Review Tour Schedule (Note that Best Japan Tours.com is not including air in the tour.) The dates are based upon your arrival by whatever means to Narita Airport. Click on the Tour description and review. At the bottom of each tour description is the application/reservation form. Once you have filled this form in noting each member of your party, the form is held in our secure e-mail server. We will confirm the receipt of your reservation request upon review of the forms. Best Japan Tours will charge the required deposit at that time. Final payment will be taken 90 days prior to departure automatically. At which time a detalied itinerary with other supporting information forms will be sent to you. If the group minimum is not met 90 days prior to departure, you will be offered a choice of choosing a later tour or cancelling.
What documents will I receive?
You will receive a detailed itinerary, including contact information for family and friends while you are away. All other documentation is held by the tour guide wating for your group in Japan. In the packet will be check lists and other supporting information about your tour.
What documents will I need to travel to Japan?
United States citizens will need a passport valid for 6 months after the return dates to the States. No visa is required prior to travel to Japan for US citizens.
What money is used and how do I acquire it?
The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen. Current exchange rates may be found here, https://www.xe.com/ucc/ The current rate is approx. 118 Yen to the Dollar. Japan is a cash society, so all incidental purchases are usually done in cash, not by credit card. It is not recomended to buy Japanese yen travelers checks If you wish to buy travelers checks, they should be U.S. travelers checks for exchange to yen in Japan. Locals will not accept travelers checks or U. S. currency.
Once in Japan, you may acquire the Yen in the airport downstairs in the baggage claim area at the official exchange window. Starting in July/August of 2007, 7 Bank, an ATM system at most of Japans 7-11 stores will recognize United States banks ATM cards. This is new, as in the past no banks in Japan recognized the average ATM card from the US. Be aware that two service fees are usually charged to your account at 7 Bank ATM machines. One charge is the conversion charge and the second will come from your bank for using an off system ATM machine. You will need to check with you individual bank to determine what those charges might be.
You can pre-order your Yen from EzForex, and American Express company by linking below:
How much Japan Yen should I carry on the trip?
It is estimated that an average traveler would spend between $500 to $1200 (Y59,000 to Y141,600) during the trip. Since Best Japan Tours.com is providing a First class trip and most meals are included, you need to bring enough money to cover potential souvenirs and incidental purchases. There are a few times when meals are not included to offer the groups a chance to break up and try an areas' food offerings on an individual basis.
Do I need Travelers Insurance?
It is recomended that Travelers Insurance is purchased. We find that travel with children is subject to the occasional quick onset cold and flu, so plans made months before can be totally wrecked by a sick child. It is recomended that the purchase of the insurance is done at time of deposit, as most Travelers Insurance plans allow a waiver for pre-existing conditions if purchased within the first week after making a deposit on a trip. May we suggest using Travelex at the link below:
Will my curling iron work in Japan?
Any two prong electrical item will work with Japanese current. Western style hotels will have hair dryers and the Ryokans will have one to lend to you.
Can I get airline tickets from BestJapanTours.com?
The tours do not include airfare. But, BestJapanTours.com does have negotiated air fares from most U. S. departures. We would be happy to quote you our rates on your dates of travel. Just include your desired dates in the 'Special Request' section of the application. We will send you an airfare quote under seperate e-mail.
Can I chooes to extent my time in Japan?
If you do wish to stay additional time in Japan, it is recomemded that you stay over at the end of the tour. The tours are set up to begin in Narita airport, but bypass Tokyo at the start and end in Tokyo with a shuttle to Narita, that you can choose to miss.
What clothes should I pack?
While touring Japan, one can wear comfortable casual clothing. You will want comfortable walking shoes as you will definitly be walking. You should be prepared for changing weather and have a light rain jacket in the event of rain. Clothing should be modest, meaning no 'cut offs' , 'halter' or 'tube' tops in most cases. Smart casual clothing is all that would be required for even evening dining. Packing lightly is suggested as you will be traveling via bullet train and one bag is transfered free, any additional bags could incur additional charges. Most Western hotels will offer complementary toiletries in your room. So packing the big bottle of shampoo, conditioner or tooth paste is not required. Be sure to pack several handkerchiefs as you will need them for wiping your hands. To save on refuse, the Japanese do not offer paper napkins in most places, so a bandana to dry your hands is recommended and a handkerchief will do well as a napkin at meals. Many restaurants will offer warm moist towelettes before the meal.
Will My Cell Work in Japan?
No, U. S. cell phones will not work in Japan. Calling home from Western Hotels is very reasonable. Also, the wireless network for e-mail is not compatible as well. Due to the ease of phone calling form Western hotels, a phone card in not really needed.
Quick Tips
Avoid Direct Eye Contact:
Just because Japanese people don't make direct eye contact, it does not mean that they do not want to be friendly. Direct eye contact can be threatening at times. Also, smiling can be a sign of one's embarrasement. When they nod and smile at you, it does not mean they understand you. Be aware.
Say You Are Sorry:
If in doubt, say you are sorry- "domo sumimasen" Your attorney may not agree with you, however, in Japan, being apologetic is a virtue. "Domo sumimasen" can mean "I am sorry", "excuse me", "thank you", "goodbye", or "hello". It is a very practical phrase.
Only Clean U.S. Bills, Please:
When exchanging U.S. currency to Japanese yen, you will need clean bills. Wrinkled or worn out bills will be rejected at the bank for exchange. This is because bills are run through a scanner for exchange in Japan.
Walk on the "Wrong" Side:
Look right before crossing the streets. Yes, they drive on the 'wrong' side of the street. Consequently, walk on the 'wrong' side of the street to be safe.
Handkerchiefs, Handkerchiefs and Handkerchiefs:
Bring extra handkerchiefs with you. You will need them in lieu of napkins and hand towels. However, do not use them to blow your nose! It is just not done in Japan. You may attract lots of unwelcome attention.
The only way to believe this experience is to live it.
