Three flight segments. Prices are per person, estimated for June 2026 (peak summer) based on current market data. A multi-city ticket (LAX→HND→HKG→LAX) often prices better than three one-ways — final quotes depend on booking date.
335,000 Membership Rewards is serious firepower for this trip. Here are three ways to deploy them — click your favorite. Transfer partners are much more valuable than cashing out at 1¢/point.
All three options keep you close to your family at The Peninsula (Marunouchi/Hibiya area) — walkable for meals and meetups. Rates are per night for 2 adults, June 2026 estimates.
Tokyo's deepest luxury bench is in the Marunouchi/Otemachi/Hibiya pocket — these all sit within 10–15 min on foot of The Peninsula.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (Nihonbashi · ~12 min walk · Mt Fuji views, 3 Michelin restaurants on-site, $900–$1,400) is also a strong option if you want the most dining variety inside the hotel.
For a first-timer visit with family, a Tsim Sha Tsui / Kowloon harbor-view stay delivers the most "wow" — you see the skyline from your window and the Symphony of Lights happens nightly at 8pm.
HK has possibly the deepest luxury hotel bench on earth. Any of these four would be a trip-defining stay.
A flexible skeleton for the 4 days — designed to impress first-time visitors (your family) while feeling fresh to you both. Click activities to "star" them.
Tokyo's oldest temple (645 AD) · wander Nakamise street
Tamagoyaki, uni, strawberry mochi — grazing paradise
Immersive barefoot art experience — wild for family
360° rooftop observation deck · sunset slot is magic
Scramble from Starbucks overlook, then izakaya hop in Nonbei Yokocho
Forest shrine walk · then Takeshita Street kitsch
Tokyo's architectural "Champs-Élysées" — luxury shopping
Traditional experience for family · ~90 min
3-Michelin-star — proprietor trained under Jiro
Michelin-starred tempura legend · lighter luxury
Nightcap above Hibiya · Imperial Palace skyline views
Onsen, Mt Fuji views, the "round trip" pass
Great Buddha, coastal temples, easier than Hakone
Depachika food halls + under-the-tracks yakitori alleys
Charming if you've never been · tickets sell out fast
Traditional multi-course Japanese — memorable send-off
A compact first-timer arc — skyline, harbor, food, and a "wow" day trip. Star the ones you love.
Nightly light show over Victoria Harbour from TST Promenade
Michelin-recommended roast goose/pork — HK classic
Go early — local morning institution
Best panorama in the city — go mid-morning, avoid lines
World's longest outdoor escalator · SoHo cafes · street art
Incense-filled 1847 temple — short stop, big atmosphere
Crossing the harbor at sunset · $0.50/ride · iconic
Contemporary Cantonese · great for a group
Cable car (crystal cabin!) to Tian Tan Buddha + Po Lin Monastery
Stilt houses, dried seafood, 'Venice of HK' · pair with Lantau
Seafood lunch on the pier, coastal hike · calmer alt to Lantau
The original Peninsula · 1928 iconic lobby · book ahead
Street food, fortune tellers, kitsch · very Hong Kong
3-Michelin-star Cantonese @ Four Seasons · harbor views
World's highest bar (118F) — nightcap w/ skyline views
Both Japan and HK are visa-free for US passport holders for short stays. Passport must have 6+ months validity past return (Sep 21, 2026). Double-check both passports ASAP.
Add the Welcome Suica to your iPhone Wallet BEFORE you land. Tap into any train/bus. Valid 180 days (vs. 28 for plastic). No airport line.
Grab one at HKG arrivals. Used for MTR, Star Ferry, 7-Eleven, convenience stores. Tourist version doesn't require a deposit.
Japan still loves cash — bring ¥30,000–¥50,000 to start. Hong Kong is more card-friendly, but small restaurants & markets are cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven work for both.
Tokyo: warm & humid, rainy season (tsuyu) — pack small umbrella + light layers. Hong Kong: hot (80–90°F), humid, occasional thunderstorms. Linen, breathable fabrics.
Japan = Type A plug, 100V (US plugs fit, but lower voltage). HK = Type G (UK 3-pin). Grab a cheap UK adapter for HK only.
Airalo or Ubigi eSIM — ~$15–25 for 10 GB across both countries. Set it up before you leave.
Michelin sushi/omakase books 30–100 days out. TeamLab Planets, Ghibli Museum, Shibuya Sky sunset — all should be booked before you fly.
Book LAX–HND–HKG–LAX as one multi-city ticket on JAL/Cathay (oneworld) — easier than 3 separate tickets for baggage + status credit.
Tokyo is 16h ahead of LA. Land in the morning & stay awake until 9pm local. Sunlight + Shibuya walk = best reset.
Japan: don't tip, it's awkward. Hong Kong: 10% service charge is usually included — leave small change if it was great.
Consider Allianz or World Nomads — ~$100-200 for trip. Peak summer typhoon/weather disruption + medical abroad is worth covering.
All-in estimated totals for 2 people, 8 nights, excluding shopping. Mix tiers freely — e.g. budget flights + luxury Peninsula stay is a great combo.
| Category | Comfortable | Refined | Iconic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (all 3 segments, 2 pax) | ~$3,000 | ~$8,500 | ~$24,000 |
| Tokyo hotel (4 nights) | ~$1,500 | ~$3,000 | ~$7,200 |
| HK hotel (3 nights) | ~$1,000 | ~$2,700 | ~$4,500 |
| Food (8 days, 2 pax) | ~$1,200 | ~$2,800 | ~$5,500 |
| Activities & transit | ~$500 | ~$900 | ~$1,500 |
| TOTAL (2 pax, 8 nights) | ~$7,200 | ~$17,900 | ~$42,700 |
Pro mix-and-match: "comfortable flights + refined hotels + one splurge dinner in each city" keeps you around $10-13K total and still feels incredibly memorable.