Best Ways to Fly to Japan from Korea, China & Taiwan Using Points
Flying to Japan from nearby Asian countries is quick and often surprisingly cheap on points. Here's how to maximize value from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, and beyond.
From South Korea (Seoul)
Flight time: 2-2.5 hours
Korean Air SKYPASS
Award rates to Japan:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 15,000 |
| Prestige (Business) | 25,000 |
| First | 40,000 |
Tips:
- Excellent availability on Korea-Japan routes
- Transfer from Chase (US), Flying Blue
- Multiple daily flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka
Asiana Club
Award rates:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 12,000-15,000 |
| Business | 22,000-30,000 |
Tips:
- Star Alliance partner
- Book via United or ANA too
- Good for positioning to regional Japanese cities
Low-Cost Options
Cash alternatives:
- T'way Air - From ₩50,000
- Jin Air - Korean Air subsidiary
- Jeju Air - Frequent sales
- Peach - Japanese LCC
From China (Shanghai, Beijing)
Flight time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Air China PhoenixMiles
Award rates to Japan:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 12,000-18,000 |
| Business | 25,000-36,000 |
Routes:
- Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou to Tokyo, Osaka
- Multiple Star Alliance partners
China Eastern Miles
Award rates:
| Cabin | Miles Required |
|---|---|
| Economy | 12,000-15,000 |
| Business | 24,000-30,000 |
Tips:
- SkyTeam alliance
- Book via Flying Blue or Delta
- Shanghai hub has excellent Japan connectivity
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (via Hong Kong)
Hong Kong to Japan:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 10,000-15,000 |
| Business | 20,000-30,000 |
Why consider HKG:
- Excellent Cathay business class
- Easy connections from mainland China
- Transfer from Amex
Budget Options from China
- Spring Airlines - Ultra low-cost
- Peach/Jetstar - Japanese LCCs with China routes
- 9 Air, Lucky Air - Domestic Chinese LCCs
From Taiwan (Taipei)
Flight time: 2.5-3 hours
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
Award rates to Japan:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 15,000 |
| Business | 25,000 |
Tips:
- Star Alliance member
- Book via ANA or United too
- Multiple daily Tokyo/Osaka flights
- Good product quality
China Airlines Dynasty Flyer
Award rates:
| Cabin | Miles Required |
|---|---|
| Economy | 15,000 |
| Business | 25,000 |
Tips:
- SkyTeam member
- Book via Flying Blue or Delta
- A350 on many Japan routes
Budget from Taiwan
- Tigerair Taiwan - Frequent sales
- Peach - Osaka-based LCC
- Vanilla Air - ANA subsidiary
- Scoot - Singapore Airlines budget
From Hong Kong
Flight time: 4-4.5 hours
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Best option from HKG:
| Cabin | Miles Required (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 15,000-20,000 |
| Premium Economy | 25,000-30,000 |
| Business | 35,000-45,000 |
| First | 60,000-70,000 |
Tips:
- Transfer from Amex, Citi
- Excellent business class
- Multiple Tokyo flights daily
- Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo routes
Hong Kong Airlines
- Fortune Wings Club
- Often cheaper than Cathay
- Good for budget travelers
Regional Strategy Tips
Multi-City Options
Japan has many regional airports. Don't limit yourself to Tokyo:
From Korea:
- Fukuoka (1.5 hours from Seoul)
- Osaka (2 hours)
- Nagoya (2 hours)
From China:
- Osaka (from Shanghai: 2 hours)
- Fukuoka (from Shanghai: 1.5 hours)
- Nagoya, Sapporo options
From Taiwan:
- Okinawa (1.5 hours - closest!)
- Fukuoka (2 hours)
- Osaka (2.5 hours)
Best Value Awards
Under 15,000 miles one-way:
- Korean Air economy: 15,000 miles
- China Eastern economy: 12,000-15,000 miles
- EVA/China Airlines: 15,000 miles
Business class under 30,000:
- Korean Air Prestige: 25,000 miles
- EVA business: 25,000 miles
- Cathay: 30,000-35,000 miles
Low-Cost Carriers Summary
| Carrier | Base | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Peach | Osaka | Taiwan, Korea, China |
| Jetstar Japan | Tokyo | Hong Kong, Taiwan |
| Spring Airlines | Shanghai | Budget from China |
| T'way | Seoul | Korea-Japan |
| Tigerair | Taipei | Taiwan-Japan |
Credit Cards in Asia
Korea:
- Korean Air cards (local banks)
- Amex Korea (limited)
China:
- Bank of China cards
- ICBC cards
- China Eastern co-brands
Taiwan:
- EVA co-branded cards
- China Airlines cards
- Cathay cards
Hong Kong:
- Cathay cards (best options)
- Amex Hong Kong
- HSBC cards
Sample Asian Redemptions
Seoul to Tokyo (budget):
- 15,000 Korean Air miles
- Economy on Korean Air
- Taxes: ~$30
Taipei to Osaka (business):
- 25,000 EVA miles
- Business class
- Taxes: ~$40
Hong Kong to Tokyo (comfort):
- 40,000 Asia Miles
- Cathay Business Class
- Taxes: ~$50
Flying to Japan from nearby Asian countries is quick and affordable on points. With flights under 3 hours, even economy is comfortable, making this region perfect for using fewer miles and saving your points balance for longer trips.