All Articles · Learn · Trip Reports · Perspective · News · Shota’s Notes
On My Mind: Why Does Sushi in the States Leave Me Missing Japan?
A seafood bowl, an unforgettable dessert, and the little details that leave me reminiscing about Japan
Park Hyatt Tokyo vs. Park Hyatt Kyoto - Which Should You Choose?
Tokyo’s skyline or Kyoto’s historic streets? After returning to both, here’s what we love about each - and who we think would enjoy them most
Waldorf Astoria Osaka Review: When One Night Simply Wasn’t Enough
A gorgeous room, remarkable hospitality, memorable sushi, and one surprise after another - our one-night stay left us already planning a return
Why the New IHG Premier Select Card Deserves Attention for Japan Travel
Domestic flights, four-night stays, and a path to suites and lounges - why IHG’s newest card has my attention for Japan
What Points Don’t Cover: A Realistic Japan Budget for Two
Even with flights and hotels covered by points, a Japan trip still has a real cash cost. Here’s what we’re budgeting for 13 nights - from food and trains to matcha, luggage forwarding, and a few splurges
Citi Adds 1:1 Transfers to Japan Airlines - Why It Matters for Japan Trips
A 30% launch bonus makes the numbers especially tempting. Here’s how Citi compares with Capital One, and what I’d check before moving any points
After Our Trip in July: I Wouldn’t Tell Everyone to Avoid Japan in Summer
Japan in July forced us to travel differently - and showed us why summer isn’t always a dealbreaker
How Many Hilton Points Do You Need for a Japan Trip? Budget-Friendly vs. High-End Award Stays
One 14-night trip, three hotel styles, and the Hilton points a couple would need for each
The JAL Award Calendar I Wish I’d Found Earlier: How I Search for 55k Business Class
By searching an entire year and leaving the destination open, I found 55k Business Class awards from Boston to a city I never would have checked
Points-Rich, Strategy-Poor: Why 300k Miles Can Still Get You Nowhere
A friend’s 300k Capital One balance made me think about how transferable points actually become a JAL award flight to Japan - and why having enough miles still isn’t enough
Kimpton Shinjuku Review: A Surprisingly Good Place to Start a Tokyo Trip
Excellent food, warm hospitality, and just enough New York energy - the Kimpton Shinjuku turned out to be exactly what we needed at the start of our Japan trip
Four Luxury Hotels in Tokyo - What They Taught Me About Choosing the Right One
Kimpton Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo, EDITION Ginza, and JW Marriott Tokyo - four luxury hotels, four very different experiences, and four very different reasons to stay
JAL Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class: What I’d Actually Book
Business Class is incredible. Premium Economy surprised me. And Economy? I’d happily fly it again
The 3 Mileage Programs I Actually Use for Flights to Japan
Not sure which airline miles to collect? Here's how I choose between American, Alaska, and JAL
How to Book Andaz Tokyo With Points in 2026
Three ways to book the same hotel. Which one actually offers the best value?
How to Book Park Hyatt Kyoto With Points in 2026
Award nights are scarce, rates have changed, and the rules are different. Here's how I'd book Park Hyatt Kyoto in 2026
How I Find JAL Award Availability (Without Spending Hours Searching)
The tools, strategies, and mindset I use to find Japan Airlines award flights without wasting hours chasing unavailable seats
9 Common Mistakes First-Time Japan Travelers Make
Flights, hotels, points, pacing, and the lessons learned after years of traveling to Japan
The Beginner Strategy We Use for Booking Hotels in Japan With Points
How normal travelers use credit card points to save on great hotels in Japan - and occasionally splurge on once-in-a-lifetime stays
The Beginner Strategy We Use for Award Flights to Japan
How annual trips to Japan became a reality - and how we stopped paying full price for flights