#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

#25 This week we’re talking about leveling up your travel strategy with a Player Two.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what a Player Two actually is, how to leverage referral bonuses and welcome offers, and how to strategically manage things like 5/24, authorized users, and minimum spend requirements. I also share how my wife and I use this system to stack points for bigger trips to Japan and beyond.

Tune in to learn how working as a team can unlock more points, bigger redemptions, and more accessible travel experiences around the world.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode

• What a Player Two strategy is and who it works best for (spouse, sibling, friend, travel partner)

• How to stack welcome bonuses and referral bonuses for massive point growth

• Why authorized users are different from a true Player Two strategy

• How to manage minimum spend together without going into debt

• How combining (or strategically splitting) points can fund bigger trips like business class flights and full hotel stays

Another Example of someone using a Player Two System

Our Credit Card Strategy For Couples (2 Player System) by Daniel Braun
https://youtu.be/Wuftu11aFO8?si=Nyn-7C1MpOFJlMmh

Episode 5: How We Took a $15,000 Japan & South Korea Trip for $221 Using Points

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#24 In this episode, I break down the best Japan travel apps to download before your trip the tools that genuinely make navigating, booking, eating, shopping, and staying safe in Japan so much easier. These are apps I’ve personally used across multiple trips, plus a few I’ve researched and added for our upcoming visit (especially traveling with a baby).

I also share a quick points-and-miles update:

• Capital One → Japan Airlines 30% transfer bonus (ends February 28)
– Improves the transfer from 1:750 to roughly 1:975
– Found business class seats around 70,000 miles per person
– Considering booking for a fall trip

• Venture X cardholders now have access to purchase FIFA World Cup tickets (Feb 12–24, while supplies last)

Then we dive into the apps organized by category so you know exactly what to download and why.

🗺 Navigation & Transit

• Google Maps
• Mobile Suica (Apple Wallet)
• Welcome Suica App
• GO Taxi

🌐 Internet & Connectivity

• Airalo (eSIM)
• Japan Wireless (portable Wi-Fi option)

🗣 Language & Communication

• Google Translate
• Papago
• LINE
• WhatsApp

🛍 Shopping & Product Translation

• Payke

🍣 Food & Restaurant Planning

• Google Maps
• Tabelog
• OpenTable
• Uber Eats

🎟 Experiences & Booking

• Klook
• Booking.com

🧮 Practical Tools

• iPhone Calculator (currency conversion)
• XE (currency app alternative)
• NERV (earthquake alerts)

🎢 Bonus Apps

• Universal Studios Japan App
• Tokyo Disney App
• HappyCow (vegetarian/vegan dining)
• Mama Papa Map (baby facilities)
• Visit Japan Web (customs QR code)

Whether you’re navigating Tokyo stations, booking Shibuya Sky at sunset, scanning skincare at Donki, reserving hard-to-book restaurants, or planning your first Japan trip with a stroller this episode is designed to make your trip smoother, less stressful, and more prepared.

If Japan is on your radar or you’re planning your next return download these before your next trip and if I missed one you love, send it my way.

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

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

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com