Making best use of Platinum benefits for hotel bookings in Japan

[bowenm187]

I am travelling to Japan for 3 weeks in November and starting to look at accommodation. Rough itinerary is Osaka, Sapporo and Tokyo with some locations off the beaten track.
I have a platinum card and am trying to determine how best to use the benefits including hotel loyalty or whether I should just use regular search approaches.
For most of the nights I will be looking for a budget of £100-150 and would consider doubling that for a few special locations.
So far the Amex travel site seems to capture a wide range of hotels and includes the Fine Hotels and Resorts. It also gives extra reward points.
Are there any tips for making bookings e.g. pre-pay or pay at hotel. Better options than Amex travel.
I currently am not collecting hotel rewards. Main airmiles are Avios although I am wanting to collect Krisflyer points also.
Also are there any specific recommendation for hotels in those towns (realising that Tokyo has many areas)
I will be arriving into Osaka and departing HND on morning ANA flight

[hw-99]

Not hotel related, but if you still have some of your abroad dining credits available. I can really recommended Amex’s pocket concierge. Had an amazing dinner for two in Tokyo off the back of the aforementioned at KIRAMEKI.

Booking process was easy, received the credit back to the card within a few days. And any extras like drinks were charged to the Amex without having to present any payment on the night. One of the highlights of the trip.