For years, Choice Privileges points have offered exceptional value for hotel stays in Japan, with many properties available for just 8,000 points per night. That sweet spot is now gone: as of mid-June 2026, Choice has sharply increased award rates at many Japan hotels—some by as much as 200%. Tokyo redemptions are especially affected, making award travel to Japan notably pricier for points enthusiasts.
Our Take
Bad news for Japan-bound points travelers. This is a major blow for anyone who relied on Choice Privileges points for affordable Japan stays. The 8,000-point sweet spot was one of the best values in hotel points, and with some properties now costing up to 24,000 points per night, the math simply doesn’t work for most travelers. If you’ve been eyeing a Japan trip, you’ll need to rethink your hotel strategy.
What Changed
- Award rates at many Japan hotels increased, effective mid-June 2026
- Some properties in Tokyo and other major cities jumped from 8,000 → 24,000 points per night (up to 200% increase)
- Not all properties were affected, but the most popular destinations saw the steepest hikes
- No advance notice was given to members
Who Benefits Most
- Travelers who booked Japan Choice hotels before June 2026: If you locked in reservations at the old 8,000-point rate, you’re saving up to 16,000 points per night—worth ~$96 per night at our 0.6¢/point valuation.
- Choice Privileges members with flexible travel plans: Some less popular or regional properties may still offer decent value if their rates didn’t increase as much.
- Travelers with large Choice point balances and no alternative redemption plans: You can still find value outside Japan, but it’s less compelling for Asia trips now.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Points travelers planning Japan trips: With Tokyo hotels now costing up to 24,000 points/night (~$144 in value), the economics are much less attractive compared to cash rates or other points programs.
- Anyone considering transferring points to Choice: Transferring from Citi, Wells Fargo, or Amex to Choice for Japan redemptions no longer makes sense for most travelers.
- Travelers who wait to book: Award rates can change without notice—delaying bookings risks even higher rates or less availability.
What To Do Right Now
- Check any existing Choice Privileges reservations for Japan—if you booked at the old rate, do not modify them.
- If you have flexible plans, look for less affected properties in smaller Japanese cities.
- Reconsider transferring points to Choice for Japan—look at Hyatt, Marriott, or cash rates instead.
- Monitor Choice Privileges news for further changes, as dynamic pricing is likely to continue.
