Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Great Indian Points and Miles Show, hosted by Aadil Bandukwala. If you’ve ever dreamed of jetting off to exotic destinations, staying in luxurious hotels, and flying in comfort—all without breaking the bank—you’re in the right place. This show dives deep into the world of points and miles, transforming travel dreams into reality.
For our inaugural episode, we’re spotlighting the magical land of Japan. Joining me are two absolute points and miles legends: Dhimant Negandi, Vice President at Swiggy and a maestro of optimizing every single point, and Niranjan Udayakumar, a seasoned traveler who has mastered the art of flying premium cabins and unlocking hidden redemption opportunities. Together, we unpack their recent trips to Japan—trips fully funded by points and miles.
Why Japan?
Japan is a treasure trove of culture, food, and experiences. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, it’s a country that offers something for everyone. Here’s why Japan is a perfect destination for a points-and-miles trip:
- Cultural Richness: From ancient temples to neon-lit cities, Japan’s diversity is unparalleled.
- Efficient Travel Infrastructure: A well-connected train network makes it easy to explore multiple cities.
- Year-Round Appeal: Whether it’s the cherry blossoms in spring or the stunning autumn foliage, there’s no wrong time to visit.
- Cost Efficiency with Miles: Flights and hotels often consume 60–70% of your travel budget. Using points for these can make Japan surprisingly affordable.
Meet the Guests
Dhimant Negandi
Vice President at Swiggy
An industry leader at Swiggy, Dhimant has been a loyalist in the points and miles game since 2009. Known for his ability to sniff out sweet redemption spots, Dhimant recently unlocked a Swissôtel room overlooking the Singapore Grand Prix track using points—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Niranjan Udayakumar
Senior Group Manager at Emerson
Having traveled to 37 countries, Niranjan is a master of redemption strategies. From scoring premium cabin seats to unearthing deals others miss, Niranjan knows how to make every mile count. His recent family trip to Japan, blending miles redemptions and strategic spending, is a case study for savvy travelers.
Flights: How to Get to Japan for Free
Airline Redemption Options
To fly to Japan, you’ll need to tap into the right airline loyalty programs. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
- United MileagePlus:
- Cost: 27,000 miles one way in economy.
- Excursionist Perk: Add a free intra-Japan domestic flight (e.g., Osaka to Tokyo).
- Book on Star Alliance partners like Singapore Airlines.
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (JAL):
- Cost: 17,500 miles one way for direct flights.
- Tip: Create a JAL account at least 60 days in advance, as redemptions are not immediately available.
- Avianca LifeMiles:
- Cost: 27,000 miles one way on Star Alliance partners.
- No fuel surcharges and an easy transfer from HDFC Infinia or Diners Club points.
- Lufthansa Miles & More:
- Cost: 35,000 miles one way in business class.
- Extremely low surcharges (₹2,000 or less).
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer:
- Cost: Approximately 28,000 miles one way on Singapore Airlines.
Key Booking Insights
- Book Early: Award seats open 330–360 days in advance for most programs.
- Excursionist Perk: United MileagePlus allows a free domestic leg in Japan.
- Research Tools:
- Seats.Aero: Check availability across multiple programs.
- Partner airline websites like JAL and Singapore Airlines for direct bookings.
Hotels: Where to Stay for Free in Japan
Japan offers a rich mix of luxury hotels, affordable accommodations, and charming Airbnbs. Let’s dive into specific properties recommended by Dhimant and Niranjan.
Kyoto
- Mercure Kyoto Station (Accor):
- Cost: ~18,000–22,000 points per night.
- Highlights: Walking distance to Kyoto Station, perfect for day trips and sightseeing.
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto:
- Cost: ~15,000 Hyatt points per night.
- Highlights: Proximity to iconic temples and traditional Japanese-style interiors.
Osaka
- Swissôtel Namba Osaka (Accor):
- Cost: ~ 8,000–18,000 points per night or redeem Accor StayPlus nights.
- Highlights: Located atop Namba Station, with direct access to markets and shopping streets.
- Insider Tip: Opt for rooms on higher floors for breathtaking city views.
Tokyo
- Mercure Tokyo Hibiya (Accor):
- Cost: ~10,000–15,000 points per night.
- Highlights: Centrally located near Hibiya Park and Ginza shopping district.
- Pullman Tokyo Tamachi (Accor):
- Cost: ~20,000 points per night.
- Highlights: A luxurious property with modern amenities and close proximity to Tamachi Station.
Pro Tip:
Accor’s loyalty program offers excellent value in Japan. Combine Accor Plus membership with points for free nights and up to 50% off on dining.
Credit Card Strategies for Points Accumulation
To accumulate enough points for flights and hotels, the right credit cards are essential.
Top Cards
- Axis Magnus Burgandy:
- 14% reward rate for spends exceeding ₹1.5 lakh in a calendar month.
- HDFC Infinia:
- 5X to 10X rewards on SmartBuy for hotels, flights, and gift card purchases.
- Excellent for Amazon Pay bill payments (13% effective return).
- Amex Platinum Travel:
- 50,000 points as an annual milestone bonus.
- Flexible for topping up other programs like Marriott Bonvoy.
- Axis Atlas:
- 10% reward rate for international travel spends.
- Ideal for booking Airbnbs.
Maximizing Earnings
- Gift Cards: Buy vouchers for regular expenses (Amazon, Swiggy) via platforms like SmartBuy for 5X rewards.
- Utility Bills: Use credit cards indirectly via Amazon Pay to earn points on bill payments.
- Foreign Spends: Use Magnus Burgundy or Citi Prestige for lower forex charges and high reward rates.
On-the-Ground Spending in Japan
- Payment Methods:
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and stores.
- Cash: Necessary for train tickets and smaller shops. Carry yen or exchange USD locally.
- Forex Cards: Avoid due to poor reward rates compared to credit cards.
- Tips:
- Use MasterCard variants (e.g., Axis Magnus) for transactions on certain Japanese platforms.
- Apps like Klook allow pre-booking train tickets and attractions, earning points on spends.
Inspiration from Our Guests
Dhimant and Niranjan’s stories showcase the power of points and miles to unlock luxurious experiences, from staying at Swissôtel Osaka to enjoying seamless flights with United and Avianca Lifemiles. Their journeys prove that strategic planning and the right tools can make even the most ambitious travel dreams come true.
Start your points and miles journey today, and who knows—you could be planning your own dream trip to Japan sooner than you think! Don’t forget to subscribe to The Great Indian Points and Miles Show for more insider tips and inspiring travel stories.