If you have plans to travel to Japan in the next year and are looking for genuine savings on your hotel and ryokan bookings, here’s an offer that deserves your attention. The Rakuten Travel X Visa promotion is running from 14 December 2025 until 1 December 2026, and it gives travellers a chance to enjoy up to 8% off accommodation costs when booking through Rakuten Travel and paying with eligible HSBC Bank or HSBC Amanah Visa cards. For anyone who loves Japan — whether it’s exploring bustling city streets, soaking in a hot spring in a traditional ryokan, or savouring seasonal foods — this deal makes planning your stay more affordable.
Japan is one of those destinations that can be as luxurious or as budget-friendly as you choose. Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses on any trip, especially if you’re heading to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka during peak travel periods. With this Rakuten Travel X Visa offer, travellers have a tangible opportunity to reduce costs on their chosen hotels or ryokans, which can mean more left over for experiences, excursions and dining.
So, what exactly is this promotion, how do you make the most of it, and why should people consider planning a trip around it? Let’s break it down.
How the Rakuten Travel X Visa Deal Works
This campaign is essentially a partnership between Rakuten Travel and Visa, extended to travellers with HSBC Bank or HSBC Amanah Visa Debit/Credit Card/-i payment methods. It runs for nearly a year — offering flexibility to plan trips at a time that suits your schedule, whether that’s during Japan’s cherry blossom season in spring, summer festivals, autumn foliage viewing or winter ski trips.
There are two discount tiers in this deal:
Offer I:
- Up to 8% OFF with no minimum spend required.
- The discount is capped at 10,000 JPY per booking.
- Use promo code: VISAGLOBAL8
Offer II:
- Up to 5% OFF with no minimum spend required.
- The discount is capped at 8,000 JPY, but this version allows unlimited usage per booking.
- Use promo code: VISAGLOBAL5
Crucially, both offers require the payment to be made with an eligible HSBC Bank/HSBC Amanah Visa Debit or Credit Card/-i. That means this deal is particularly valuable for HSBC Visa cardholders in Malaysia who are planning a Japan trip. If you fall into that category, you should definitely consider taking advantage — and if you’re not yet a cardholder, this may be a reason to enquire about one.
The discount being capped is standard for promotions like this; it ensures you still receive meaningful savings on substantial bookings without the cost falling below a sustainable level. For example, if you booked a stay of 200,000 JPY and applied the 8% discount, you’d save the maximum 10,000 JPY — which is a worthwhile saving on your total trip cost.
Why This Deal Is Worth Considering
There are a few reasons why this promotion stands out and why planning your Japan trip around it could be smart:
1. Long Validity Period
Many travel discounts and hotel promos are limited to narrow booking windows or specific travel dates. This offer’s duration — nearly a full year — means you’re not pressured into booking immediately. You can choose to travel in your preferred season, whether that’s during cherry blossom viewing in spring or for winter illuminations.
2. Discounts on Hotels and Ryokans
Rakuten Travel has an extensive inventory of accommodation options across Japan. That means you’re not limited to a handful of hotels — whether you want a boutique hotel in Kyoto, a business hotel in Osaka, a luxury property in Tokyo, or a traditional ryokan in the countryside, you’re covered. The fact that ryokans (which tend to be pricier due to traditional hospitality and meals included) are included makes this even better.
3. No Minimum Spend
Especially for travellers who plan short stays or budget trips, not having to spend a minimum to qualify for a discount is a strong advantage. Some promotions only kick in after you spend a certain amount — not here. You get savings regardless of your booking size.
4. Flexibility for Multiple Trips
With the 5% discount offer allowing unlimited usage, frequent travellers can benefit each time they book. If you’re planning multiple trips to Japan within the next 12 months — perhaps a business trip and a holiday, or a couple of trips with friends and family — this makes a noticeable difference.
5. Good for Planning Ahead
Many travellers start planning months ahead, particularly for peak seasons like cherry blossom or autumn foliage. This promotion lines up perfectly with such planning timelines, giving travellers time to research and book accommodation that fits their itinerary and budget.
Tips to Maximise Your Savings
Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most out of this promotion:
Plan Early for Key Seasons
Japan’s travel peaks are in spring (late March–April) and autumn (October–November). If you’re aiming for these times, book early — especially if you want more unique accommodations like ryokans or boutique hotels.
Stack With Other Offers
Rakuten Travel often has its own seasonal discounts and promotions. Check if you can combine those with the Visa offer or apply promo codes strategically.
Monitor Exchange Rates
Since the booking will be in Japanese Yen (JPY), it helps to keep an eye on currency trends. Paying when the ringgit is stronger could enhance your savings.
Check Cancellation Policies
When taking advantage of any deal, check the cancellation terms. Some discounted rates might carry stricter policies, while others allow more flexibility.
What to Expect When Travelling in Japan
Japan remains one of the most welcoming and efficient travel destinations. From its world-class public transport to its diverse regional cultures, it caters to both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers. Here’s what you can look forward to:
City Adventures
Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama offer bustling energy, avant-garde culture and culinary delights. Whether it’s shopping in Shibuya or dining at local izakayas, big cities never disappoint.
Historical Experiences
Cities like Kyoto and Nara are treasure troves of history, temples and traditional experiences. Staying in a ryokan here gives you a taste of classic Japanese hospitality.
Natural Beauty
From the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to serene beaches in Okinawa, Japan’s natural landscapes are varied and spectacular. Autumn foliage and spring blossoms are two of the most photogenic seasonal highlights.
Food Journeys
Whether it’s sushi in Tokyo’s renowned spots or wagyu in Kobe, Japanese cuisine is an adventure in itself. Travellers often plan trips around food experiences alone.
How to Book
Booking through Rakuten Travel is straightforward. Simply search for your preferred destination and dates, select your accommodation, and apply the appropriate promo code at checkout:
- For 8% off (capped at 10,000 JPY): enter VISAGLOBAL8
- For 5% off (capped at 8,000 JPY, unlimited usage): enter VISAGLOBAL5
Make sure your payment is settled with an eligible HSBC Bank/HSBC Amanah Visa Debit or Credit Card/-i to qualify for the discount.
For full terms and conditions, travellers should review Rakuten Travel’s official promotional pages here:
https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/mys/en-us/campaign/visaglobal/202512/?scid=we_trv_partner_visaglobal
And refer to general terms and privacy information here:
https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/usa/en-us/information/terms/privacy/
Note that HSBC Bank/ HSBC Amanah is not an agent of the merchant, their subsidiary or affiliate and makes no representation, warranties or endorsement of the offer beyond facilitating the Visa payment benefit.
Final Thoughts
If Japan is on your travel list for 2026, this Rakuten Travel X Visa promotion is worth exploring. Accommodation can be one of the largest components of your travel budget, and saving up to 8% — without a minimum spend — is a practical way to reduce overall trip costs. Combined with flexible booking windows, broad accommodation options, and the ability to use the deal multiple times with the 5% discount, this offer makes travelling to Japan more accessible.
For HSBC Visa cardholders in Malaysia, this is an opportunity to plan ahead, secure preferred stays, and enjoy more of what Japan has to offer — from ancient temples and vibrant cities to seasonal landscapes and culinary delights — all without overspending.
Promotional/Event Details:
Date: 14 December 2025 to 1 December 2026
Time: All day
Venue: Rakuten Travel (online booking platform; pay with eligible HSBC Bank/HSBC Amanah Visa debit/credit card/-i)
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