Best Ways to Fly Canada to Japan Using Points & Miles
Canadians have excellent options for flying to Japan, especially through Aeroplan's Star Alliance partnerships. Here's how to maximize your Canadian points and miles.
Route Overview
Nonstop flights:
- Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo: ~10 hours
- Toronto (YYZ) to Tokyo: ~13 hours
Airlines with nonstop service:
- Air Canada (YVR, YYZ)
- ANA (YVR)
- JAL (YVR)
- Zipair (YVR - budget)
Aeroplan: The Canadian Sweet Spot
Aeroplan is the primary program for Canadian travelers, with excellent Star Alliance partner access.
Aeroplan Award Chart
Canada to Japan (one-way):
| Cabin | Points Required |
|---|---|
| Economy | 35,000-50,000 |
| Premium Economy | 50,000-70,000 |
| Business | 60,000-90,000 |
| First | 100,000+ |
Partner redemptions (ANA, United, etc.) often price better than Air Canada metal.
Aeroplan Tips
- Book partner airlines - ANA via Aeroplan is excellent value
- Use stopovers - Free stopovers on round trips
- Points Predictor - Check flexible dates for best pricing
- Buddy Pass - Share points for companion tickets
Aeroplan Transfer Partners
Transfer points from:
- Amex Membership Rewards (Canada)
- CIBC Aventura (limited)
- Marriott Bonvoy (not recommended ratio)
Alternative Programs for Canadians
Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific)
Via Hong Kong:
- Sometimes cheaper than direct
- Good business class product
- Transfer from Amex
Rates to Tokyo:
- Economy: 30,000 one-way
- Business: 65,000 one-way
- First: 100,000 one-way
Alaska Mileage Plan
Works from Vancouver:
- Book JAL via Alaska
- 25,000 economy, 60,000 business one-way
- Buy miles during promotions
British Airways Avios
For short-haul positioning or JAL redemptions:
- JAL is a partner
- Distance-based pricing
- Transfer from Amex, Chase
City-by-City Strategy
From Vancouver (YVR)
Best options: 1. ANA via Aeroplan - Best availability and product 2. JAL via Alaska - Great for one-ways 3. Air Canada direct - Convenient but often pricier 4. Zipair - Budget cash option ($400-600)
Timing: 10-hour flight, morning arrivals possible
From Toronto (YYZ)
Best options: 1. Air Canada via Aeroplan - Most direct 2. ANA connecting via US - Sometimes cheaper 3. Via Europe - Lufthansa, Swiss connections
Timing: 13-hour flight, typically overnight
From Montreal (YUL)
Best options: 1. Connect in Toronto - Most common 2. Via US hubs - JFK, Chicago 3. Via Europe - Air France, Lufthansa
From Calgary (YYC)
Best options: 1. Connect in Vancouver - Quickest route 2. Via US - Seattle, San Francisco 3. Direct seasonal - Check Air Canada summer routes
Canadian Credit Card Strategy
Best cards for Japan:
1. Amex Aeroplan Reserve - Best for Air Canada redemptions 2. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite - Strong earning 3. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite - Buddy Pass eligible 4. Amex Cobalt - Flexible points, transfer to Aeroplan
Canadian-specific notes:
- Earn rates in CAD, redemptions are same as USD points
- Annual fees are tax-deductible if used for business
- Some US cards available via GT (Global Transfer)
Peak Season Considerations
Book 10-11 months ahead for:
- Cherry blossom (March-April)
- Ski season (December-February)
- Autumn leaves (October-November)
Better availability:
- May after Golden Week
- June (rainy season)
- September
Sample Redemptions for Canadians
Budget Vancouver trip:
- 70,000 Aeroplan round trip
- ANA economy
- Taxes: ~CAD $150
Business class sweet spot:
- 120,000 Aeroplan round trip
- ANA "The Room" business class
- Taxes: ~CAD $300
Toronto to Tokyo comfort:
- 130,000 Aeroplan round trip
- Air Canada Signature Class
- Lie-flat on the 13-hour flight
Canada-Specific Tips
1. Nexus - Speeds up YVR, YYZ departures significantly 2. Currency - Some programs charge in USD (Alaska, BA) 3. Maple Leaf Lounge - Aeroplan status gets access 4. Partner lounges - ANA, United lounges via Star Alliance
Canadians have strong options through Aeroplan and partner programs. Vancouver is particularly well-positioned with multiple nonstop options. Book early for peak seasons and consider connecting through US hubs if direct flights are unavailable.