#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 costs and share personal insights from my two spring trips to Japan.

Tune in to learn how to plan a spring Japan trip with realistic expectations so you can make the most of the season without the stress.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• What cherry blossom season actually looks like — crowds, timing, and how to track the bloom forecast
• How to still see sakura even if you miss peak bloom in the major cities
• What Golden Week is and why it matters for your itinerary, bookings, and budget
• What the weather feels like across March, April, and May — and how to pack for it
• How spring affects points availability and pricing for flights and hotels

Featured on the Show

• Episodes on flights to Japan — Episode 7
• Tokyo neighborhoods and where to stay — Episode 15
• Hyatt hotels in Tokyo and across Japan — Episode 16
• Reach out to John: rewardingroutespodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: @itsjohndiaz

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#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 works and why it's one of the best deals in travel, and share why a $22.40 domestic trip might be the most important booking I make all year.

Tune in to learn how to build real confidence with points and miles so when Japan is finally on the calendar, you're ready.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• How to earn and use Southwest Companion Pass to fly your partner for free
• Why signup bonuses are the fastest way to accumulate points and miles
• How to book hotel nights through Chase Ultimate Rewards and transfer to Hyatt
• What to know about flying with a lap infant before your first family trip
• Why starting with a simple domestic trip is the smartest first step toward Japan

Featured on the Show

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Follow John on Instagram — @itsjohndiaz
• Email the show — rewardingroutespodcast@gmail.com

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#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 the redemption even more valuable. I also share the math behind the booking, including the miles used, taxes paid, and what the same flight would have cost in cash.

Along the way, we also touch on some important Hyatt news, including upcoming changes to the World of Hyatt award chart that could increase redemption costs for some of the most desirable hotels.

Tune in to learn how I turned everyday spending into a $6,000+ business class flight to Japan, and how you can prepare for similar opportunities in the future.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode

• How I booked Japan Airlines Business Class for 55,000 miles from LAX to Tokyo

• How a Capital One transfer bonus helped reduce the number of points needed

• Why flexibility with award travel can unlock rare business class opportunities

• Important World of Hyatt award chart changes coming soon

• Why you should always have a plan before transferring points to airline programs

Featured on the Show

Max Miles Points - Instagram @maxmilespoints

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVM1xTQgbDL/?igsh=a2p5ejhjeGthMTBy - how to ACTUALLY find 55,000 point Japan Airlines Business Class flights by Max Miles Points

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

My Referral Link - https://i.capitalone.com/JEbHdVzBz

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com