How the Sorachika Route Works to Efficiently Accumulate Miles

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0900

For land milers, direct transfers of reward points to airline miles is a rookie mistake. Historically, the “Sorachika Route” was the gold standard for high-rate transfers. We explain why direct transfers hurt and map out today’s best replacement routes (e.g. JQ Mizuho Route).

The Loss of Direct Transfers

Directly exchanging points from a reward site to ANA or JAL miles usually yields a mediocre 50% conversion rate (e.g. 10,000 points = 5,000 miles). By utilizing smart hub routes, you can boost this rate to 70% to 75%+.

Best Credit Cards for Earning Miles: A Guide for Land Milers

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:20:00 +0900

Accumulating frequent flyer miles through daily shopping instead of flying is a strategy known in Japan as “Land Miling” (陸マイラー). Choosing the right high-yield mileage card is vital to make this work. We compare the best credit cards for earning ANA and JAL miles.

How to Choose a Mileage Card

Mile Conversion Rate: How efficiently earned reward points transfer to airline miles.
Annual Fees vs. Conversion Fees: Calculating the total cost to maintain the mileage program.
Flight Bonuses: Extra bonus miles granted upon boarding flights.

Top Mileage Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Amex Premium: Transfers to over 40 airlines (including ANA/JAL) at rates up to 1.25%. The gold standard for travelers.
ANA Wide Gold Card: The default choice for ANA lovers, offering fee-free transfers at a 1.0% rate.
JAL CLUB-A Gold Card: The essential card for JAL lovers, automatically including the Shopping Mile Premium option.

Miles on MLI Pay

How the Sorachika Route Works to Efficiently Accumulate Miles

The Loss of Direct Transfers

Best Credit Cards for Earning Miles: A Guide for Land Milers

How to Choose a Mileage Card

Top Mileage Credit Cards