12-Day Journeys: Iconic Japan

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.
  Do any exceptions apply to Rooming or “My Own Room” on my tour? Night 4 has a shared bathroom

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 Expedition Leader, 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

• [Includes Shopping] This itinerary includes optional shopping activities. Purchases are entirely at your discretion, with no obligation to buy. All purchased items come with after-sales support, and it is advised to keep all receipts carefully after your purchase.

Transportation

• 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 shuttle 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 shuttle, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it outside of the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call Emergency Phone number: +81 90 1223 2336 or +81 80 6779 1851.
  
  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 Expedition Leader for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm. (Flights should arrive by 3:00 pm)
  
  Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your Expedition Leader can collect the required information for your train tickets. 
  
  If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your Expedition Leader 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 Expedition Leader (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? A mix of Western style hotels (10 nights) and Japanese traditional inns (1 nights).
  
  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 designating non smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderize 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.
  What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day? Please note that your tour will finish in Kyoto. You have a few options below for travelling to one of the international airports in the area.
  
  Direction from Oakwood Hotel Kyoto Oike
  
  The nearest subway station is Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae station (approximately 2 mins on foot) or Karasuma Oike station (approximately 6 mins on foot).
  
  To Kyoto station:
  
  Take a subway (Tozai Line) for Uzumasa Tenjingawa, get off at Karasuma Oike station. It takes about 2 mins to get there. From Karasuma Oike station, take a subway (Karasuma Line) for Takeda or Shin Tanabe to Kyoto station. It takes about 6 mins to get there.
  
  From Kyoto station to Kansai International Airport
  
  You can access the airport by train or airport limousine bus at your convenience.
  
  By Train - Take Limited Express Haruka takes about 80 mins ride. The train ticket fee is 3230~ 3630 JPY/per pax(depends on the seasonality)There is no transfer required till Kansai Airport.
  
  By Airport Limousine Bus - From Kyoto station Hachijo-guchi to Kansai Airport about 90-100mins ride. The bus fee is 2600 JPY / per pax. The bus tickets can be purchased at the bus ticket service (1F in Kyoto Avanti)
  
  From the hotel to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) :
  
  Take Airport Limousine Bus from Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae bus stop (In front of Hotel Okura Kyoto) to Itami Airport. It takes about 60-75 mins, 1,340JPY/per pax. The bus tickets can be purchased in the bus.

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. 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).
  
  2. RAIL PASS
  Please note that only foreigners traveling as a tourist are able to use a Japan Rail 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.
  
  3. TOKYO INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
  On some departures of this tour the activities on Days 2 and 3 will be swapped.
  
  4. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
  All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Any luggage brought on board the train 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.
  
  As this tour includes city-to-city luggage transfers, this restriction affects your carry-on luggage on board the train.
  
  5. ACCOMMODATIONS
  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. EXPEDITION LEADER
  When traveling across different countries, islands, or regions, travellers can expect multiple Expedition Leaders throughout their trip to ensure experiences are authentic and locally specialized.

Tour reminder

• What is the role of the group leader during this trip? All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders 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.
  
  Any luggage brought on board the train 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. As this tour includes city-to-city luggage transfers, this restriction only affects your carry-on luggage on board the train.
  
  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.
  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.)
  
  Smart Dress:
  • Smart outfit (For evenings out)
  
  Warm Weather:
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
  • Sturdy water shoes/sandals
  • Sun hat/bandana
  • Swimwear
  
  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.
  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 tickets.
  Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling? 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 Expedition Leader, 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 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 National Geographic Signature Specialist 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: