Choice Privileges has just gutted one of the most popular hotel points sweet spots: affordable award nights in Japan. As of mid-June 2026, many Choice hotels in Japan—especially in Tokyo—now require dramatically more points per night, with some properties jumping from 8,000 to over 20,000 points, a 200% increase.
Our Take
Bad news for Japan-bound points travelers. This is a major blow for anyone who’s been using Choice Privileges points to unlock affordable stays in Japan, especially in expensive cities like Tokyo. By our valuation (0.6¢/point), a typical Tokyo night that used to cost ~$48 in points now costs $120 or more—a huge loss of value.
What Changed
- Award rates at many Japan Choice hotels increased, some by up to 200%
- Tokyo properties especially affected; many now price at 16,000–24,000 points (was 8,000)
- Change effective June 14, 2026
- Not all Japan hotels affected, but the best-value options are mostly gone
Who Benefits Most
- Choice Privileges members who booked Japan stays before June 14: If you locked in reservations at the old rates, you’re sitting on outsized value—an 8,000-point night is now worth up to $144 at our 0.6¢/pt estimate.
- Travelers with flexible plans: Some non-Tokyo Japanese cities still have lower award rates—if you can shift your itinerary, you might still find value.
- Choice elite members with free night certificates: If your certs work at higher-priced properties, you may get more value per certificate now (but only if you can use them at the new, pricier hotels).
Who Should Be Cautious
- Anyone planning a Tokyo trip using Choice points: Expect to pay double or triple the points for the same hotels—what was once a $48/night redemption now costs $96–$144+ in points.
- Travelers who were saving points for Japan: The value proposition for saving up Choice points for Japan is now much weaker; you may want to look at other destinations or programs.
- Points maximizers: If you chase the best cents-per-point value, this devaluation means you’ll get much less for your stash in Japan.
What To Do Right Now
- Check any existing Choice Privileges bookings in Japan—if you reserved before June 14, keep those reservations or consider modifying dates if allowed.
- If you were planning a Japan trip, re-calculate the points needed and compare against cash rates—some redemptions may no longer make sense.
- Consider using your Choice points for other regions or brands where value remains strong.
- If you have a Choice Privileges Mastercard, re-evaluate your earning and redemption strategy in light of these changes.
