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#276: Learn how Chris and Amy booked four nonstop business class seats and a week at the Park Hyatt Tokyo almost entirely on points. They break down the strategy, key takeaways for traveling with kids, Chris' AI-powered trip planner, and more.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/50k-points-japan-trip

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Resources Mentioned

Flights & Award Booking

• Japan Airlines

• Finnair

• Avios

• American Airlines

• Award Tool

• Seats.aero

Hotels

• Park Hyatt Tokyo

• Hilton Tokyo Bay

• Disney Ambassador Hotel

• Airbnb

Activities

• teamLab

• KidZania

• Tokyo Disneyland

• Tokyo DisneySea

Luggage & Transportation

• Yamato Transport

• RideSafer Travel Vest

• Suica Card

• Takuhaibin Delivery Services

Technology & Planning

• Claude

• Claude Code

• Codex

• Google Maps offline

• Google Translate

• T-Mobile

Credit Cards

• Bank of America® Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• The Platinum Card® from American Express

Shopping

• Muji

• Don Quijote (Donki)

• Loft

• Takashimaya

• ARC5 PALM-Sized 5-Blade Electric Luxury Razor

• Keana Rice Pack face mask

Food & Dining

• 7-Eleven Japan

• FamilyMart

• Koffee Mameya

• Afuri Ramen

• Rokurinsha

• Mos Burger

ATH Podcast

• AMA: Submit A Question

• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(01:59) Why Booking Business Class to Japan a Year Out Actually Works

(16:46) What Our Hyatt Points Are Worth Now — and After the Upcoming Devaluation

(20:37)  Why We Stayed in Tokyo the Entire Trip (and Why We're Glad We Did)

(25:43) Why TeamLab Should Be on Every Asia Itinerary

(26:46) How to Save on Phone Data Abroad and the Rookie Mistake to Avoid

(27:31) How We Used AI to Build a Real-Time Trip Guide Before We Even Landed

(35:58) Japan Airlines Business Class Review

(38:56) Inside the Freshly Renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo

(45:37) Is the Park Hyatt Tokyo's Location Actually a Problem?

(51:03) Did the Cherry Blossoms Live Up to the Hype?

(53:57) Why Japan's Bathrooms, Vending Machines, and Convenience Stores Are a Revelation

(56:09) Cash, Cards, and Transit: How to Pay Your Way Through Japan

(57:45) What We Learned About Traveling Tokyo with Kids

(59:19) Why Food in Japan Is Just Better (Even at 7-Eleven)

(01:00:51) KidZania Tokyo: The Best Kid Experience You've Never Heard Of

(01:05:26) Why Japan's Bag-Forwarding Service Is a Game Changer for Families

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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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