#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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→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#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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→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#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

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com