,000 points.
– Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi: I stayed here for 8,000 points in May 2023; it now lists for 20,000 points.
Those higher award costs often don’t line up with high paid rates. For example, a night at the ERA Tokyo Higashi Kanda might be available for about $96 or 25,000 points. Redeeming points in that case gives only roughly 0.38 cents per point — well below typical valuations many use when deciding whether to redeem points.
Good news: some hotels got cheaper
Not every change is an increase. A few Choice properties in Japan now require fewer points than before. Notable examples:
– Comfort Suites Tokyo Bay: I’ve seen this property fluctuate between 12,000 and 16,000 points over the past year, but it’s currently bookable for just 8,000 points. It’s well located for Tokyo Disney and weekend paid rates can be high enough that redeeming points can yield excellent value (for some dates exceeding 2 cents per point).
– Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino: I stayed here in February 2024 for 16,000 points; it’s now available for 8,000 points. I’m not certain exactly when the drop occurred, but it’s a noticeable improvement.
A lot still stays at 8,000 points
Importantly, the majority of Choice properties in Japan remain at the 8,000-point level. Plenty of hotels around Tokyo and Nagoya still show that low rate. If you’re flexible about location, it’s still reliably possible to find inexpensive award nights.
Even around Osaka you have alternatives: Shin-Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto properties are often bookable for about 10,000 points per night — a reasonable option, especially for Kyoto where accommodation can otherwise be costly.
Practical takeaways
– Don’t assume Choice points are always the best option in Japan anymore, especially in central Tokyo and Osaka. Rates have risen at some popular properties.
– Always compare paid and award rates. Run the cents-per-point math before booking: if the cash rate is low and the point price is high, cash may be the better choice.
– Check nearby neighborhoods and secondary cities. Staying a short train ride away (e.g., Shin-Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) can preserve strong value on awards.
– Consider inexpensive paid options in high-demand urban centers. Chains like APA Hotels and Toyoko Inn can be cheaper than devalued award nights in Tokyo/Osaka.
– Monitor hotels you care about. Award pricing can change; properties that went up might drop again, and sweet spots may reappear.
Bottom line
Choice Privileges is no longer the straightforward answer for centrally located award nights in Tokyo and Osaka. Some properties now charge 20,000–30,000 points per night even when paid rates are modest. Still, the program isn’t ruined for Japan: many hotels remain at 8,000 points, and a few properties have actually become better values. The best approach is to compare cash and award options, calculate value per point, and be open to nearby locations where Choice award nights still deliver outsized value.