The Very Best of Japan from Osaka to Tokyo

Frequently asked questions

• What is the time difference between the UK and Japan?

  GMT +9 hours

• What is the currency in Japan?

  Japanese Yen

• What will the weather be like in Japan?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  On Japan’s island of Honshu (the main island) you’ll find a climate that is mostly temperate, with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally mild throughout the country. The best time to visit Japan is usually from March to May, the cherry blossom season; equally September through to November are popular for the spectacular autumn foliage.

• What clothing should I take to Japan?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places – and commonplace when entering many buildings, including restaurants in Japan.

• What Japanese etiquette should I know before travelling to Japan?

  Japanese people are extremely polite and welcoming (one of the best things about visiting Japan), but many visitors worry about accidentally offending them by saying or doing the wrong thing. Bear in mind that Japanese people don’t expect you to know all of their customs and etiquette, but a few basics are useful. Here are a few helpful tips:

  Chopsticks (Ohashi)

  There are many rules around the use of chopsticks, but a few key things to keep in mind are: never point your chopsticks at another person, wave them in the air, or spear food with them, and avoid sticking your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice.

  Handing over money when paying

  In Japan, money is rarely passed directly from hand to hand, so when you purchase an item or service, please don’t hand money directly to the cashier. Instead, place your payment (whether cash or credit) on the small tray provided. If change is due, your change will be placed here too, for you to retrieve.

  Removing your shoes

  It is common in Japan to remove your shoes before entering many buildings, such as ryokans (Japanese-style inns), temples, and at traditional restaurants. Bring shoes that slip on and off easily, and neat socks, too – they’ll be on display often!

  Bowing

  Japanese people bow when greeting one another. If you’re used to shaking hands when meeting people, it may be difficult to adjust to bowing instead. But don’t worry; many Japanese people are accustomed to shaking hands when meeting non-Japanese. Bowing is also used when thanking someone. At hotels, ryokans, shops, and restaurants (particularly at higher-end establishments), it’s common for staff to bow deeply to customers and polite for you to bow briefly in return.

• How much should I tip in Japan?

  Tipping in Japan is not common practice and in most instances such as in restaurants, barsand taxis, should be avoided as it is more likely to cause confusion. There are some exceptions, such as your local guide, where whilst not expected, if you believe it is deserved it will be graciously accepted. Of course, when it comes to Japan there is always an element of etiquette, so if you do wish to tip your local guide, we suggest putting clean bills into an envelope and then, using both hands discretely hand to them.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities into your tour, tips for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not however included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  Tour Manager: £2 – £4 (JPY 400 – 800) per person per day
  Local Guides: JPY 200 – 500 per person per day
  Drivers: JPY 100 – 300 per person per day

• What are the entry requirements for Japan?

  The information provided on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration of our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information provided is correct at the time of publishing, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website, for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to Japan?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter Japan?

  British citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 days for tourism purposes without a visa.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website and the Foreign Office website.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to Japan?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, for more information on any required vaccinations.