Rewarding Routes
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
16 episodes
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...
•
Episode 15
•
27:41
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 ...
•
Episode 14
•
40:47
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.<...
•
Episode 13
•
31:03
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...
•
37:01
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 pr...
•
13:22
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...
•
Episode 10
•
24:08
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 respectfu...
•
Episode 9
•
44:17
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 eno...
•
Episode 8
•
20:14
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 ex...
•
Episode 7
•
59:14
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, wi...
•
Episode 6
•
1:02:21
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 HappenEver 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...
•
Episode 5
•
33:06
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...
•
Episode 4
•
30:37
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 getti...
•
Episode 3
•
20:34
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 remembe...
•
Episode 2
•
30:30
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...
•
Episode 1
•
20:55
