#22 How much do you really need to save for a trip to Japan?

This is one of the most common questions I see from people planning their first trip and the honest answer is that there’s no single number that fits everyone. Every Japan trip looks different depending on your travel style, priorities, and what you value most.

In this episode, I break down the real world costs of traveling in Japan by walking through the major spending categories you’ll encounter, from everyday expenses once you land to experiences, transportation, food, and the smaller costs people often forget to plan for. The goal isn’t to give you a strict budget, but to provide a clear baseline framework so you can confidently decide how much you should save for your trip.

We also talk about why Japan can feel surprisingly affordable, how points and miles can remove the biggest barriers to visiting more than once, and why you shouldn’t cut back on the things you already know will matter most to you. To bring it all together, I share a real example from a recent 17-day trip to South Korea and Japan to show how these numbers can play out in real life.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, this episode is meant to help you plan smarter, set realistic expectations, and build a Japan itinerary that actually feels rewarding.

Episode Highlights

• Why there’s no “correct” amount to save for a Japan trip
• How to think about your budget based on what you value most
• Why now can be an affordable time to travel to Japan
• The biggest costs to consider first (and how points & miles help)
• Everyday expenses once you land, including phone service and luggage forwarding
• What food actually costs in Japan, from budget eats to special experiences
• Paid vs free activities and how to balance both
• How transportation works, including trains, IC cards, and the Shinkansen
• Why shopping is the hardest category to budget for
• Common unexpected expenses travelers forget to plan for
• Simple budget frameworks for different travel styles
• A real-world breakdown of a 17-day Japan & Korea trip

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#21 In this episode, I break down Bilt 2.0 what changed, why it matters, and why it’s causing so much confusion in the points and miles world right now.

I start by revisiting why the original Bilt card worked so well, especially for people just getting into points and miles, and why Bilt decided to completely rethink the system. On the surface, Bilt 2.0 looks like a big upgrade especially with mortgages now included but once you look closer, things get complicated fast.

What I Cover in This Episode

• Why the original Bilt card was such a game-changer
• What Bilt 2.0 is trying to solve and where it gets messy
• A high level look at the three new Bilt cards launching February 7th
• Which card caught my attention (and which ones didn’t)
• A personal update on a card I applied for and how that turned out

The Big Question

The biggest shift with Bilt 2.0 is how you earn points on rent and mortgage. There’s a new system involved, more than one way to earn, and even Bilt made changes shortly after the announcement. I walk through the logic behind it so you can understand what’s going on without needing to be deep in the weeds.

My Honest Take

I wrap things up with who Bilt 2.0 might actually make sense for, who should probably skip it, and why you don’t need to feel pressure to jump in just because everyone else is talking about it.

If you’ve been wondering whether Bilt is still worth it, or how Bilt 2.0 might (or might not) fit into your own points strategy, this episode will help you think it through without the hype.

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#20

2026 is a year of transition for us, and this episode is about how travel fits into that change. Rather than locking in a packed calendar or chasing big redemptions, this year is about slowing down, planning intentionally and letting travel evolve alongside life.

In this episode, I share a real time look at how I’m thinking about travel during a season where flexibility matters more than ever. Travel isn’t stopping it’s simply taking on a new shape. One that feels more aligned with where we are right now, and one that prioritizes sustainability, confidence and enjoyment over pressure or perfection.

This conversation isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about learning how to move forward when things feel uncertain, how to make space for change, and how travel can still play an important role even when priorities shift. Instead of focusing on exact plans or rigid timelines, this episode focuses on mindset, decision-making and the thought process behind keeping travel possible during a year of transition.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why we’re keeping our 2026 travel plans loose and intentionally simple, and how removing pressure actually makes planning easier and more enjoyable
• How points and miles become more valuable during years when priorities shift, not as a way to chase luxury, but as a tool for flexibility and peace of mind
• The mindset change from “maximizing trips” to building confidence through manageable travel, especially during seasons where energy, time, and focus look different
• How domestic trips help set the foundation for bigger travel later in the year, serving as learning experiences rather than checklists
• Why planning without pressure can actually lead to better experiences, fewer regrets, and more meaningful memories
• How this season is shaping the future direction of the podcast, with a stronger focus on learning in real time and sharing the journey honestly

This episode isn’t about exact itineraries or locked-in plans. It’s about the process behind planning travel during change, using points and miles as a flexibility tool, and allowing yourself to learn as you go instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t need to look the same every year to still be meaningful.

If travel feels different for you right now whether because of family, finances, career changes, or life in general this episode is meant to meet you where you are. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t have to stop when life changes. Sometimes it just needs to adapt, slow down, and take on a new rhythm.

2026 is a learning year.
Travel will evolve.
And that’s still a rewarding route.

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#19 This episode is a little different.

Instead of focusing on points, miles, or Japan, I’m sharing where my mind is right now one month before becoming a dad. As our family grows from two to three, I wanted to pause and record what this moment feels like before everything changes.

In this episode, I talk openly about the excitement, nerves, fears, and mindset shifts that come with preparing to travel as a family for the first time. Travel has always been a huge part of our lives, and rather than letting it disappear, we’re learning how it might evolve.

I share my thoughts on slowing down, adjusting expectations, traveling at a different pace, and why mindset, teamwork, and flexibility matter more than ever. This is also an episode I hope to look back on in the future to see what I got right, what I didn’t expect, and how we’ve grown along the way.

If you’re a new parent, an expecting parent, or someone wondering if travel is “over” once kids enter the picture, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Recording this moment before becoming a parent
• How travel will likely change with a child
• Slowing down and traveling with intention
• Fears around exhaustion, uncertainty, and the unknown
• Responding to the idea that “travel is over” after kids
• Why mindset and teamwork matter more than perfect plans
• How points and miles can still make yearly travel possible
• What future family travel might look like
• Why documenting this journey matters to me

This episode isn’t about having all the answers it’s about being honest, staying curious, and choosing to move forward with a positive mindset.

Thanks for being here and allowing me to share this chapter with you.

As always, keep building your rewarding route.

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#18 In this episode, I misspoke about the Lapras Pokémon Park. I was referring to the second Lapras park opening in 2026. The first Lapras park was built in Miyagi Prefecture that’s my mistake.

Japan is heading into a big year in 2026, and if you’re planning a trip, there are some important changes (and exciting openings) you’ll want to know about.

In this episode, I break down what’s coming for Japan travel in 2026, including money, taxes, arrival updates, transportation tips, new attractions, and how to think about crowds without letting social media scare you off.

Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, this episode is about planning smarter and enjoying Japan for what it is.

Money & Taxes

• The yen exchange rate and why it’s still favorable
• Kyoto’s accommodation tax increase (who it applies to)
• Tokyo’s proposed accommodation tax (2027)
• Visa fee changes
• Japan’s departure tax increase

Arrival & Shopping Updates

• How Visit Japan Web works and why to use it
• Why you shouldn’t wait until the last minute
• Tax-free shopping changes starting Nov 1, 2026

Getting Around Japan

• Why the JR Rail Pass no longer makes sense for many trips
• Regional rail passes as an alternative
• Suica cards: physical vs digital
• Why 2026 may be your last chance to get the Suica penguin card

New & Returning Attractions

• Edo-Tokyo Museum reopening
• Pokémon Children’s Parks (including the second Lapras park)
• PokéPark Kanto at Yomiuriland
• Shuri Castle reopening
• Sailor Moon’s permanent Tokyo show
• Yoyogi Park renovations

Crowds, Rural Travel & Safety

• Overtourism reality vs social media exaggeration
• Tips for enjoying the Golden Route
• Why adding one off-route destination helps
• Hiking safety and earthquakes in Japan

2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year to visit Japan, and with the right mindset, it can be one of your most rewarding trips yet.

📩 rewardingroutespodcast@gmail.com

📸 @RewardingRoutes

🔗 Helpful Links

• Kyoto Accommodation Tax Explained
  https://thepointsguy.com/news/kyoto-accommodation-tax-change/
  
  
• Visit Japan Web (Official Site)
  www.vjw.digital.go.jp
  
  
• Visit Japan Web Walkthrough
  https://youtu.be/RP2K9OQQKQs?si=UzXojPvokWVS1O5t
  
  by Kensho Quest
• Suica Penguin Retirement News
  https://tokyocheapo.com/editorial/suica-penguin-to-retire-from-tokyo-transport-role/
  
  
• Theme Park Crowds Explained
  https://youtu.be/hrA2qsYGy7A?si=9QbxiJTGSwX5g2cj
  
  by TDR Explorer
• Official Pokémon Children’s Parks Announcement
  https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/topics/detail/144.html

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#17 We tackle one of the most common and confusing decisions when planning a points and miles trip to Japan:

Should you book your flights first, or your hotels?

The honest answer? It depends.
And in this episode, I break down how to decide based on what you personally value most.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why I usually book flights first and when that mindset is starting to shift
• The role flexibility plays in getting great value with points and miles
• When it makes sense to prioritize business class flights
• When specific hotels (like the Park Hyatt Kyoto) should come first
• How peak seasons like cherry blossom season can change your strategy
• Why booking one way flights instead of round trips gives you more control
• How positioning flights (flying through nearby countries) can unlock better redemptions
• Real examples of economy vs. business class tradeoffs especially when traveling with a child

I also walk through the award search tools I personally use (and wish I found sooner) to make planning less overwhelming and way more visual whether you’re searching for flights, hotels, or both.

This episode isn’t about chasing perfection or luxury for the sake of it. It’s about building a strategy that fits your travel style whether that means better flights, better hotels, or simply more trips to Japan over time.

If you stay flexible and plan ahead, points and miles give you options and that’s where the real value lives.

Tools & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

These are the exact tools discussed in the episode to help you find award availability and plan smarter:

• PointsYeah – Flight award search tool
  https://www.pointsyeah.com/
  
  
• MaxMyPoint – Hotel award availability & calendars
  https://maxmypoint.com/
  
  
• Rooms.aero – Hotel award alerts (great for high-demand stays)
  https://rooms.aero/
  
  
• Seats.aero – Advanced award flight search (especially business class)
  https://seats.aero/
  
  
• Thrifty Traveler – Award & deal alerts from major airports
  https://thriftytraveler.com/
  
  
• Google Flights – Route discovery & price comparison
  https://www.google.com/travel/flights?gl=US&hl=en-US
  
  
• FlightConnections – Visual route maps for positioning flights
  https://www.flightconnections.com/
  
  

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#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

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