Important Info

Trip Notes & Expectations

ACCOMMODATION

Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotel rooms are small! Additionally, many Japanese hotels do not have designated non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deodorize rooms before check-in. Finally, bed mattresses in Japan tend to be much firmer than what you may be used to. The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. We use simple hotels to keep these trips as inexpensive as possible.

LUGGAGE

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. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet. *You must handle all luggage unassisted and store it safely on trains/buses.*

Size Restrictions: All luggage must be under 160cm total dimensions (height + width + depth). Exceeding this incurs 1,000 JPY fees per train journey; over 251cm is prohibited. If bringing two bags, both must meet the 160cm limit.

Overnight Separation: While we ride the bullet train, your main luggage will be sent on Japan’s takkyubin service (luggage transfer) to the next destination. You will NOT have access to your main luggage for ~24-48 hours at a time. You must pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage. 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. Forwarding services may occasionally experience delays.

ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE

This is a fast-paced itinerary covering significant ground with extensive daily travel (up to 6 hours) on public transportation. 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 make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities. We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals in-transit are often purchased from convenience stores (Family Mart, Lawson, 7-Eleven) and meal times may be irregular.

TRANSPORTATION

This program utilizes Japan’s world famous public transport system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto’s extensive local bus network, we ride with the locals. Sometimes you will have full days of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.

JAPAN RAIL PASS

Your program fee includes a Japan Rail Pass, which provides unlimited travel on most of Japan’s extensive JR train network, including the bullet trains (shinkansen). The pass is only available to foreign travelers, so if you are a Japanese citizen/resident or traveling on a student/business visa, please let us know as you will not be eligible for the Rail Pass.

ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY

Weather conditions may require last-minute itinerary changes. While we strive to include all planned activities, alternatives may be substituted due to conditions beyond our control. Some visits to major sites may be brief due to the comprehensive nature of this itinerary.

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).

LANGUAGE

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 humor, and respect for the local culture goes a long way in any Japan and will greatly enrich your experience.

GROUP LEADER

All GEEO programs are led by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight.

Single Travelers

Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.

Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.

Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Add-Ons & Budgeting section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.

Emergency Contacts

If you need urgent help during your trip, call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
G Adventures Local Office (Japan)
During office hours: Mon-Fri (Excluding national holidays) 9:00-18:00 Local Time
From outside Japan: 1st contact +81 3-6809-1212. (2nd contact +81 90 1223 2336 or +81 80 6779 1851)
From within Japan: 1st contact 03-6809-1212 (2nd contact 090 1223 2336 or 080 6779 1851)

After office hours emergency number
Primary phone: +81 90 1223 2336 or +81 80 6779 1851 (from within Japan: 090 1223 2336 or 080 6779 1851)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 672 5139
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks.

IMPORTANT: This program uses 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. You will need to bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage.

As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination.

*Laundry: Laundry services are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. We recommend packing enough clothes so you don’t have to do laundry.

Passports and Visas

Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries. 

 
PASSPORT 
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here.

ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS 
Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country’s official government resources. You can also use Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner to look up the latest requirements.

Money Exchange

The local currency is Japan is the yen (¥ JPY). For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

7-Eleven Convenience stores are ubiquitous throughout Japan, and nearly every one has an ATM where you can withdraw the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.

Tipping

Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Leaving money at restaurants, in taxis, etc. will simply cause confusion! However, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $5-7 USD per person per day would be appropriate.

Flights

Book flights only after the trip is confirmed to run. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.

This program begins in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Tokyo. You may want to arrive in Tokyo one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. If you have never been to Tokyo before, there is a lot to see! You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Kyoto any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city. The two nearest airports to Kyoto are Kansai Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). You can also transfer back to Tokyo on the bullet train or book an affordable one-way flight from KIX/ITM to NRT/HND.

Plugs and Converters

Japan uses Type A plugs (the same as the U.S., but only the 2-prong style) and the voltage is 100V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider:

1. Adapter (plug shape)
Japan uses the same flat, two-prong Type A plugs as the U.S. However, outlets often do not support 3-prong plugs, so bring a 3-to-2 prong adapter if your device has a grounding pin. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post.

2. Converter / transformer (voltage)
Voltage in Japan is 100V, slightly lower than the U.S. (120V), but generally safe for modern devices. Most phones, tablets, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage and work with just an adapter.

How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An “Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows “Input 120 V only” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), use a voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.

Weather

Japan is hot, humid and rainy during June and July. Be prepared for the heat with a handheld fan (even better if it has a mist function), a sunhat (better to stay cool than look cool), and a cooling towel. Be sure to drink plenty of water; vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan, and Pocari Sweat is a great option for staying hydrated.

Advice from Past Participants

“Make sure everyone understands there is no van to shuttle you from place to place or even to the train stations if they are near enough to the hotel. It is important to have luggage that you can manage. Some people with large suitcases had a difficult time maneuvering them on the trains and finding space to store them. You can usually take a taxi if you need to, but the cost is not covered.”

“All the hotels had shampoo body soap, conditioner, and hair dryers. You will have to move your luggage a lot in the metro and to/from train stations.”