This tour requires that you have medical travel insurance. On Day 1, your tour leader will ask you for proof of coverage. Cancellation insurance is recommended but not mandatory.

The security that comes from knowing your trip is locked in is a feeling that can't be topped. Every one of the supplier's departures is guaranteed to run. Yup, all of them. Once you've booked and paid, that's it; you're going. Guaranteed. Your trip won't be cancelled by The Operator for any reason (beyond harsh weather or safety issues). Promise.

It's essential to pack as lightly as possible for rail travel in Japan. The tour uses the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size.

Any luggage brought on board must be less than 160cm in total (calculated as the sum of the height + width + depth of your luggage). This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. In addition, we strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day (for daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.).

Please note that travellers who bring luggage that exceeds this restriction will be directly penalised by the Central Japan Railway Company. Any luggage between 160–250cm will require a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage for each leg of your train journey and is strictly subject to availability. Any luggage over 251cm in total is prohibited on the Shinkansen trains.

If you absolutely must bring more than what fits into a single carry-on bag plus a day pack, you may bring a second carry-on bag which also must be less than 160cm in total. Please note, however, that you must be able to carry your luggage unassisted.

Cold Weather:

• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:

• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:

• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:

• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:

• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitiser (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:

• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: During the colder months (Nov-Apr), the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During summer (Jun-Sep), temperatures are very hot and humid. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.

Please make sure to pack a day backpack or a small/lightweight bag for the group overnight in Koyasan.

Note: Hand sanitiser is a rare commodity in Japan, so it is best to bring this with you.

Allow USD390-510 for meals not included.

Tipping is not practised in Japan. Leaving money at restaurants, in taxis, etc., will simply cause confusion!

Also, at the end of each trip, tipping is highly appreciated if you feel your tour guide did an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However, USD 5 per person per day can be used as a guideline.

Combo Trip 

Please note that this tour combines with other tours by The Operator. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been travelling together prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may continue on another tour after your trip concludes.

Japan Rail Pass
Please note that only foreigners travelling as a tourist are able to use a Japan Rail Pass. Therefore, if you are a Japanese citizen/resident or travelling on a student/business/military/diplomatic visa, please advise the Operator at the time of booking, as you will not be able to take advantage of the rail pass.

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).