u/alphabeatdrivingbmw

(please treat this like a redemption puzzle and roast my strategy if needed 😅)

Trip window: June 6 – June 18 (approx)

traveling with my wife. so it’s a 2pax trip.

Route: Delhi → Tokyo, and planning Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka

Current stash:

- Axis Magnus Burgundy: 120k
- Axis Atlas: 70k miles
- HDFC Biz Power: 80k
- Kotak Solitaire: 30k
- JAL Mileage Bank: 100k miles (transferred from M4B)
- Amex Plat Travel: 250k MR
- Accor: 15k points

What I’ve found so far:

✅ JAL Business Class looks like the best flight sweet spot so far
- Seeing options around 50k–70k JAL miles one-way for 1 pax depending on dates/cabin availability

❌ Hotels are where I’m struggling
- Marriott route via Amex is looking pretty weak for my dates (barely seeing meaningful redemption value)
- Axis → Accor is dead now 😭 so that easy hotel route is gone

Goals:

- Best value DEL → Tokyo redemption (economy / premium economy / business all open, but leaning business if value is solid)
- Good hotel redemptions or transfer strategies for:
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka

Questions for the experts:

1. Would you burn 100k JAL miles on flights immediately or save some for something smarter?
2. Best use of 250k Amex MR here? Airline > hotel?
3. Which hotel programs are actually useful for Japan right now from India-issued cards?
4. Best areas to stay for a first timer?
   - Tokyo?
   - Kyoto?
   - Osaka?

Also welcome:
- Shinkansen/JR pass hacks
- Airport transfer hacks
- Food recommendations
- “Don’t make this mistake in Japan” wisdom

If this was your points balance, what would you book first