#7 https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

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

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

Stan Store (Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet)
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

FlightConnections
→ https://www.flightconnections.com

Seats.aero
→ https://www.seats.aero

Point.Me
→ https://www.point.me

Thrifty Traveler Premium
→ https://www.thriftytraveler.com/premium

Roame.Travel
→ https://www.roame.travel

#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 eats and souvenirs before security. Beyond Tokyo, keep Kansai (Osaka), Itami, Chubu (Nagoya), and Fukuoka on your radar domestic hops or the Shinkansen make multi-city routes effortless.

Essentials that level up your trip: carry some cash (small, family run spots are often cash only), use the money tray at checkout, and consider a debit card that reimburses ATM fees. Keep your passport on you it’s the law and it’s needed for tax-free shopping (note: rules are set to change in 2026). For connectivity, I’ve tried both pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs; eSIMs win for “one less gadget to charge,” and regional plans make KR→JP seamless. No tipping needed service is built in. Public trash cans are scarce; eat near the shop and toss your trash there (or pack a tiny bag). BYO hand towel bathroom dryers are shy. And yes, wear real walking shoes 20–30k step days are a thing. Biggest sanity saver? Luggage shipping (look for the black-cat Yamato desks). Pay a modest fee, travel hands free, arrive happy.

Timing matters: avoid Golden Week (late Apr–early May) and Obon (mid-Aug) unless you love crowds. Spring blossoms (Mar–Apr) and fall foliage (Oct–Dec) are magic; May and October are comfortably great. Summer brings matsuri fireworks…and serious heat/typhoons choose your vibe accordingly.

Load a regional IC card (Suica/PASMO) into your phone; top-ups are easy (have a non-Visa backup just in case), tap without unlocking, and it even works for a few hours after your phone dies. On trains: be quiet, no phone calls, shift your backpack to the front, and avoid eating on locals (the Shinkansen is the exception). Last trains wrap around midnight plan taxis or…embrace the 5 a.m. first train life. Google Maps is your best friend down to which car to board for the quickest exit.

Speaking of the Shinkansen: book reserved seats (and the luggage-space rows if you’re rolling big), arrive early, and hunt down an ekiben box. Tokyo Station is a wonderland Character Street, Ramen Street, endless snacks budget time to get pleasantly lost.

Food rules the trip: make reservations for popular or high-end spots, expect a small table charge (otoshi) at many izakaya, and don’t customize dishes. Learn a couple phrases and watch doors open literally; I’ve had strangers strike up the kindest conversations. Allergies? Bring a printed card in Japanese. When browsing reviews, a 3–3.5 on local apps can still be excellent standards are high.

For deeper culture, splurge on a ryokan with kaiseki dinner, try an onsen (confirm tattoo policy), book a tea or cooking class, and catch a Japanese baseball game the energy is unforgettable. Choose hotels within a short walk of a station, and pre-book big-ticket experiences (Shibuya Sky sunset, teamLab, themed cafés like Pokémon or Kirby) well in advance they sell out fast.

Finally, embrace safe wandering. Build space into your itinerary to meander; some of my favorite finds (like that surprise banana pastry shop near Skytree) came from unplanned detours. Japan rewards curiosity.

Message me or email RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com
so we can share it with the whole community.

ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub (main channel) — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onlyinjapan

ONLY in JAPAN * GO (live / mobile streaming channel) — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/onlyinjapango

The Navigatio (blog / Japan travel site) — https://thenavigatio.com/

#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 strategy behind our Orlando → San Francisco → Seoul → Busan → Tokyo route: why we used positioning flights, how airline alliances & partners unlocked seats (think Virgin → Korean)(Alaska → JAL) and when I chose Hyatt redemptions over cash.

I keep it simple and practical: what cards fueled our balances, how the “Player 2” system helped and the decision making you can copy for your own trip.

Along the way I’ll point to tools and creators that helped us plan smarter Klook.com for shuttles and tickets.

@tdrexplorer on YouTube for theme park strategy.

If you want photos, reels, and behind the scenes from this exact itinerary follow me on Instagram @rewardingroutes.

If you’re new to points and miles this episode shows the why and the how in one tidy story so you can start building your own rewarding route, one trip at a time. Tune in!

#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 this episode of Rewarding Routes, we explore the most common mistakes people make in the world of points and miles and how you can avoid them. From the basics of managing your cards responsibly to the bigger-picture strategies that keep your travel plans on track, this conversation is all about helping you learn smarter and travel farther.

We’ll talk about the importance of paying your balances in full, why applying for cards without a strategy can derail your goals, and how certain rules like Chase’s 5/24 can shape your approach. You’ll also learn why retail store cards usually aren’t worth it, what to consider before paying annual fees, and how downgrading cards can protect your credit history and relationships with banks.

Beyond the basics, we’ll look at mistakes people make with everyday spending and earning. Using the wrong card, relying on just one account, or leaving rewards on the table can all add up to lost value. You’ll discover how to keep things simple at first, when to expand, and how to build confidence as you go.

Redemptions can also be tricky, and this is an area where many people trip up. Holding on to points too long often leads to devaluation, booking through portals can leave value behind, and transferring without checking availability can lock your rewards into the wrong program. Knowing these pitfalls ahead of time can save you frustration and help you get the most out of every point you earn.

This episode isn’t about being perfect it’s about being prepared. Mistakes are part of the process, but when you understand the common ones, you’ll be ready to make better choices and keep your focus on what really matters: turning your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.

If you’ve ever worried about making the wrong move in this hobby, or if you’ve already made a few mistakes and want to get back on track, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

#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 influences whether banks approve you for new cards, the rates you get on loans, and even how much trust lenders place in you. The idea of putting all that at risk just to chase points sounds scary… until you understand how credit scores really work.

In this episode of Rewarding Routes, we’re taking a deep dive into the truth about credit cards and your credit score. I’ll walk you through the five key factors that make up your score, how much weight each one carries, and what actually happens when you apply for new credit cards. Spoiler: it’s not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, if you use cards responsibly, opening more can actually help your score in the long run.

Here’s what we’ll cover in detail:

Why your credit score matters in the world of points and miles, and how it directly affects your ability to travel more often.
The five factors that make up your credit score:

Payment history (35%) Why paying in full and on time is non-negotiable.

Credit utilization (30%) How much of your available credit you use, and why having more cards can actually lower this ratio and improve your score.

Length of credit history (15%) Why closing old accounts can hurt, and how to let your oldest cards quietly work in your favor.

New credit/inquiries (10%) How hard pulls work, why the dip is temporary, and how to space out applications strategically.

Credit mix (10%) What it means to have different types of credit, and why you don’t need to stress about this one.

Real world examples of how utilization and average account age are calculated, so you can see exactly what lenders see.
Best practices that protect your credit score while still allowing you to rack up the welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards that make repeat travel possible.

I’ll also share my own experience: despite opening multiple new cards over the years to maximize points, my credit score has consistently stayed strong often at or above 800. That’s not because I did anything special, but because I followed the same practices I’m sharing with you in this episode: pay on time, keep balances low, and don’t close your oldest cards.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why your credit score isn’t something to fear. Instead, it’s a tool you can manage and protect while also using it to unlock flights, hotels, and experiences in Japan and across Asia. This knowledge takes away the fear and gives you the confidence to keep building toward your dream trips, not just once, but over and over again.

So if you’ve ever worried that applying for more credit cards might ruin your score, this episode is for you. By the time we’re done, you’ll see how to keep your score strong while stacking the points and miles that will get you back to Tokyo, Seoul, or wherever your rewarding route takes you next.

#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, “Where do I even start?” If you’ve ever felt the same, this episode is designed for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

1. Understanding the Basics: How points and miles work, why credit card companies offer them, and why setting a travel goal (like Japan) keeps you focused.

2. Choosing the Right Card: The difference between airline cards, hotel cards, and flexible point cards and which one is best for beginners. I’ll also cover why welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn big points and how your credit score plays into approvals.

3. Creating a Spending Plan: How to meet minimum spend requirements without overspending. I’ll share creative strategies like prepaying bills, timing large expenses, or even using gift cards to reach those thresholds responsibly.

4. Paying Off Your Balance in Full: This step is non-negotiable. I’ll explain why carrying a balance wipes out your rewards and how simple systems like autopay can keep you on track.

5. Maximizing Category Bonuses: How to earn even more points by using the right card for the right purchase (dining, travel, groceries). I’ll also share stacking tips that can multiply your earnings.

6. Learning About Transfer Partners: Why airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld open up endless possibilities. You’ll discover how transferring points to one airline can unlock flights on its partners (like using United miles to book ANA to Japan).

7. Using Your Points & Miles to Book Travel: How to actually redeem your rewards for flights and hotels, what taxes and fees to expect, and how to identify “good” vs. “bad” redemptions. I’ll share my first redemption story and how it shaped my travel strategy.

8. Using Tools to Maximize Points & Miles: The apps and resources that make tracking and booking easier, from AwardWallet to Point.me. I’ll walk through which ones I personally use and why.

9. Rinsing and Repeating: Once you’ve redeemed your first trip, the fun doesn’t stop. I’ll explain how to keep the momentum going, align your next card with your next travel goal, and make this a repeatable travel system that works year after year.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see that learning points and miles isn’t about memorizing every single program or chasing every single offer. It’s about understanding the basics, starting small, and building confidence one step at a time.

Whether Japan is your dream destination, or you’re planning a trip somewhere else, this episode will give you the foundation you need to stop feeling overwhelmed and start planning real trips with points and miles.

So grab your notebook, hit play, and let’s get started on building your own rewarding route.

#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 began. Back in 2016, my wife (then girlfriend) and I packed our bags for a one way trip to Manchester. That adventure took us across Europe, Asia, and a year living in Australia. It completely changed my life and showed me how much I loved exploring new cultures. The one regret? We couldn’t make it to Japan it was too expensive at the time.

After returning home, I went through a slump, but in 2019 I got a job with an airline, keeping travel in my life. When the world shut down in 2020, I dove into personal finance, budgeting, and paying off debt. That’s when I discovered the world of points and miles through a YouTube video. At first it felt too good to be true, but in 2022 my wife and I proved it works: we booked a five-night Hawaii trip with Hyatt and Southwest almost entirely on points, paying just $11.20 in taxes. That win showed me what’s possible.

Since then, I’ve focused on using points and miles to unlock the trips that matter most to us especially Japan. We finally made it in 2023, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. The culture, food, and kindness of the people completely pulled us in. In 2025, we returned, this time adding South Korea to the trip, and it only deepened my obsession. My long-term goal? Visit all 47 prefectures of Japan.

On this podcast, I’ll share:

How to earn and redeem points and miles.
How to plan meaningful itineraries, not just tourist checklists.
Deep dives into Japan’s culture, food, and hidden gems.
Stories from my travels and conversations with other travelers.

Japan doesn’t have to stay a “dream trip.” With the right strategies, it’s possible for anyone to go and to keep going back.

In the next episode, I’ll dive into the basics of points and miles and how to use them responsibly to start building your own rewarding route.