#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 actually works, the major train types you’ll see across different regions, and what first-time travelers should know before hopping on. I’ll cover the most common trains on the Tokaidō Line (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka), when it makes sense to take the bullet train vs. a local train, and why the JR Pass is no longer the bargain it used to be after the huge price increase.

We’ll walk through how to buy tickets at the station or online, the pros and cons of reserved vs. non-reserved seats, what to expect during peak travel periods, and what the ride is like onboard from Wi-Fi and power outlets to picking out the perfect ekiben before your trip.

Along the way, I share some personal stories, including how I first fell in love with trains as a kid and what made the Shinkansen one of the highlights of my first Japan trip in 2023.

Helpful Shinkansen Resources

JR Fare Calculator (Navitime)
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/calculator/

→ Use this to compare individual Shinkansen ticket prices and check if the JR Pass is worth it for your itinerary.

SmartEX — Reserve Shinkansen Tickets Online
https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

→ Book Shinkansen seats in advance, make unlimited changes, and see schedules for major lines like the Tokaidō, Sanyō, and Kyushu Shinkansen.

JR Central Oversized Baggage Rules
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/

→ Everything you need to know about luggage size limits, reserved oversized-seat areas, and what to do if you’re traveling with big suitcases.

Only in Japan GO – Shinkansen Walkthrough Video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QCpdUMF1Wlw

→ A detailed visual tour showing how to navigate stations, board the train, understand seat options, and manage luggage.

Yamato Transport – Hands-Free Luggage Delivery
https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/

→ Ship large bags between hotels or airports so you can travel light on trains without carrying heavy luggage through stations.

Another Great Shinkansen Guide Video by Cakes with Faces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amggsFF6ZrE

→ A helpful video that breaks down what to expect onboard, how fast the trains go, seating tips, and how to enjoy the ride.

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#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 complete, my wallet looks different this year. I also share why I slowed down on opening cards, how lenders react to new credit activity, and what I learned going through that experience while trying to secure a mortgage.

Why This Setup Works for Me Right Now

A quick look at how this new chapter new home, new office, baby on the way shaped the cards I’m prioritizing.
• How lifestyle changes affected my strategy
• Why your wallet should match your goals, not someone else’s

Capital One Venture X

My main catch-all card and the one I rely on the most.
• Solid 2x earning on everyday purchases
• Why I avoid booking flights through travel portals
• Real example of using its rental car protection
• How I plan to use Venture miles for ANA through Virgin Atlantic

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The newest card in my wallet and the star of my late-year strategy.
• Signup bonus and my plan to meet the minimum spend
• Why I’m targeting the Companion Pass for 2026
• How this fits into future family travel with a baby on the way
• The story of how my original plan earlier this year fell apart
• How Southwest helps with cheap positioning flights for Japan trips

Bilt Mastercard (Revamp Coming February 2026)

A card that paused for now but will become important again.
• Mortgage payments becoming eligible for points
• Three new versions of the card rolling out
• Why transfer partners like Hyatt and Japan Airlines matter
• How Rent Day works
• New Rakuten partnership for easier point earning

Citi AAdvantage Business (Past Card, Future Use)

Not currently in my wallet, but a meaningful piece of my Japan strategy.
• 70K AA miles ready for a Japan Airlines booking
• Why AA miles work so well for JAL redemptions
• How this business card avoided affecting my 5/24 count
• Possibilities for future Citi cards to boost my AA balance

Looking Ahead to 2026

How I’m rebuilding and preparing for next year’s travel goals.
• Replenishing the Chase points I used on Hyatts in Japan and Korea
• Having my wife go for the Sapphire Preferred
• Keeping an eye on the rumored Hyatt card refresh
• Continuing a Player Two system for better long-term earning

Final Thoughts

This episode isn’t about copying my exact wallet it’s about showing the thought process behind building one that supports your own life and travel goals. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s the beauty of this hobby. These are just the cards that make sense for me right now as we head into a new year.

If you want to share what’s in your wallet or get help building a setup that fits your goals, feel free to reach out anytime. I’d love to hear what you’re working toward for 2026.

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#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 honestly, emotional) season of change. I wanted to take you behind the mic and talk about what’s been going on, how I’ve been managing everything, and what’s next for the podcast and for me personally.

Becoming a dad is something that fills me with both excitement and nerves, but also a deep sense of purpose. It’s given me new motivation to create, stay consistent, and build something meaningful for the future. I’m also reflecting on how this new chapter will impact how we travel — from long-haul adventures to Japan to future family-friendly trips and road trips closer to home.

I’ll also talk about:

• How fatherhood has changed my perspective on time and priorities
• The mindset shift that helped me stay consistent when life got busy
• Behind-the-scenes updates on what’s next for Rewarding Routes
• A few exciting new episodes and projects coming soon

If you’ve ever tried to balance your passions while life is changing fast, this one’s for you. It’s a reminder that showing up doesn’t have to mean being perfect — it just means staying committed to what matters most.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to share more — both in travel and in life — in the months ahead.

Stay connected:
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📩 Email: RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

📸 Instagram: @RewardingRoutes

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