Rewarding Routes

#31 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're breaking down the biggest Hyatt news in years the World of Hyatt award chart overhaul. In this episode, we're talking about what's changing in May 2026 and what it means for anyone using Hyatt points for Japan travel. We'll break down the new five-tier pricing system, discuss how the changes hit peak travel seasons like cherry blossom and Golden Week the hardest, and share a real example using our upcoming Hyatt Place Kyoto stay to show exactly what these changes cost in points.

Tune in to learn how to protect your points value before May, identify when the new chart actually works in your favor, and make smarter booking decisions for your Japan trips going forward.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• How Hyatt's new five-tier award chart (Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper, Top) compares to the current Off-Peak, Standard, and Peak system and why it feels like a step toward dynamic pricing
• Why the "Top" tier is the biggest hit, with some categories seeing 50–67% point increases over current peak pricing
• A real breakdown using Hyatt Place Kyoto (Category 2) how a 7-night stay goes from 56,000 points at standard to 70,000 at Moderate, and from 84,000 to 126,000 points during cherry blossom season
• Why booking before May could save you tens of thousands of points and what happens to your booking if a hotel's category changes
• How to get one month of early access to award availability through the World of Hyatt card or Explorist status, and why that matters more than ever with the new lowest tier

Featured on the Show

• 📰 Full Hyatt Award Chart Breakdown — The Points Guy: https://thepointsguy.com/news/world-of-hyatt-award-chart-major-changes/
• 📸 Follow John on Instagram for category change updates: @itsjohndiaz
• 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a 5 Star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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#30 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're getting into one of my favorite parts of the whole travel process, the early stages of planning a trip to Japan.

In this episode, we're talking about how to start planning your trip to Japan before you even think about building an itinerary. We'll break down how I use Google Maps to save locations and visually spot the neighborhoods that have my interest, discuss how learning about Japan's different regions and prefectures completely changes the way you experience a trip, and I share how I build a simple budget sheet early on so I'm never caught off guard by costs. Tune in to learn how to plan smarter, go deeper, and start building your dream Japan trip one saved pin at a time.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• How I use Google Maps to save every location that interests me and how over time it helps me see exactly which neighborhoods I should be staying in
• Why learning about Japan's regions and prefectures is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process and how it shapes everything from your route to what you eat
• How the season you travel in completely changes your experience, whether that's navigating cherry blossom crowds in spring or catching incredible festivals in the summer
• Why I start a simple budget sheet early on and how it helps me plan for activities, ryokans, transportation, and more without any last minute stress
• How thinking about travel through points and miles allows me to slow down, enjoy the trip, and keep coming back to Japan year after year

Featured on the Show

• The Navigatio – A great Japan travel blog worth following
• Only in Japan – John Daub has lived in Japan for nearly 30 years and his passion for the country comes through in every single video
• Only in Japan Go – John's live channel, a great companion to the main channel
• TDR Explorer
• Abroad in Japan – Chris Broad's channel is one of my favorites for Japan content
• Sam and Victor
• Currently Hannah
• Tabi Eats – If you love food content from Japan, this one is a must follow

If you have questions or want to share how you plan your own trips, reach out to me on Instagram at @itsjohndiaz or shoot me an email at [email protected]. I genuinely want to hear how you do things because I'm always learning too. If you got value from this episode, a five star review would mean the world to me. I'll catch you on the next one!

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#29 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're diving deep into trip planning for Japan.

In this episode, we're talking about what to book in advance for your Japan trip. We'll break down the most popular experiences that require early reservations, discuss how far ahead you actually need to book each one, and share the exact activities I'm planning to book for my 2027 Kyoto and Osaka trip including the Nintendo Museum lottery, TeamLab Kyoto, and the Pokémon Cafe.

Tune in to learn how to plan your Japan itinerary with confidence, avoid missing out on bucket-list experiences, and build a booking timeline that sets your trip up for success before you ever board the plane.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• Why booking local tours and cultural experiences early sets the tone for your entire trip 
• The exact booking windows for Japan's most competitive attractions
• How I'm building out my 2027 Kyoto and Osaka itinerary
• Theme parks, baseball games, and Shibuya Sky — what actually needs advance booking and what doesn't 
• Pro tips for practice runs, JST time conversions, and using apps like Klook

Featured on the Show

• Klook App — Third-party booking platform for activities, theme park tickets, and transportation across Japan: klook.com
• Airbnb Experiences — Great source for local guides, photo shoots, cooking classes, and cultural workshops: airbnb.com/experiences
• Fly Photographer — Photographers available in 350+ cities worldwide including Japan: flyphotographer.com
• TDR Explorer (YouTube) — Chris's channel is my go-to resource for Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan guides, express passes, and app tips: youtube.com/@tdrexplorer
• Buy Sumo Tickets — Official source for Grand Sumo Tournament tickets: buysumotickets.com
• Pokémon Cafe Reservations — Official site for Osaka and Tokyo locations: https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/en/cafe/reservation.html
• Nintendo Museum Lottery — Check the official Nintendo Museum site starting 3 months in advance on the 1st of the month https://museum.nintendo.com/en/index.html

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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#28 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're diving into everything you need to know about visiting Japan in spring.

In this episode, we're talking about spring travel in Japan. We'll break down cherry blossom season and how to chase the bloom, discuss Golden Week and what to expect from crowds and costs and share personal insights from my two spring trips to Japan.

Tune in to learn how to plan a spring Japan trip with realistic expectations so you can make the most of the season without the stress.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• What cherry blossom season actually looks like — crowds, timing, and how to track the bloom forecast
• How to still see sakura even if you miss peak bloom in the major cities
• What Golden Week is and why it matters for your itinerary, bookings, and budget
• What the weather feels like across March, April, and May — and how to pack for it
• How spring affects points availability and pricing for flights and hotels

Featured on the Show

• Episodes on flights to Japan — Episode 7
• Tokyo neighborhoods and where to stay — Episode 15
• Hyatt hotels in Tokyo and across Japan — Episode 16
• Reach out to John: [email protected]
• Instagram: @itsjohndiaz

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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Email
→ [email protected]

#27 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're keeping it close to home...literally.

In this episode, we're talking about starting small with points and miles. We'll break down how I booked a Chicago weekend trip for my family using two cards most beginners can actually get, discuss how Companion Pass works and why it's one of the best deals in travel, and share why a $22.40 domestic trip might be the most important booking I make all year.

Tune in to learn how to build real confidence with points and miles so when Japan is finally on the calendar, you're ready.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• How to earn and use Southwest Companion Pass to fly your partner for free
• Why signup bonuses are the fastest way to accumulate points and miles
• How to book hotel nights through Chase Ultimate Rewards and transfer to Hyatt
• What to know about flying with a lap infant before your first family trip
• Why starting with a simple domestic trip is the smartest first step toward Japan

Featured on the Show

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Follow John on Instagram — @itsjohndiaz
• Email the show — [email protected]

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

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

Email
→ [email protected]

#26 This week we’re breaking down exactly how I booked Japan Airlines Business Class from Los Angeles to Tokyo using points and miles.

In this episode, I walk through my entire booking process step-by-step from spotting the award availability to leveraging a Capital One transfer bonus that made the redemption even more valuable. I also share the math behind the booking, including the miles used, taxes paid, and what the same flight would have cost in cash.

Along the way, we also touch on some important Hyatt news, including upcoming changes to the World of Hyatt award chart that could increase redemption costs for some of the most desirable hotels.

Tune in to learn how I turned everyday spending into a $6,000+ business class flight to Japan, and how you can prepare for similar opportunities in the future.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode

• How I booked Japan Airlines Business Class for 55,000 miles from LAX to Tokyo

• How a Capital One transfer bonus helped reduce the number of points needed

• Why flexibility with award travel can unlock rare business class opportunities

• Important World of Hyatt award chart changes coming soon

• Why you should always have a plan before transferring points to airline programs

Featured on the Show

Max Miles Points - Instagram @maxmilespoints

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVM1xTQgbDL/?igsh=a2p5ejhjeGthMTBy - how to ACTUALLY find 55,000 point Japan Airlines Business Class flights by Max Miles Points

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

My Referral Link - https://i.capitalone.com/JEbHdVzBz

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ [email protected]

#25 This week we’re talking about leveling up your travel strategy with a Player Two.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what a Player Two actually is, how to leverage referral bonuses and welcome offers, and how to strategically manage things like 5/24, authorized users, and minimum spend requirements. I also share how my wife and I use this system to stack points for bigger trips to Japan and beyond.

Tune in to learn how working as a team can unlock more points, bigger redemptions, and more accessible travel experiences around the world.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode

• What a Player Two strategy is and who it works best for (spouse, sibling, friend, travel partner)

• How to stack welcome bonuses and referral bonuses for massive point growth

• Why authorized users are different from a true Player Two strategy

• How to manage minimum spend together without going into debt

• How combining (or strategically splitting) points can fund bigger trips like business class flights and full hotel stays

Another Example of someone using a Player Two System

Our Credit Card Strategy For Couples (2 Player System) by Daniel Braun
 https://youtu.be/Wuftu11aFO8?si=Nyn-7C1MpOFJlMmh

Episode 5: How We Took a $15,000 Japan & South Korea Trip for $221 Using Points

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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→ [email protected]

#24 In this episode, I break down the best Japan travel apps to download before your trip the tools that genuinely make navigating, booking, eating, shopping, and staying safe in Japan so much easier. These are apps I’ve personally used across multiple trips, plus a few I’ve researched and added for our upcoming visit (especially traveling with a baby).

I also share a quick points-and-miles update:

• Capital One → Japan Airlines 30% transfer bonus (ends February 28)
 – Improves the transfer from 1:750 to roughly 1:975
 – Found business class seats around 70,000 miles per person
 – Considering booking for a fall trip

• Venture X cardholders now have access to purchase FIFA World Cup tickets (Feb 12–24, while supplies last)

Then we dive into the apps  organized by category so you know exactly what to download and why.

🗺 Navigation & Transit

• Google Maps
 • Mobile Suica (Apple Wallet)
 • Welcome Suica App
 • GO Taxi

🌐 Internet & Connectivity

• Airalo (eSIM)
 • Japan Wireless (portable Wi-Fi option)

🗣 Language & Communication

• Google Translate
 • Papago
 • LINE
 • WhatsApp

🛍 Shopping & Product Translation

• Payke

🍣 Food & Restaurant Planning

• Google Maps
 • Tabelog
 • OpenTable
 • Uber Eats

🎟 Experiences & Booking

• Klook
 • Booking.com

🧮 Practical Tools

• iPhone Calculator (currency conversion)
 • XE (currency app alternative)
 • NERV (earthquake alerts)

🎢 Bonus Apps

• Universal Studios Japan App
 • Tokyo Disney App
 • HappyCow (vegetarian/vegan dining)
 • Mama Papa Map (baby facilities)
 • Visit Japan Web (customs QR code)

Whether you’re navigating Tokyo stations, booking Shibuya Sky at sunset, scanning skincare at Donki, reserving hard-to-book restaurants, or planning your first Japan trip with a stroller this episode is designed to make your trip smoother, less stressful, and more prepared.

If Japan is on your radar or you’re planning your next return download these before your next trip and if I missed one you love, send it my way.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

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→ [email protected]

#23 In this episode, I introduce a new segmented format for Rewarding Routes that allows me to cover updates, news, listener questions, and a main topic all in one episode. I share a quick update on the Bilt Palladium denial and why I still accepted a $0 annual fee Bilt Blue card. From there, I run through major Japan and credit card news, answer a listener question about how I plan trips, and then dive into the main topic: why business credit cards are one of the most powerful tools for earning more points.

• New episode format: Updates, News, Listener Q, Main Topic
• Accepted Bilt Blue $0 AF
• Pokémon expanding at Universal Studios Japan
• PokéPark KANTO opens Feb 5, 2026 
• Chase Sapphire early access to FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets (Feb 10)
• Japan cherry blossom forecast
• Tourism hits 42.7M visitors 
• Trip planning
• Why business cards work for beginners
• Approved for Amex Blue Business Plus

 American Express Blue Business Plus® Credit Card (Targeted Offer Page)
 https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/campaigns/small-business/credit-cards/blue-business-plus/explore-now/

Amex Blue Business Plus: 75K Points, No Lifetime Language (Targeted)
 https://frequentmiler.com/amex-blue-business-plus-offer-75k-points-no-lifetime-language-targeted/

🇯🇵 Japan & Travel News
 Universal Studios Japan Announces Major New Pokémon Experience
 https://tdrexplorer.com/universal-studios-japan-announces-major-new-pokemon-experience/

We Visited PokéPark Kanto: Japan’s Real-Life Pokémon Park
 https://www.ign.com/articles/we-visited-pokepark-kanto-japans-real-life-pokemon-park

PokéPark KANTO Guide & Tickets
 https://matcha-jp.com/en/25445

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast
 https://tokyocheapo.com/living/tokyo-cherry-blossom-forecast/

💳Points, Miles & Credit Card Strategy
 Chase Sapphire & the 2026 FIFA World Cup
 https://www.pointsbyj.com/post/chase-sapphire-fifa-world-cup-2026

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card as a Sole Proprietor
 https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-apply-for-a-business-credit-card-as-a-sole-proprietorship/

Amex 1-Bonus-Per-Lifetime Rule
 https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/american-express-bonus-lifetime-restrictions/

Facebook Group
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad/

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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Email
→ [email protected]

#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

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
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