#9 Japan isn’t just a destination for me it’s a feeling.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 25 reasons why I keep going back to Japan, and why it continues to feel like the one place in the world that truly clicks for me. From the respectful culture and quiet public spaces to the small details that make everyday life feel intentional Japan just does things differently.

I’ll talk about my biggest personal goal visiting all 47 prefectures and why I want to experience each one slowly, learning what makes them unique instead of rushing through cities. You’ll hear how the country’s attention to detail shows up in everything: the spotless streets, the way cashiers carefully bag your items, even how Shinkansen seats are turned to face the direction of travel.

We’ll go over the little things that make Japan so memorable onsen hot springs, convenience stores that actually serve good food, fun station jingles, vending machines everywhere, and the incredible sense of safety that lets you wander freely at any hour.

There’s also something beautiful about how Japan celebrates every season from cherry blossoms and fireworks festivals to autumn leaves and winter lights. Every visit feels like a new story, and every detail feels like it was designed with care.

Whether you’ve been to Japan before or you’re planning your first trip, this episode is a reminder of why so many people fall in love with it and why, for me, it’ll always be worth going back.

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

#8 Ever see a big credit card bonus and think, “There’s no way I could spend that much in three months”? You’re not alone. When I first started learning about points and miles, I felt the same way. But the truth is, most of us already spend enough each month we just need to use that spending more strategically.

In this episode, I break down ten simple and realistic ways to hit your credit card’s minimum spend without overspending or going into debt. These are everyday expenses like groceries, subscriptions, and bills that you’re probably already paying for. With a little organization and timing, you can turn them into free travel and valuable points that make trips to Japan and beyond possible.

I also share how I personally approach this process through budgeting, tracking, and planning ahead for major expenses like when my wife and I bought an e-bike, started preparing for our first baby, and began the home-buying process. These moments all became opportunities to earn big signup bonuses without changing how we live or overspending.

You’ll also hear why timing matters. From holiday shopping to upcoming travel, knowing when to apply for a new card can make hitting a minimum spend much easier. Plus, I’ll talk about responsible ways to use business expenses or even group dinners with friends to your advantage, while still staying within your budget.

This episode is about being intentional with your money not chasing every point or overcomplicating things, but simply making the most of what you already spend.

Episode Minute by Minute

0:00 – 1:00 The dream of traveling to Japan every year and how Rewarding Routes began
1:00 – 3:00 Understanding minimum spend and how to break it down by month
3:00 – 7:00 Tracking your spending and starting with easy wins like subscriptions and household expenses
7:00 – 9:00 Prepaying insurance and using medical expenses to hit bonus goals
9:00 – 12:00 Business expenses, estimated taxes, and opening cards strategically
12:00 – 15:00 Real examples: e-bike purchase, home buying, and major life expenses
15:00 – 17:00 Holiday and travel spending—how to make them work for you
17:00 – 19:00 Paying for group dinners and shared experiences to accelerate spending
19:00 – 20:00 Final thoughts on budgeting, staying within your means, and what’s next for Rewarding Routes

If you’ve ever thought a credit card bonus was out of reach, this episode will show you how achievable it really is with a clear plan and the right mindset. By focusing on the expenses you already have and tracking them intentionally, you can earn those valuable bonuses without stress and use them to travel more often and more meaningfully.

Whether you’re brand new to points and miles or already building your own rewarding route, this episode will give you a practical framework to turn everyday spending into travel opportunities.

Let’s keep building your rewarding route, one trip at a time.

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

#7 Flying to Japan with points and miles can feel like navigating a maze but once you figure it out, it’s like unlocking a secret travel advantage that lets you go back again and again without overspending. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I book flights to Japan using points the same approach that’s allowed me to make Japan travel a yearly tradition.

Before diving into all the redemptions and routes, I start with how I personally plan each trip. I always begin with the flights they shape everything else, from where I go to how long I stay. Japan travel is in high demand right now, which makes finding business class award seats tough, but not impossible. I’ll show you how I’ve found both business and economy flights using points, while keeping flexibility and value in mind.

We’ll begin with Tokyo’s two main airports Haneda (HND), my preferred choice thanks to its Edo Marketplace and proximity to central Tokyo, and Narita (NRT), which is farther out but remains a major international hub. From there, I’ll cover other airports like Osaka (KIX), Nagoya (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), and Sapporo (CTS), plus the best ways to connect domestically using Peach, Jetstar, or even the Shinkansen.

One of the most powerful strategies I share is how to use positioning flights. These short domestic or regional hops can connect you to the best-value long-haul routes. I’ll explain how I use FlightConnections to visualize every nonstop route into Tokyo, find hidden opportunities, and plan efficient routes that save both miles and cash.

Then, I walk through the airlines and programs I’ve used or researched extensively, breaking down what actually works in practice:

• ANA (All Nippon Airways) via Amex Membership Rewards or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Japan Airlines (JAL) via Bilt, Citi, Capital One, or Amex
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and British Airways Avios for additional OneWorld redemptions
• Budget and alternative routes like ZIPAIR, EVA Air, Starlux, and Korean Air for creative options across Asia

Throughout the episode, I share my own redemptions from flying United Polaris business class when Japan reopened to using Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic for affordable economy flights. You’ll hear what worked best, what I’d do differently, and how these lessons are shaping my future trips.

To wrap up, I share the tools and resources I rely on most to search for award availability and plan smarter:

• FlightConnections
  — visualize nonstop routes and plan positioning flights
• Seats.aero
  — search award availability across airlines
• Point.Me
  — compare redemption options and transfer partners
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
  — get alerts on points deals and flight discounts
• Roame.Travel
  — live award searches with built-in transfer partner details

https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

If keeping track of all the transfer partners sounds overwhelming, I’ve created a simple resource to make it easier. You can download my Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet directly from my Stan Store:
https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

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