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  • 63 posts

    Hi all, we were planning to use our Amex plat credits (2 cards) for our upcoming Japan trip. Looks like the only way to do it is via pocket concierge. Would we need two separate bookings on two occasions?

    Any omakase recommendations for Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto areas?

    Thanks

    62 posts

    Lucky you off to Japan! We had the very best time there last spring.
    I booked using Pocket Concierge & as it was a pre-pay booking made in late 2024, it qualified for that year’s benefit, even though we ate in March 2025.
    Do you mean you have 2 entirely separate Amex Platinum card accounts? Secondary cardholders don’t get the benefit otherwise. Or have I misunderstood your question?
    We had a truly memorable meal at Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Tsunohazuan and can highly recommend it.

    1,915 posts

    Went to Yoyogi-Uehara Yuu the other day.
    Was remarkable value. Think it came to under £200 for the two of us (before the £100 dining credit, so effectively half price).
    Selected this mostly because it’s one of the very few places on PC that has a vegetarian set course and doesn’t cross contaminate.
    As it turned out, shortly before the visit, Mrs Aston got fed up with the lack of true vegetarian food in Japan (even the cheese often has animal rennet) and the host (through PC) provided her with a hybrid seafood and vegetarian course.

    Felt very odd just walking out after eating. No bill, nothing to sign, no tips

    1,785 posts

    No tips is normal everywhere in Japan. It’s considered rude.

    Plenty good restaurants on PC. You really can’t go terribly wrong with food in Japan unless you don’t like Japanese food. In that case, I’d chose another destination.

    63 posts

    Thanks all.


    @Saltrams
    yes two separate cards – was meant to close mine but might as well use the credits before I do.

    37 posts

    Does anyone know any restaurants that can be booked beyond 3 months. Looking to use in October, using Jan to June credit but when I looked I can only book to mid Sept. Thanks

    57 posts

    hope you don’t mind me asking but what is Pocket Concierge and how does it relate to Platinum dining credit please?

    268 posts

    Does anyone know any restaurants that can be booked beyond 3 months. Looking to use in October, using Jan to June credit but when I looked I can only book to mid Sept. Thanks

    You can always modified your date once it’s booked. I used my 2023 credit for July 2024 visit.

    1,915 posts

    hope you don’t mind me asking but what is Pocket Concierge and how does it relate to Platinum dining credit please?

    Platinum dining credit in Japan can only be used through bookings made through Pocket Concierge. They handle several hundred restaurants.

    1,785 posts

    Pocket Concierge is Amex-owned company…

    40 posts

    Does anyone know any restaurants that can be booked beyond 3 months. Looking to use in October, using Jan to June credit but when I looked I can only book to mid Sept. Thanks

    You can always modified your date once it’s booked. I used my 2023 credit for July 2024 visit.

    How do you do the amendment? I read that PC will cancel your old booking, refund you, book you into the new date and then charge you again, which would make Amex claim back the credit from the former period.

    268 posts

    Does anyone know any restaurants that can be booked beyond 3 months. Looking to use in October, using Jan to June credit but when I looked I can only book to mid Sept. Thanks

    You can always modified your date once it’s booked. I used my 2023 credit for July 2024 visit.

    How do you do the amendment? I read that PC will cancel your old booking, refund you, book you into the new date and then charge you again, which would make Amex claim back the credit from the former period.

    There is Modify option under your reservation. I have done this several times without cancellation or refund. But YMMV

    290 posts

    I booked this one in Tokyo and we loved it! Sushi Risaki Nishi-Azabu
    Japan, 〒106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 2-chōme−10−7 西麻布来山ビル 1F

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