16-Day South Korea and Japan Tour·A Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Age restrictions

• 
  How old must I be to join this trip?
  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
  

Single room supplement

• 
  Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
  
  
  Do any exceptions apply to Rooming or “My Own Room” on my tour?
  Night 3 (Temple stay).
  

Other restrictions

• 
  Is travel insurance required for my trip?
  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
  
• For group bookings, the booker or group representative must have consent from all travelers to act as the authorized signatory for the trip. All travelers recognize the representative's signature on the travel contract and its appendices. If you do not have such authorization, please refrain from booking or signing the contract on behalf of others.
• For the safety of minors, we recommend that they travel with their guardian or a companion who carries a letter of authorization from the guardian.

Group information

• 
  How large will the group be?
  Max 16, avg 12.
  

Group tour notification

• You'll receive a group tour notification or call from our staff at least 1 day before departure. Keep your phone available. If you don't receive it, contact tours4fun customer support immediately. The meeting time specified in the confirmation notice or by our staff is final.

Booking information

• If the contract ends due to unavoidable events or force majeure, neither the travel agency nor you are liable. If you're stranded, the agency will help with accommodation. You'll cover extra food and lodging costs, while return travel expenses are shared. Please read and understand these terms.
• Please provide accurate and complete information (name, gender, ID number, nationality, contact information, etc.) when booking to avoid booking errors and travel disruptions. You are responsible for any losses you incur due to incorrect information you provide.
• If any attractions or venues cannot be visited due to unforeseen circumstances during your trip, the staff will work with you to either cancel or switch out the affected sites. Alternatively, an on-site refund can be provided based on the ticket price in your travel package (not the venue's listed price). Thank you for your understanding.
• If there is any inconsistency between the product confirmation or supplementary terms and the main travel contract, the product confirmation or supplementary terms will take precedence.

Transportation

• 
  Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?
  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
  
  
  What are the joining instructions?
  For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
  
  If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
  
  If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
  
  IMPORTANT: for South Korea arrival transfers, we will NOT be able to accept any pick-up schedule changes between the hours of 23:00 - 0700, within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival. 
  If you experience a schedule change between these hours, please take a taxi to your starting hotel.
  
  Alternatively, you can take the Airport Bus.
  If arriving into Terminal 1, you can purchase tickets and get information at the bus ticket offices indoor and outdoor on the 1st floor of Passenger Terminal 1. If arriving into Terminal 2, you can purchase bus tickets and get information at ticketing offices indoors on The 2nd Transportation Center (B1).
  
  Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
  
  Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
  
  If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
  
  
  What happens if I experience problems when arriving?
  We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
  

Accommodation

• 
  What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?
  ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
  Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
  
  Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotels rooms are small! Additionally, most Japanese hotels do not have designated non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderise rooms before check in.
  
  Ryokan are traditional inns found across Japan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. As ryokan are usually top tier accommodations, most guests stay only one night, often to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Don’t be intimidated by the formalities inherent to a stay at a ryokan, your hosts will welcome you the same way they do all their guests. Have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique customs.
  
  Minshuku are Japan’s answer to the Western bed and breakfast. Similar to ryokan, they have traditional features like tatami floors, futon beds, and Japanese-style baths. Minshuku are often family-run, and as such they offer a great opportunity to interact with local people and learn more about the nation’s customs. More affordable and simpler than ryokan, minshuku tend to have smaller guestrooms, shared bathroom facilities, and any included meals (traditional, local, and delicious) are served in a communal dining room.
  
  Please note that some of the traditional Japanese inns used on this tour only offer shared bathing facilities. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area. Shared bathhouses and onsen (hot springs) are an essential part of Japan’s culture, traditionally serving as a place for men or women to gather, relax, and discuss the days happenings.
  

Tour information

• 
  Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
  The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
  
  VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
  
  
  Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
  While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
  
  Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
  
  
  What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
  1. The most convenient way to get around Japan and South Korea is by public transportation and on foot. The countries' train system are often considered the best in the entire world so the majority of our trips utilize these efficient train networks. In this tour, you will need to be able to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your luggage through busy train stations and streets. On average, tours in Japan walk about 15,000 steps a day. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet.
  
  2. COMBO TRIP
  Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
  
  3. Tattoos
  Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs).
  
  4. Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
  All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
  
  We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
  
  5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
  Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
  

Tour reminder

• 
  What is the group leader like?
  All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
  
  
  What should I take on my trip?
  It’s essential to pack as lightly as possible for rail travel in Japan. All G Adventures tours use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size.
  
  Any luggage brought on board must be less than 160cm in total (calculated as the sum of the height + width + depth of your luggage). This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day (for daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.).
  
  Please note that travellers who bring luggage that exceeds this restriction will be directly penalized by the Central Japan Railway Company. Any luggage between 160–250cm will require a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage, for each leg of your train journey, and is strictly subject to availability. Any luggage over 251cm in total is prohibited on the Shinkansen trains.
  
  If you absolutely must bring more than what fits into a single carry-on bag plus day pack, you may bring a second carry-on bag which also must be less than 160cm in total. Please note, however, that as with all G Adventures tours, you must be able to carry your luggage unassisted.
  
  You will also be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light and have easy to handle luggage and are capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance.
  
  We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. A large bag will be an inconvenience to you and will slow you down!
  
  Takuhaibin - Japan’s takuhaibin service is a convenient and reliable way to transfer luggage from one location to another throughout the country. Pick-up/drop-off/delivery dates and times can be easily scheduled (usually overnight) and costs are moderate. Service can be arranged at most hotels and airports. Using Takuhaibin to send your luggage between hotels, or from hotel to airport, is a great way to travel light and avoid hauling large bags on crowded trains or up and down stairs – just be sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage the following day.
  
  Please make sure to pack a day backpack or a small/lightweight bag for the group overnight in Koyasan.
  
  
  What should be on my packing list?
  Cold Weather:
  • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
  • Scarf
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Warm layers
  • Warm waterproof jacket
  
  Documents:
  • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
  • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
  • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
  
  Essentials:
  • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
  • Cash, credit and debit cards
  • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
  • Ear plugs
  • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
  • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
  • Fleece top/sweater
  • Footwear
  • Hat
  • Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
  • Locks for bags
  • Long pants/jeans
  • Moneybelt
  • Outlet adapter
  • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sleepwear
  • Small travel towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Watch and alarm clock
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Windproof rain jacket
  
  Health & Safety:
  • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
  
  Warm Weather:
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
  • Sturdy water shoes/sandals
  • Sun hat/bandana
  • Swimwear
  
  
  When can I do my laundry on this trip?
  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but this is very expensive. Your leader can show you self service coin laundries in larger cities. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
  
  
  Where can I read detailed notes about this trip?
  Travel in Japan is easy, clean, fast and efficient, however please be aware that English is still not widely spoken, however a lot of patience, a sense of humour and a respect for the local culture goes a long way in any Asian country and will greatly enrich your experience.
  
  
  What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?
  As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
  
  ATMs are available in most places and typically accept Visa, Mastercard and Debit Card. However, it's likely that not all machines will be available or will work with your card. It's best to come with USD cash as well to be able to exchange money when necessary. A variety of payment options is recommended.
  
  In Japan, every Post Office and 7-11 Convenience store has an ATM machine that accepts Visa, Mastercard and Debit Cards. At times, Maestro/Master Card/Cirrus have been problematic at these machines, so please bring a back-up card.
  
  Credit Cards should not be relied upon for purchases as they are not widely accepted, except in some restaurants and department stores.
  
  
  How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?
  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
  
  
  Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?
  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
  
  You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are travelling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription and ensure your medication is legal in Japan. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
  
  
  What are the trip specific safety considerations?
  We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
  
  
  Are international flights included in this trip?
  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.
  
  However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.
  
  In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
  
  
  What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?
  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.
  

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES & CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY THE TOUR OPERATOR

A departure date for a Tour offered by the Tour Operator will become a guaranteed departure when at least one booking secured by a valid deposit has been made on that departure.
The Tour Operator guarantees that all scheduled Tour departures booked and secured with a valid deposit will depart as indicated on the applicable confirmation, subject to reasonable itinerary changes as described in these Terms or good faith health and safety concerns. This guarantee is not applicable in the case of Force Majeure. Up to date Tour and itinerary information is available on the Tour Operator’s website or by contacting the Tour Operator. Brochures and other printed materials displaying Tour information and departure dates are subject to change may not be relied upon for purposes of this guarantee.
If a Tour is cancelled by the Tour Operator before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure or as a result of a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting from the Tour Operator:
(a) a substitute Tour of equivalent or superior value; or
(b) a substitute Tour of lesser value if no Tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available and to recover from the Tour Operator the difference in price between the price of the Tour originally purchased and the substitute Tour; or
(c) a full refund of all monies paid for the cancelled Tour.
If a Tour is cancelled by the Tour Operator before the date of departure due to Force Majeure or as a result of a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, the Tour Operator can offer you either:
(a) a substitute Tour of equivalent or superior value;
(b) a substitute Tour of lesser value if no Tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available and to recover from the Tour Operator the difference in price between the price of the Tour originally purchased and the substitute Tour;
(c) a travel credit valued at 110% of monies paid for your Tour; or
(d) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If a cancellation due to Force Majeure or a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator occurs after the Tour has commenced, the Tour Operator can offer you either a pro-rata:
(a) travel credit valued at 110% of the monies paid for the days that remain on your Tour; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your Tour.
Any travel credit the Tour Operator issues as a result of a Tour that is cancelled for Force Majeure:
• Will have an expiration date that is no sooner than 2 years from the date of Tour cancellation;
• is not redeemable for cash; and
• excludes flights or insurance.
The Tour Operator is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that you incur as a result of the cancelled booking including visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, the Tour Operator reserves the right to issue a full refund in lieu of the choices above, in its sole discretion. Where a significant element of a Tour as described cannot be provided after departure, the Tour Operator will make suitable alternative arrangements where possible. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or if you reasonably reject any suitable alternatives, the Tour Operator may provide you with a refund for unused products or services as determined in its discretion.

CANCELLATION BY THE PARTICIPANT

At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit(350 USD) in the amount, as applicable, per person per Tour is due to the Tour Operator. If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. The non-refundable deposit should be sent to the Tour Operator or authorized agent, as applicable.
You may cancel your booking by notifying the Tour Operator. Cancellation fees, if any, will be determined with reference to the date on which notice of cancellation is received by the Tour Operator and are expressed as a percentage of the total price paid for the cancelled Tour, product or service (excluding any insurance products).Cancellation of a Tour:
(a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled product will be refunded.
(b) Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
(c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.
Cancellation of Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities booked directly with the Tour Operator:
(a) Cancellation 31 days or more before departure: you will receive a full refund in respect of cancelled Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities.
(b) Cancellation 30 days or less before departure: No refund will be payable in respect of any cancelled Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities.
Cancellation Terms for Inca Trail Tours
The following cancellation terms apply to all Inca Trail Tours:
Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit less the amount set out below in your booking currency (the “Inca Trail Charge”) will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled product will be refunded.
Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.
The Inca Trail Charges are as follows
125 USD / 200 AUD / 220 NZD / 180 CAD / 115 CHF / 910 CNY / 120 EUR / 100 GBP / 975 HKD / 18960 JPY / 180740 KRW / 170 SGD / 2315 ZAR