Tour FAQ

We offer two options for assistance with your extended stay:

Quick Questions
If you have already signed up and have a few questions about your extended stay, please feel free to email us.

Complete Itinerary
If you need a comprehensive plan, please utilize our Itinerary Planning Service by filling out our form, and we will create a custom itinerary for you.

Our groups are intentionally kept small, typically consisting of 8-10 travelers plus two guides/translators. We believe this small size allows for the most rewarding experience including connecting with the local community, making new friends, and enabling us to travel like locals by utilizing public transportation.

We do not book any additional hotel arrangements. However, three months prior to the tour’s commencement, you will receive a travel package that includes your hotel details. If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay, please use the hotel’s website or your preferred booking platform to make those separate arrangements.

Yes. However, beginning in 2027, airport pickup will be available as an add-on service for travelers arriving one or two days before their tour starts. If you wish to utilize this service, please indicate your interest when booking, and our guide will meet you at the airport. 

Important Note
Each tour has a designated recommended arrival airport. If your flight arrives at an airport other than the recommended one, we kindly ask that you make your own arrangements.

Due to the pre-planned nature of the meals on our set tours, we are unable to accommodate gluten-free diets for all tours. 

We can accommodate most vegetarian requests; however, please note that Japanese cuisine frequently utilizes “dashi” (fish stock), so some meals may contain fish products.

If you have extreme or complex dietary requirements, we highly recommend booking a custom trip, as this allows us to cater to your specific needs more effectively.

Travelers should be aware that many places in Japan have numerous steps, which could present a challenge. Additionally, please note that when our group visits studios, makers, and other sites, seating may be on traditional tatami mats rather than chairs, which may be difficult for some participants.

While having a tattoo itself does not pose an issue for our tours (we recommend keeping them covered), please be aware that bathing in public baths or onsen might be restricted. Traditionally, these facilities do not allow guests with tattoos to enter. If you have large tattoos, we ask that you use the private shower facilities in your room instead of the public onsen baths, out of courtesy to the facilities and the general public. 

While there is no strict dress code, you may find that people tend to dress more formally in Japan compared to the US. You will likely feel more comfortable dressing for a conservative environment. Generally, adult women keep most of their skin covered, even in summer, and men wearing shorts are uncommon.

For current entry requirements into Japan, please consult the information provided by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan.
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/

We use the Shinkansen (high speed bullet train) for travel between major cities. Within each city, we utilize local transportation such as buses, taxis, and subways. For locations that are more challenging to access, we arrange for a private micro bus.

Tipping is not customary in Japan (for hotels, taxis, local guides, and restaurants). However, because our tour guides will travel with you for the duration of the tour, a small gesture of appreciation is welcome. Past travelers have given small cash gifts with a card, small gifts at the farewell dinner, or occasionally bought meals.