Self Guided FAQs

We will provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for your trip. This will include all of the vital information for your trip including comprehensive transportation instructions with bi-lingual timetables, addresses (in both Japanese and English) and maps for all of your accommodations and a copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” handbook. This handbook covers a wide range of topics from money suggestions, packing and language tips, health and safety considerations, customs and etiquette, dining out, public transportation and Japanese history.

All of our Independent Packages include a meet-and-greet service on arrival at the airport and a full day (8 hours) of private guiding at the start of the trip with a licensed, Japanese guide. And you will have access to our English-speaking staff in our Japan office. These reassuring services will help introduce you to Japan and will give you extra confidence for traveling the country independently.

Throughout your trip you will have the support of our English-speaking staff at our Japan office in Kyoto. Our Japan office will have full details of your trip itinerary and are only a phone call away in the unlikely event there are any problems.

We have a set of available options that can be added to your trip. These include private guiding services and a wide range of mini-tours and cultural activities, etc. If you have a particular interest of activity in mind that you would like to experience in Japan and don’t see it offered in our available options, just let us know. We will do our best to help make it happen.

Providing the transport links are there, we can make it possible! Please contact us with your requests.

Japan does not use a rating system for their hotels or ryokans, but luxury accommodations would be similar to a 4 or 5 star rated hotel, while a Standard would be similar to a 3 star tourist hotel. Budget accommodations would be business hotels. You may have to give up some amenities like a lounge or room service and you may have a smaller room, but you won’t sacrifice quiet, clean and safe rooms.

We offer a 10% discount to children under 12 and 5% for ages 12 to 16.