Hong Kong and Japan: A Combined Effort

In December 2015, Mom, Dad and I traveled to Hong Kong for two nights, and then to Japan for 8 nights. The idea was mine, but Dad was integral to the vision, and execution. Mom was along for the ride. The following is a re-cap of miles, points, free nights, and cash used.

United Airlines: Rapid City – Denver – Newark (Economy)

• 37,500 United miles + $16 total for 3 passengers

British Airways Galleries Lounge – Newark (Access with Cathay Pacific Business ticket)

• Impressive selection of snacks and drinks

(British Airways Galleries Lounge – Newark Airport)

Cathay Pacific: Newark to Hong Kong (Business)

• 110,000 American Airlines miles for 2 passengers (received 10,000 miles back as benefit of Barclays Aviator credit card) + $11
• 50,000 Alaska Airlines miles for my ticket + $44
• Lie-flat seats + amazing food and service

(Mom and Dad enjoying champagne before takeoff on Cathay Pacific – EWR – HKG)

Cathay Pacific Arrivals Lounge

• Shower + Snacks and Caffeine

Intercontinental Hong Kong

• Free Night Certificate (from Into the Nights promotion)
• $85 per night upgrade to Harbourview Room

(Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak)

Intercontinental Hong Kong

• Free Night Certificate (from Into the Nights promotion)

The Wing: A Cathay Pacific lounge

• Coffee Bar, Noodle Bar, Sandwiches and Pastries

G16: A DragonAir lounge

• On par with American lounges

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong to Narita (Business)

• 40,000 British Airways avios for 2 passengers + $43
• 0 miles for me: Newark to HKG included this segment. HKG was my stopover.

(Appetizers on Cathay Pacific – HKG – Narita)

Intercontinental Tokyo Bay

• Free Night Certificate (from IHG credit card)
• View of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay

Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto

• $112 per person
• Mt. Fuji smiled at us

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

• 20,000 of Dad’s points
• + $101 per night for third person

(Zen garden in Kyoto)

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

• 20,000 of Dad’s points

Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya +

Limited Express train from Nagoya to Nagano

• $92 total per person

Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan – Nagano

• $161
• Traditional Japanese guesthouse with futons on floor

(Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani – outside Nagano)

Shinkansen from Nagano to Tokyo

• $67 per person

Conrad Tokyo

• Free Weekend Night Certificate (from Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve credit card) + $71 per night for third person
• Access to Executive Lounge (free breakfast, afternoon tea and snacks, and cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres)
• View of Tokyo Bay from room

(Breakfast at Conrad Tokyo)

Conrad Tokyo

• Free Weekend Night Certificate (from Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve credit card)

(Tsukiji Fish Market – Tokyo)

Park Hyatt Tokyo

• Dad’s Free Night Certificate (from Hyatt credit card) + $153 per night for third person
• Classy + Great Views

(Sunset from room at Park Hyatt Tokyo)

Park Hyatt Tokyo

• Dad’s Free Night Certificate (from Hyatt credit card)
• Lost in Translation filmed at this hotel

(Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – Tokyo)

Delta Airlines: Tokyo – Detroit – Minneapolis – Rapid City

• 105,000 Delta miles + $136 total for 3 passengers
• $170 per person to upgrade Tokyo – Detroit segment to Economy Comfort (bulkhead seats)
• Disappointing service and food on Tokyo – Detroit segment

All in all: a memorable trip!

(Menus from Cathay Pacific – EWR – HKG)