My Journey

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey!  We will be traveling on trains, Shinkansens, buses, taxis, trams, boats and yes... on foot.  Travelling in Japan is one of the true pleasures of the country.  The trips on this tour are more than just an A – B function they make up the very fabric of the journey and will be stories in themselves.  The rewards are the places we stop along the way. We take full advantage of the  most efficient transport network in the world, meaning some fast transfers and precise timing is required.  We want to make sure you have as much time at each destination as possible.

Expect the unexpected, changes of plans, problems to be solved and things to be fixed.  We can’t control all of the elements of our world, be as flexible as possible, we don’t envisage any major problems but you never know what might get thrown at us.  That’s what we’re here for!

It’s important not to take anything too seriously, after all this is a holiday and holidays are fun!  No matter what happens on tour, good/bad/ugly it all makes a good email or story at the pub.  Travel with this attitude and you’ll never have a bad day!

There is no other country in the world even remotely close to the culture and customs of Japan.  Japan is Japan, and it leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.  ‘Going local’, blending with traditional customs, understanding the do’s, don’ts and appreciating the details is what its all about.  Things just aren’t like home, we love teaching and guiding people, we think its good for you to be aware of the biggest differences before you depart.

Ryokans: Imagine a bed & breakfast, without the bed.  A ryokan is a traditional, usually family run inn.  They have tatami (woven straw) floors and shoji (rice paper) screens and you sleep on futons (on the floor).  They usually have bathrooms and toilets outside the room.  As most are family run they often have curfew, a closing time as well.  We stay in many along our tours, as well as some business hotels.

Japanese Baths: Traditional baths are called Onsens and are found in all our ryokans.  Most of the time they are communal (not everyone has to go at once) with few private exceptions, however they are gender separated.  Bathing suits are not permitted, after all you don’t wear one in the shower at home.  It’s very relaxing and once you adjust to the ritual you’ll never want to do it any other way.

Food: Japanese food is fantastic!  It is a myth that travelling here means you will eat sushi (raw fish) for every meal.  The Japanese diet is quite varied and there is usually something for everyone.  Portions are generally smaller than an American steak house, as the Japanese eat many small meals.  Vegetarians need not worry, selections can be different from home, but  many places have great vegetarian food.

Aside from cameras and iPods make sure everything you pack is small and light enough for you to carry.  We travel on many trains and use lockers for convenient storage.  Large cumbersome luggage is a burden, and there often isn’t the space for big hard sided wheel cases.  You will be carrying your luggage  through train stations and will encounter many stairs, the lighter you pack the better off you’ll be.  This means make it light and keep mobile.  For those travelling with a backpack 40 - 50 litres is good, 60 is getting big but still okay.  For those with cases, slightly larger than airline checkin is okay, as well as a day bag.

Most tours cover a variety of locations (countryside/city) and will have you doing different activities.  As you would expect you’ll have to pack to take this into account.  With packing space being important here are a few simple rules to help you get it right.

Style:  Japan is a well developed country, and culturally everyone is style conscious.  If you fit you will feel more comfortable.  Wear relaxed comfortable clothes, neat, tidy and clean.  You need not have the latest fashion, however you are not trekking, hunting or on safari so apart from one pair of ‘active’ clothes there is no need for zip off pants and quick dry shirts.

Special Occasion:  We recommend you pack something nice to wear in the evenings, it only has to be one item but it will come in handy, especially if you are being entertained by a Geisha.  Make sure you can sit comfortably (on the floor), very short skirts might be tricky and skin tight rock star leather pants might be too tight.

Shoes: Footwear is simple, something comfortable to walk in, as you will do a lot of it.  Ryokans and some restaurants will require you to take your shoes off so something easy to slip on and off is handy, knee high lace up boots will be trouble.

You can spend conservatively or lavishly in Japan, depending on your choices the sky is the limit.  Whatever your budget, there is an option for you.

Dining: Prices are similar to those in all the worlds major cities, London, Hong Kong, Sydney and New York.  Similarly, nightlife and drinking are just as varied.  An average evening meal is between 4000 - 6000 yen, and a beer is between 400 - 800 yen.

Shopping:  If you love to shop you’ll love Japan.  Prices are varied, Samurai sword replicas and silk kimonos will cost you more than an “I love Mt Fuji” t-shirt.  Just remember Japan is a cash based society so credit cards are rarely accepted.  Either have money changed into yen or withdraw from ATMs.

Entry to Japan is your responsibility.  Most countries allow you to obtain a visa on arrival at no cost.

You must enter Japan on a tourist visa!  Holders of other visas are unable to use JR Passes and therefore are unable to take this itinerary.

You should check with you local embassy or consulate for details  on  current entry requirements.

It is a requirement that all clients on our tours have travel medical insurance. It is your responsibility to make sure  that this is in order as it is for your benefit and security.

You will need to provide us, in advance, your insurance details, specifically your policy number and a 24-hour world wide emergency contact number.

If you have any health/allergy/dietary concerns, requirements or problems please tell us.  We need to know so that we can avoid problems.  We must also be able to communicate the right information to the right people at the right times.

Tell us anything else you feel relevant that we have not covered, be it special requests, needs or questions.  Your clear communication with us will make you more relaxed, and your holiday more enjoyable.