9-Day Japan Essentials Flexible Tour from Tokyo to Osaka: Hakone and Kyoto

• FAQs:
  What is the age range of this tour?
  - We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old, though this range varies to slightly older with certain destinations, and are looking to experience our adventurous "flashpacking" style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of all different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded conscious fellow travellers.
  What fitness level is required to join this tour?
  - This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the amount of walking involved. There will be some days where you will be walking more than approximately 8-10km. Please bring appropriate footwear for this!
  Can I bring a suitcase on this trip & is there a luggage limit?
  - We would highly recommend bringing no more than 15kg on this trip, and bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase if you can. You won't need to carry your luggage around during daily excursions, but you will need to transport your luggage between each accommodation so we recommend packing as lightly as possible.
  The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is very strict. Bags over 160cm (height x width x length) need an advance reservation and bags over 251cm cannot be accommodated even with a reservation.
  Do we have to carry our luggage around with us each day? Is there a luggage delivery service on this trip?
  - You will need to transport your luggage between accommodations, but during the day when out and about you can leave your luggage safely stored away at the hostel.
  We do not offer a luggage delivery service but our guide can direct where you need to go to do it yourself.
  Where should I fly into? Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
  - You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). It doesn't matter which one you fly into. We don't offer airport pick ups on this tour but we include incredible detailed information on how to get to the hostel from both airports in your welcome pack.
  The first night is at Sakura Hostel Asakusa in Tokyo. You will be notified in the unlikely case that there are changes.
  How long do you have to explore Akihabara on the tour?
  - You'll have a couple of hours to explore the area before your tour guide takes the metro back to the accommodation, however you can always stay on longer in an area if you want to and your guide will give you clear instructions on using the public transport on your own.
  Is there much free time in each location?
  - Compared to our 10 and 14 day itineraries, our Japan Essentials tour has a lot more free time for you to explore on your own, or with your new friends on tour. While there is still a lot included in the tour, you'll have a few days where there is more opportunity for free time.
  Do we need to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
  - The Japan Rail Pass is not included and you don't need to purchase one as we take care of all the transport for you. We try to use local transport for a more authentic experience.
  Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
  - Due to the nature of cuisine in Japan, strict dietary requirements may be difficult to accommodate in some areas. Many of the broths/stocks which flavour much of Japanese food are not vegetarian/vegan friendly, and many meals contain either meat, fish, or egg elements. We recommend downloading the app "Happy Cow" and asking your tour guide for advice throughout the tour. You may also bring some snacks/supplements with you if necessary, but please note that Japanese customs can be very strict with medication so ensure you double check everything you bring.
  The tour doesn't end in Tokyo, is the return to Tokyo included?
  - For those wishing to return to Tokyo after the tour finishes in Osaka/Hiroshima there is the option to include the train cost in the ticket price. This is bookable by your agent at the time of booking or you can add it to your basket when booking on our website. Those guests who wish to book their return train journey whilst on the tour will need to arrange this as soon as possible as it does sell out, so we would recommend arranging this before you arrive.
  How is WiFi and data access on the trip?
  - As Japan is a developed country, Wi-Fi and data access is excellent. All the hostels that we stay in have strong and consistent Wi-Fi. If you'd like to stay connected whilst on the road you can pick up a tourist sim card at the airport, these will cost you anywhere between $20-$40 for 2 weeks worth of data.
  How long are the travel times?
  - Whilst on the tour the longest travel time is around 4 hours. There will be a day where we will be on the train for 2-3 hours twice in one day with a 30 minute change.

The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel