#16 In this episode of Rewarding Routes, I break down how Hyatt hotels in Tokyo and a few around Japan can turn your Chase Ultimate Rewards® and Bilt points into real nights on the ground. Recorded in December 2025, I walk through how Hyatt’s fixed award chart works today, why it often delivers better value than dynamic hotel programs, and what kind of cents-per-point you can expect at both affordable and luxury properties.

We go station by station through Tokyo, covering options like Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho, Hyatt Centric Ginza, Andaz Tokyo, Hotel Toranomon Hills, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt House Shibuya, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay, and Hyatt Regency Yokohama— lus real examples from our own stays. I also share how a single 60k signup bonus can translate into multiple free nights, and a few standout Hyatts across Japan that are worth keeping on your radar for future trips.

If you want to make Japan travel more affordable, more frequent, and more flexible, this episode gives you a simple breakdown of how Hyatt points can help you build your own rewarding route one trip at a time.

Links Mentioned

Hyatt Award Chart
https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/rewards/free-nights-upgrades.html

Tokyo’s BRAND NEW Hyatt Hotel | Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho – Let’s Get to the Points
https://youtu.be/j7MenRvNgzU?si=Ecm6DC93HWfcKWWB

Hyatt Centric Ginza – Max Miles Points
https://youtu.be/IM-leBd_YEg?si=fDSIiyWpEMb1Kd9n

Kill Bill–Inspired Restaurant (Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu)
https://gonpachi.jp/nishi-azabu/

Park Hyatt Tokyo Official Reopening – The Points Guy
https://thepointsguy.com/news/park-hyatt-tokyo-officially-reopened/

NEW Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya – Sebby Fung
https://youtu.be/tc-rFYwLW1Q?si=pwOgS8KX-nbphQTK

Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay (clip at 9:25) – Rai Voyages
https://youtu.be/LtiF0N3RP_U?si=urPQ617JYyzQc807

Hotel Toranomon Hills | Unbound Collection by Hyatt – Sebby Fung
https://youtu.be/T92tj8HL5Z8?si=_LigyVO_TSwiI0An

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Review – Max Miles Points
https://youtu.be/pHb9pG7i9zo?si=pGZ7SwPwA3g66DKh

Park Hyatt Kyoto Review – Max Miles Points
https://youtu.be/VOsFFm7YWmQ?si=IKRvTFRQfZgf6SGi

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#15 Tokyo is the world’s largest city, and choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I break down a curated set of key neighborhoods to help you pick the best area based on your travel style, budget, and vibe.

We talk about energy levels, train access, room sizes, food, nightlife, shopping, and what each area is best known for. Whether you want neon lights, quiet cultural streets, luxury shopping, or family-friendly space, there’s a perfect Tokyo neighborhood for you.

Neighborhoods Covered

• Shinjuku – High energy, nightlife, shopping, busiest station in the world
• Shibuya – Iconic crossing, food, shopping, big modern city feel
• Tokyo Station / Ginza – Super connected, clean, walkable, upscale, bullet train hub
• Asakusa – Traditional Tokyo, temples, street food, relaxing pace
• Tokyo Bay / Odaiba – Bigger rooms, family-friendly, theme parks, museums

What You’ll Learn

• Why staying near a major train line (especially the Yamanote Line) makes everything easier
• How neighborhoods differ in convenience, energy, and room size
• Which areas fit first-timers, couples, families, and culture-focused travelers
• How the right location can totally transform your trip experience
• How this episode connects to the next two episodes on using Chase points and booking Hyatts in these areas

Extra Resources

Preview each neighborhood with these highly recommended videos.

Tokyo Neighborhood Guides
• Where to Stay in Tokyo | Best Places in the City — Only in Japan GO
https://www.youtube.com/live/Ty4t7w9XVgw?si=tuEmzESX-_NxwcXO

• Where to Stay in Tokyo: Top Areas For Your Next Trip — Tokyo Cheapo
https://youtu.be/ht4XlHnRdIc?si=nTDSoOcL3pit12qn

Walking Tours (4K HDR)
• Shinjuku Summer Night Walk — 4K Japan
https://youtu.be/ohlzQNCpT7M?si=OHIBjUGyJkNl4Gfy

• Shibuya Evening Walking Tour — 4K Japan
https://youtu.be/GJYf8CCcu7g?si=hl-a6Kb38Lfa8pg-

• Ginza to Tokyo Station Night Walk — 4K Japan
https://youtu.be/0nl7CidoUeY?si=jMf_urZ4FZtZio3m

• Asakusa Evening Walk — 4K Japan
https://youtu.be/K7liuaTVM7I?si=YC-qzCZjsIAKBkZl

• Tokyo Bay Waterfront Walk — 4K Japan
https://youtu.be/hkcnx1CN6RI?si=fOmfuq5Zqyxl80f1

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

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→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

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#14 In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-part mini-series all about how I use Chase Ultimate Rewards® to turn everyday spending into trips to Japan and beyond. I walk through why Chase is the bank I’ve relied on for most of my hotel stays, how I think about flexible points vs. co-branded cards, and why Hyatt is the star of the show for my style of travel.

You’ll hear how Chase fits into my real life, to using Southwest for positioning flights out of Orlando and how I’m adjusting my strategy with a baby on the way. I also share what’s changed recently with Chase’s rules (including the Sapphire “once per lifetime” bonus and 5/24), plus some of the tools and habits I use to stay organized without getting overwhelmed.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Chase Ultimate Rewards are and why flexible points matter
• Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners, and why I’m so loyal to Hyatt
• The 5/24 rule, what counts, what doesn’t, and how I track it with the Travel Freely app
• The “Chase Trifecta”: Freedom Flex℠, Freedom Unlimited®, and Sapphire Preferred® / Sapphire Reserve®
• How I’ve used Chase points for high-value hotel stays in Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, and around the U.S.
• Chase Ink business cards, why they’re so powerful, and why you don’t need a huge business to get started
• Using referrals and a “Player 2” strategy to earn even more points together
• Co-branded options with United, Southwest, World of Hyatt, and more and how they fit into my bigger plan
• When I downgrade cards instead of canceling, and how that can actually help your credit profile
• A quick preview of Part 2 (where to stay in Tokyo) and Part 3 (Hyatt hotels in Tokyo & around Japan you can book with Chase points)

Links mentioned in this episode

• How to complete a Chase business credit card application (The Points Guy):
  https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/how-to-complete-chase-business-credit-card-application/
  
  
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card. Learn more:
  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/18s/9CW2RA0SQW
  
  
• Sapphire Reserve® or Sapphire Preferred® – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for either card:
  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/HI7L7GXYA2
  
  
• Sapphire Reserve for Business®, Ink Business Unlimited®, or Ink Business Cash® – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card:
  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21a/TTH7YQHJJE
  
  
• Any Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Credit Card – I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card:
  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226c/E7NIVDKYLM
  
  
• YouTube: “Chase 48 Month Rule Gone?” by Ben Hedges
  https://youtu.be/9sBPZUS_ZxU?si=JvsEV_4_8IejjBwo
  
  

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