The Rewards System
Earning Rewards
All site visitors who sign in via Facebook or a JapanTourist.jp "Casual User" account, as well as everyone with a regular "Contributor" account, earn MetroRewards points, which may be redeemed online through the MetroRewards shop. There are a number of rules about redeeming these points, so please read this before redeeming.
Activities That Earn Rewards Points
| Activity | Points | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Users | ||
| Up-voting a review | +1 | Not moderated. |
| Down-voting a review | -1 | Not moderated. The idea is for voters to think hard about down-voting, and to prevent manipulative flooding of down-votes. |
| Flagging a review as inappropriate | +1 | Moderated. Points will be awarded if accepted. |
| "Favoriting" an article or photo story (by clicking the heart icon) | +1 | Not moderated. |
| Uploading a photo | +5 | Given per session, not per photo. |
| Sending a correction | +1 | Set for max. 20 corrections per month |
| Writing a review, incomplete | +2 | Some fields not completed. |
| Writing a review, complete | +5 | Moderated, requires all fields to be completed. |
| Logging in to the site | +5 | Set for max. 60 logins per month (i.e. 300 points per month) |
| Regular Contributor | ||
| Min. 350-word article in English and min. 3 related photos | +500 | Stories must be of acceptable quality for JapanTourist to approve. However, we may edit material from non-native English speakers if we have agreed to accept it (i.e. the content is really good, even though the English needs editing). |
| Photo essay with a 60-100-word English introduction, 8 to 12 photos, and engaging captions | +500 | Introduction should explain the background/idea behind the essay and photos should be high-quality. |
| Min. 3 minute video in MP4 format, either in English or with English captions | +500 | We are still developing our video system. These points will not be available until the system is ready, but video may be embedded in regular articles for now (*no extra points). |
Redeeming Rewards
The JapanTourist rewards system is based on points issued for certain activities. The value of these points varies, but generally speaking, you can redeem points for vouchers and products as follows. Note that each store-front voucher will have the ACTUAL value and terms and conditions within the description of that voucher. Please read these carefully before redeeming to avoid disappointment.
| Voucher example | Points (average) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small products (food, drink, etc.) | 500-1,500 pts | Products require shipping, and shipping will be charged at cost - generally JPY600-800 per product within Japan. |
| Restaurant meals | 1,500-5,000 pts | Print voucher, and use according to the terms and conditions when you visit the restaurant. |
| Hotel rooms | 2,500-25,000 pts | Print voucher, and use according to the terms and conditions when you visit the hotel. |
| Brandname apparel | 2,500-10,000 pts | Print voucher, and use according to the terms and conditions when you visit the vendor's store. |
| International airfares | 25,000-75,000 pts | Print voucher, and use according to the terms and conditions when you book with the airline. |
General Rules of Use of Rewards System
- Users and regular contributors may be resident anywhere in the world.
- When redeeming physical products, although the products themselves are free, the cost of post and packing needs to be paid by the recipient. Within Japan, unless otherwise stated, post/packing will be charged at a flat rate of JPY800. Contact support@japantourist.jp for information on shipping costs outside Japan. All post/packing costs must be prepaid, using credit card or Paypal.
- In joining the JapanTourist Rewards program, users agree that if there are no products of the user's liking or preference, that the ONLY recourse is for the user to wait until new products/vouchers are posted into the online store, or to leave the program.
- Products and vouchers are offered in good faith. If a sponsor does not have sufficient inventory to supply advertised offerings, JapanTourist reserves the right to mediate an exchange for a different product/voucher OR to refund the points that had been redeemed. JapanTourist will issue a warning to and subsequently remove sponsors who repeatedly show products or vouchers that can not be redeemed.
- JapanTourist is not responsible for, nor will it accept returns, requests for support, or other complaints about products/vouchers. Instead, any user problems after redemption must be taken up with the sponsoring company named on the voucher. Note that the sponsoring company may be different to the company providing the voucher service.
- JapanTourist reserves the right to terminate the Rewards system at any time and for any reason.
- JapanTourist reserves the right at its own discretion to temporarily or permanently remove a member from the Rewards system, or revoke their points if it is found that the member is abusing the Rewards system, is posting inappropriate comments or reviews, or otherwise mis-using the website and its various functions.
- Any claims against JapanTourist will only be heard in a Japanese court of law.
