PODCAST · society
Rewarding Routes
by John Diaz
Rewarding Routes is the podcast that helps you turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips to Japan and Asia. Learn how to use points and miles, create fun itineraries, and explore cultural experiences without overspending. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, get inspired to make travel more rewarding.
Episodes
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The Hyatt Devaluation: What's Changing, What It Costs and What to Do Now
#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...
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How I Actually Start Planning Every Japan Trip
#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…
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What to Book in Advance for Japan (And How Far Out)
#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...
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Spring in Japan: Sakura Season, Golden Week & What to Really Expect
#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...
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Starting Small: How I Booked My Family a Weekend Trip to Chicago for $22.40
#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...
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How I Booked Japan Airlines Business Class to Tokyo Using Points
#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…
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Level Up Your Travel Strategy with a Player Two
#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...
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Japan Travel Apps That Make Your Trip 10x Easier
#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...
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The Business Credit Card Strategy That Helps Unlock More Points
#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…
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How Much Do you Need to Save For a Trip to Japan?
#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,...
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Bilt 2.0: Big Earning Potential, Bigger Learning Curve
#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…
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How We’re Planning Our 2026 Travel Year Using Points & Miles (So You Can Do It Too)
#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…
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Traveling With a Child: My Thoughts Before Everything Changes
#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…
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Japan in 2026: What’s Changing, What’s Opening and What You Need to Know
#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…
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Flights vs. Hotels: What to Book First Using Points
#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...
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Hyatt Hotels in Tokyo: A Simple Breakdown + Extra Gems Around Japan
#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...
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Where to Stay in Tokyo: A Simple Breakdown of a Few Key Neighborhoods
#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,...
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Chase Ultimate Rewards® Made Easy: The Trifecta, 5/24, and My 2025 Setup
#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…
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The Shinkansen Explained: What to Know Before Your First Bullet Train Ride
#13 Today we’re diving into one of the coolest parts of traveling through Japan: the Shinkansen Japan’s iconic high-speed bullet train. It’s fast, efficient, unbelievably smooth, and honestly one of my favorite ways to move around the country. In this episode, I break down how the Shinkansen...
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What’s in My Wallet (2025 Edition): Cards I Use to Book My Trips to Japan
#12 I’m sharing exactly what’s in my wallet as we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026. I break down the cards I actually use every day, why they fit my spending habits, and how they support the future trips I’m planning especially Japan. With the home-buying process finally behind us and the move...
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The Most Rewarding Route Yet: Becoming a Dad
#11 Big life changes are happening behind the scenes and this one’s the most rewarding one yet. In this episode, I’m sharing a major personal update that’s going to shape the future of Rewarding Routes. From moving into our new home to preparing for our first child, it’s been an exciting (and...
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Stress-Free Travel Starts Here: My Favorite Credit Card Perks for Travelers
#10 Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to actually look forward to airport travel days instead of dreading them? From breezing past long security lines to relaxing in airport lounges with free food and Wi-Fi, these credit card perks make flying smoother, calmer, and surprisingly...
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25 Reasons I Keep Going Back to Japan
#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...
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The Smart Way to Spend: Turning Daily Spend Into Travel Rewards
#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...
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Flights to Japan Using Points: My Complete Guide to Airlines and Tools
#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…
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Planning a Japan Trip? The Complete Beginner’s Guide
#6 We kick off at the gateway: Tokyo’s airports. Narita (NRT) is farther but often cheaper with easy rides into the city via Skyliner, N’EX, or comfy airport buses you can book on Klook (taxis from NRT = $$$). Haneda (HND) is my fave closer, with the Edo Marketplace (Terminal 3) for last-minute...
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How I Took an $15,880 Trip to Japan & South Korea for $221 (and 559K Points)
#5 $15,880 Trip for $221: How Points Made It Happen Ever dream of visiting Japan (and neighbors) without draining your wallet? In this episode, I break down how we turned $15,880.20 of flights and hotels into a trip that cost just $221.62 out of pocket step by step. You’ll hear the big picture...
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Points & Miles Mistakes (So You Don’t Have to Make Them)
#4 Mistakes happen. And when it comes to points and miles, they can cost you more than you realize whether it’s wasted rewards, missed opportunities, or setbacks that slow down your travel goals. The good news is that most of these mistakes are preventable once you know what to look out for. In...
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Will Credit Cards Ruin Your Credit Score or Unlock More Travel?
#3 When you’re diving into the world of points and miles, one of the first questions that comes up is: “If I start opening multiple credit cards, won’t my credit score drop?” It’s a fear that stops a lot of people from even getting started. And I get it your credit score is a big deal. It...
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Points & Miles Made Simple: Your First Step Toward Japan Travel
#2 I share the exact 9-step roadmap that transformed how I travel and made my dream of exploring Japan a reality. When I first started, I was completely overwhelmed too many cards, too many programs, and way too much confusing jargon. I remember sitting at my computer late at night thinking…
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The Route That Started It All: How I Began Traveling on Points
#1: Welcome to the first episode of Rewarding Routes! I’m John, and my mission is to make traveling to Japan possible year after year without breaking the bank by using credit card points and miles to turn everyday spending into flights and hotels. In this episode, I share how my love of travel...
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Rewarding Routes Trailer
Rewarding Routes Stan Store → https://stan.store/rewardingroutes Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/ Email → [email protected]
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Rewarding Routes is the podcast that helps you turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips to Japan and Asia. Learn how to use points and miles, create fun itineraries, and explore cultural experiences without overspending. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, get inspired to make travel more rewarding.
HOSTED BY
John Diaz
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rewarding Routes have?
Rewarding Routes currently has 32 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rewarding Routes about?
Rewarding Routes is the podcast that helps you turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips to Japan and Asia. Learn how to use points and miles, create fun itineraries, and explore cultural experiences without overspending. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, get inspired to...
How often does Rewarding Routes release new episodes?
Rewarding Routes has 32 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Rewarding Routes?
You can listen to Rewarding Routes on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rewarding Routes?
Rewarding Routes is created and hosted by John Diaz.
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