Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels for 7 nights and a mountain monastery for 1 night, which has shared facilities.

• Are the rooms in Japanese hotels typically spacious?

  Japanese hotel rooms are generally small due to space limitations. Rooms for couples often have two twin beds.

• What are the bathing facilities like in traditional Japanese inns or monasteries?

  Some traditional Japanese inns and the mountain monastery may offer shared bathing facilities, meaning individual shower stalls are not available. Instead, there are communal, same-sex bathing areas.

• Is elevator access available at all accommodations?

  Please be aware that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring guests to carry their luggage up stairs.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunches are not included, allowing flexibility.

• What kind of food can I expect, especially at the mountain monastery?

  At the mountain monastery in Koyasan, you'll savor a traditional dinner of shojin ryori, which is Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. A traditional breakfast is also included there.

• Are vegetarian/vegan options readily available throughout the tour?

  While your CEO will strive to cater to dietary requirements, vegetarianism and veganism are uncommon in Japan, which may lead to a more limited selection.

• How will we be traveling between destinations?

  The tour utilizes Japan's efficient public transportation system, including bullet trains, local trains, subways, trams, ferries, public buses, and extensive walking.

• What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?

  This tour is physically active, requiring participants to be able to spend the majority of the day on their feet (approximately 15,000 steps per day on average) and comfortably carry their own luggage through busy train stations and streets.

• What is the policy regarding luggage on bullet train journeys?

  Due to restrictions on bullet trains (Shinkansen), your main luggage will often be sent ahead via Japan's takkyubin (luggage transfer) service. You will not have access to your main luggage for approximately 24 hours on certain travel days, so you must pack an overnight bag. Luggage must be less than 160cm total (height+width+depth).

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 15 participants.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who provides information, suggestions, and handles logistics. Local guides may also be used for specific sites.

• What is the tipping etiquette in Japan for services and the CEO?

  Tipping is not customary in Japan for regular services. However, if you feel your CEO did an outstanding job, a tip of $5-7 USD per person per day is a suggested guideline.

• What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

  Highlights include staying in a mountain temple to learn about Buddhism, visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum, exploring Kyoto's Nijo Castle and Gion district, seeing the Fushimi Inari shrine, and enjoying a traditional kaiseki meal and onsen hot springs in Hakone.

• Are there any dress code requirements for visiting temples and holy sites?

  In Buddhist countries like Japan, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders) is requested when visiting temples or other holy sites.

• What is the local perspective on tattoos in Japan?

  Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. It is advisable to cover them when possible, and be aware that they might restrict entry to public spas or onsens (hot springs).

• How accessible are ATMs and how widely are credit cards accepted?

  ATMs are available at most Post Offices and 7-11 convenience stores. Credit cards are not widely accepted for purchases, except in some restaurants and department stores, so it's good to have cash.

• Is it advisable to carry an emergency fund?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What can I expect to see in Hiroshima?

  In Hiroshima, you will visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum. There's also an afternoon ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating Torii Gate, with an option to hike Mt Misen.

• What activities are planned for Kyoto?

  In Kyoto, you'll visit the impressive Nijo Castle and its gardens (or Kiyomizu-dera Temple if the castle is closed), explore the geisha district of Gion on a guided walking tour, and visit the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine.

• What will we experience in Hakone?

  In Hakone, you'll take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko with hopes of catching a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji, enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal, and have the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs (onsens).