You folks have been wonderful and I think you convinced my wife to change our plans. So let me impose some more!

I have Diamond Elite with Hyatt, Platinum with Starwood and Diamond with Hilton. I have many more Starwood points. I also have Marriott points so I would also consider the Ritz Carltons in either Tokyo or Osaka. We used them to stay at the Ritz in Central Park, NY and only had to pay $100 for daily Club Access - an amazing bargain. I have already sent emails to Ritz to ask if the same would be available in Japan. Hyatt and Hilton Diamond are nice since they gets me free breakfasts.

Okay so first of all, Kyoto or Osaka - or does it matter?

Second - Throw some hotels at me that you think would be great in each city- we will probably use points for almost everything altho the Kyoto Hyatt Regency seems very cheap and it may pay to use cash.

My sense from the above posts is to start with 3-4 nights in Tokyo, 4-5 nights in either Osaka or Kyoto and do day-trips from there.

I know I have a lot of research to do - fortunately, I have about 9 months to do it. But the advice from people on FT is invaluable to get one started in the right direction and you have all been wonderful. I am very grateful.

Right now ANA flights are all listed on their seach engine as Wait-Listed. Not sure what that means and what the chances are of it opening up. I do see flights available in Business on Air Canada - short flight from NYC and then a long flight on AC. The Business Class seats look wonderful. If anyone has insight on the Wait-List situation, that would be great too.

Happy New Year!