9-Day Japan Small Group Tour from Osaka to Tokyo: Koyasan, Hiroshima, Kyoto & Hakone

Age restrictions

• What are the age restrictions for 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 single 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 single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
  If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip? Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

Other restrictions

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip? Travel Insurance: 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 CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 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

• What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour? Max 15, 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).
• 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.

Travel guidelines

• [No Mandatory Shopping] This product does not include any mandatory shopping activities throughout the trip. Shopping activities not arranged by our company at attractions, venues, or on cruise ships are excluded. If any unauthorized shopping activity is added and verified, our company will pay you liquidated damages equal to 10% of the total travel expenses multiplied by the number of unauthorized shopping activities added.

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.
  
  From Osaka Kansai airport (KIX), you can reach the city centre by taking the Airport Limousine Bus.
  
  From Terminal 1, go to bus stop #5. The bus tickets can be purchased in the Airport Terminal 1, 1F at the airport bus stop 'C' ticket window.
  From Terminal 2, go to bus stop #1. The bus tickets can be purchased at the Airport Terminal 2, 1F at the airport bus stop 'A' ticket window.
  Please check the nearest stop to your starting hotel at the information desk.
  
  From Osaka Itami airport (ITM), you can reach the city centre by taking the Airport Limousine Bus.
  
  You will need to purchase your ticket from the ticket vending machine, prepare your transit IC card. If you require assistance or need to check the nearest stop to your starting hotel, please go to the information desk.
  
  
  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), join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.
  Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. 
  
  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 should I do if I can’t find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues? We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Accommodation

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip? 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. Please note rooms for couples usually still have two twin beds in Japan. Rooms with one large Queen or King bed are not common.
  
  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 print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
  Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip? 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 is by public transportation and on foot. The country's train system is often considered one of the best in the entire world so the majority of our trips utilize this efficient train network. 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.
  
  6. Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass
  Please note that only foreigners traveling as a tourist are able to use a Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. If you are a Japanese citizen/resident or traveling on a student/business/military/diplomatic visa, please advise us at time of booking as you will not be able to take advantage of the rail pass.
  
  7. Overnight Bag
  While we ride the bullet train, your main luggage will be sent on Japan’s takkyubin service (luggage transfer) to the next destination. Please note, you will NOT have access to your main luggage for approximately 24 hours. You must pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage the following day. Only one bag per passenger is permitted on the luggage transfer. If you have more, there will be an additional charge at the traveler's expense.

Tour reminder

• What is the role of the group leader during this trip? 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 are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions? 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. You are expected to carry your own luggage, and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
  
  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!
  
  Please note, you will NOT have access to your main luggage for approximately 24 hours on this trip, as we utilize Japan’s takkyubin service to conveniently and reliably transfer luggage from one location to another throughout the country and avoid hauling large bags on crowded trains. You must 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 I pack for this trip? Cold Weather:
  • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
  • Scarf
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Warm layers
  • Warm waterproof jacket
  
  Conservative Dress:
  • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
  • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
  
  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:
  • Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
  • 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
  • Hat
  • Headphones (Noise-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)
  • Sun hat/bandana
  
  Note: During the colder months (Nov-Apr) the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During summer (Jun-Sep) temperatures be very hot and humid. Lightweight breathable clothing is recommended.
  
  Please make sure to pack a day backpack or a small/lightweight bag for the group overnight in Koyasan.
  
  Note: Hand sanitizer is a rare commodity in Japan, so it is best to bring this with you.
  Where 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.
  
  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. Money can be exchanged at Post Offices and some banks and hotels in major cities, however it can be a very slow process.
  What emergency funds do I need access to 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!
  Do I need to pay a departure tax? Departure tax is included in all international and domestic flight tickets.
  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.
  Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary? 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 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.

Traveler breach of contract:

Penalties for breaking the contract before the date of travel are calculated as follows: