Accommodation
Monasteries (2 nights), traditional inns (11 nights).
Transport
Cable car, bullet train, train, coach, walking.
Meals
13 breakfasts, 2lLunches, 7 dinners.
Staff
All operator group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. operator endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At operator we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by operator nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with operator.
Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo – US$5
Shinjuku Garden, Tokyo – US$2
Edo Museum, Tokyo – US$5
National Kabuki Theatre, Tokyo – US$7
Festival Float Museum, Takayama – US$4
Merchant house, Takayama – US$5
Audio guide, Koya San – US$5
Castle tower, Osaka – US$5
Takoyaki (octopus ball) making, Osaka – US$10
Bunraku Puppet performance, Osaka - from US$30
A Bomb Museum, Hiroshima – US$0.50
Itsukushima shrine, Miyajima – US$3
Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto – US$5
Sanjusangendo Temple, Kyoto – US$3
1 day bike hire, Kyoto – US$10
Todaiji, Nara – US$5
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended for operatorlers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap or from drinking water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
You are expected to carry your own luggage for up to 15-20 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Many inns do not allow suitcases with wheels into rooms with tatami mat floors, so it is better not to use these.
During your visit to Japan you may receive hospitality from local families/people. A great way to reciprocate is to bring a small gift from your country, eg. clip-on Koalas, pens, flags or stickers.
Please note that the weather is quite a bit cooler in more remote areas outside of Tokyo - please pack accordingly.
Please bring your own towel (particularly for the monastery stay).
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, operator voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Tampons are difficult to buy in Japan
Japanese language phrase book
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Almost all hotels in Japan provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash
Due to staying at local ryokans with tatami floors and the need to remove footwear each time you enter your room, shoes that are easy to slip on and off can make things a little easier.
Warm clothes in the winter months (October to April) including thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves
Towel (for monastery stay)
Japan Rail Pass
Group Size
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Other Information
All travellers must arrive with a 14 day ordinary JR rail pass. Please arrange this through your travel agent. The cost is around 45,100´ (approx. $US375) depending on exchange rates. The price may be subject to an agent service fee. Your group leader will assist in validating your pass on Day 2 of the trip. The pass can be used on Day 14 to travel to Tokyo or Osaka airports for your international flights. Please note the JR rail pass is only valid for 3 months after issue. If you are unable to apply for a JR pass due to living in Japan at the time of travel, we are able to purchase tickets for you along the way. Please allow US$525 for this.
Operator Remarks
Allow USD $250 for meals not included.