WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
DO I NEED A VISA?
HOW LONG ARE THE TRAVEL TIMES?
WHAT TIME CAN I FLY OUT ON THE LAST DAY?
DOES IT MATTER WHAT TIME I LEAVE ON DAY 10? I’VE BOOKED AN 8:00AM FLIGHT.
THE TOUR DOESN’T END IN TOKYO - IS THE RETURN INCLUDED?
CAN YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
HOW IS WI-FI AND MOBILE DATA DURING THE TRIP?
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A JAPAN RAIL PASS?
IS THERE MUCH FREE TIME ON THE TOUR?
I’VE SEEN THAT WE ARE STAYING IN A TEMPLE - HOW ARE THE FACILITIES?
CAN I BOOK A SINGLE ROOM ON THIS TOUR?
I’M ARRIVING AT 9:00PM ON DAY 1 - WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM?
DO WE HAVE TO CARRY OUR LUGGAGE AROUND EACH DAY?
WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
HOW MUCH FREE TIME IS THERE IN TOKYO FOR SHOPPING OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
The Japan Adventure tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka.
You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND) - either is fine. Airport transfers are not included, but your welcome pack contains detailed instructions on getting to the accommodation from both airports.
The first night is spent at Sakura Hotel Nippori in Tokyo. You’ll be notified in advance if this changes.
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world. Group sizes vary with each tour however we like to keep things fun yet personal so you’ll be travelling with up to 24 others aged 18-39.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
We would recommend discussing this with your local doctor or GP as they will give the best, and most up-to-date advice on this matter.
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
Yes! Additional nights accommodation can be booked prior to Day 1 of the tour. These nights would be paid in cash on arrival. Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book to discuss your additional nights.
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
DO I NEED A VISA?
We advise checking with your governments travel website for up to date information. However, most countries are issued a 90 day visa on arrival. Although, you do need to show proof of onward travel from Japan to be allowed to board your inbound flight.
HOW LONG ARE THE TRAVEL TIMES?
The longest single travel time on the tour is approximately 4 hours. On one day, there will be two train journeys of around 2–3 hours each, with a 30-minute change in between.
WHAT TIME CAN I FLY OUT ON THE LAST DAY?
If you’re departing from Osaka, we recommend booking flights no earlier than 11:00am. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to Kansai International Airport (KIX) and around 1 hour to Osaka International Airport (Itami / ITM). If you’re flying out of Tokyo, we recommend booking flights no earlier than 4:00pm.
DOES IT MATTER WHAT TIME I LEAVE ON DAY 10? I’VE BOOKED AN 8:00AM FLIGHT.
DEPARTING FROM OSAKA (KANSAI AIRPORT):
We recommend flights after 9:00am, as the earliest public transport reaches the airport around 6:00am. Taxis are available but very expensive (from approximately ¥14,000+).
DEPARTING FROM OSAKA (ITAMI AIRPORT):
We recommend booking flights after 9:00am. Public transport starts around 6:15am, and taxis are also costly.
DEPARTING FROM TOKYO:
We do not recommend international flights earlier than 5:00pm. The included return train journey to Tokyo takes around 4 hours, followed by approximately 1 hour to the airport, plus the recommended 3-hour international check-in time.
FLYING OUT OF TOKYO AT 8:00AM ON DAY 10:
While this is possible, it isn’t ideal. Travel from Osaka to Tokyo can take up to 4 hours, with the airport a further 60 minutes from central Tokyo. If your flight departs before 2:00pm on Day 10, we recommend leaving the tour on Day 9 and arranging your own accommodation in Tokyo for the night.
THE TOUR DOESN’T END IN TOKYO - IS THE RETURN INCLUDED?
For guests wishing to return to Tokyo after the tour finishes in Osaka, the return train can be added to your booking.
If you plan to organise the return train while on tour, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible, as trains can sell out.
CAN YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Due to the nature of Japanese cuisine, strict dietary requirements can be challenging to accommodate in some areas. Many dishes use broths or stocks that are not vegetarian or vegan friendly, and meals often include meat, fish, or egg.
We recommend downloading the Happy Cow app and speaking with your tour leader for advice throughout the trip. You’re welcome to bring snacks or supplements if needed, but please note Japanese customs are very strict with food and medication, so double-check anything you plan to bring.
HOW IS WI-FI AND MOBILE DATA DURING THE TRIP?
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations and many public spaces. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM, or renting a pocket Wi-Fi device for reliable access throughout the trip.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A JAPAN RAIL PASS?
No. A Japan Rail Pass is not included and not required. All transport during the tour is organised for you, and we primarily use local transport to provide a more authentic experience.
IS THERE MUCH FREE TIME ON THE TOUR?
Tokyo is fairly fast-paced, but you’re welcome to spend longer in an area and return to the accommodation independently if you’d like to explore more.
There is some free time in Takayama, where you can enjoy optional activities such as archery or visiting an onsen. Free time is more limited in Hakone and Osaka, while Kyoto includes approximately half a day to explore at your own pace.
I’VE SEEN THAT WE ARE STAYING IN A TEMPLE - HOW ARE THE FACILITIES?
You’ll spend one night in a beautiful temple in Takayama, offering a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Accommodation is multi-share (up to 9 guests per room) on traditional tatami mats, overlooking a Japanese garden.
A mattress, sheet, and pillow are provided, and the temple has excellent shared facilities. It is also centrally located within Takayama.
CAN I BOOK A SINGLE ROOM ON THIS TOUR?
Unfortunately, single supplements are not available on this tour. Single rooms in Japan are extremely limited, and most accommodation is twin-share, meaning the cost would be equivalent to paying for two people.
That said, we will always do our best to pair solo travellers together.
I’M ARRIVING AT 9:00PM ON DAY 1 - WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM?
Arriving at 9:00pm is no problem, however you will miss the welcome dinner and the Senso-ji Temple night visit. Please note that public transport generally stops around midnight, so allow for potential delays. If needed, your welcome email includes information on travelling into the city after midnight.
DO WE HAVE TO CARRY OUR LUGGAGE AROUND EACH DAY?
You’ll need to transport your luggage between accommodations, but during the day it can be safely stored at the hostel. We don’t offer a luggage delivery service, however your tour leader can advise you on arranging this independently if you’d like.
WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
A reasonable level of fitness is required due to the amount of walking involved. Some days include 8–10km of walking, so comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
HOW MUCH FREE TIME IS THERE IN TOKYO FOR SHOPPING OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?
There is some free time built into the Tokyo itinerary, but not enough for longer optional activities unless you choose to skip certain inclusions. If you’re keen to do activities such as Mario Kart, we recommend arriving in Tokyo before Day 1 to give yourself extra time.