We used chase points towards hyatt- but you HAVE to book early as they're limited!
Hotels, ryokans, and Airbnbs fill quickly, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossoms, Golden Week, and autumn foliage.
Book 3–6 months in advance to get top-rated hotels and unique stays. Flexible cancellation policies are helpful if your itinerary changes. Websites like Expedia.com Rakuten Travel, and Airbnb are all reliable, with plenty of reviews for decision-making.
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.