What is the cost of the tour?
The cost of the tour depends on the itinerary planned, tour agency rates, and options chosen.
For example, the May 2025 tour was quoted at around $3600 per person (not including airfare) based on a double-occupancy hotel room. Additionally, changes to inflation and costs of services may cause the final cost to fluctuate. Costs will be discussed at the information sessions – please submit the information form above to stay up-to-date!
When is the tour?
The tour is tentatively scheduled for early October 2025 for a duration of approximately 10 days. Final dates are not yet confirmed and are subject to travel agency arrangements.
What is the itinerary?
The itinerary is subject to change and will be finalized once the tour details are confirmed. Below is a sample structure, starting in Osaka and concluding in Tokyo:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Full day tour of Osaka and Nara
Day 3: Travel to Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial and Miyajima
Day 4: Free time in Hiroshima, then transfer to Kyoto; cultural tour of temples, shrines, and Nara
Day 5: Continued Kyoto exploration, including Arashiyama and additional Nara sites
Day 6: Transfer to Tokyo
Day 7: Tokyo city tour: Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
Day 8: Day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone
Day 9: Leisure day in Tokyo
Day 10: Departure from Narita or Haneda Airport
Accommodation will be arranged. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the entire tour to provide context, assist with logistics, and support participants as needed. The tour includes breakfast daily and selected lunches. Transportation is provided via bullet trains, chartered coaches, and ferry rides where applicable. Free time will be provided daily in most cities to allow for personal exploration, with the exception of structured day trips such as Hiroshima and Mt. Fuji.
Do I need to book my own flight to Japan?
You will be responsible for arranging a flight to the tour’s starting location, as well as a flight home at the end of the tour.
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary airport for international flights arriving from Canada, but it is located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from central Tokyo. Haneda Airport (HND) is much closer to the city and more convenient for transit, but fewer direct flights are available from Canada. Some travelers may need to transit through the U.S. to arrive at Haneda.
What kind of travel documents do I need?
Canadian citizens visiting Japan for less than 90 days do not require a visa.
As of April 2023, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement to enter Japan.
It is highly recommended to double-check travel documentation requirements in advance. Contact your airline, consult Transport Canada, or use IATA’s Travel Centre to verify your personalized entry requirements. IATA Travel Centre uses information from Timatic, an industry-standard tool used by airlines across Canada to verify travellers’ entry requirements.
How much money should I bring? Can I use my credit card in Japan?
Participants are encouraged to carry an appropriate amount of Japanese yen during the tour. While major urban areas in Japan accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), some smaller restaurants, local shops, and rural establishments may only accept cash.
For travelers relying primarily on cash: approximately CAD $1,500 is recommended for a 10-day trip.
For travelers using credit cards: carrying ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 (approximately CAD $300–$450) in cash is advisable for incidental purchases.
How will we be getting around in Japan?
Public transportation tickets can be purchased at self-serve terminals at major stations, and buses will take exact change.********
Suica and Pasmo Cards: These are rechargeable IC cards widely used for public transportation, including trains, subways, and buses. They are also accepted at convenience stores and select vending machines. Cards are available as physical passes or digital versions (e.g., the Suica on apple wallet).
- These cards are valid only in Japan and are non-refundable.
- We recommend reloading small amounts at a time to avoid leftover balances at the end of your stay.
Japan Rail (JR) Pass:
The JR Pass is a cost-effective option for travelers planning multiple long-distance train journeys, especially if using the Shinkansen (bullet trains) four or more times during the trip. If most of your travel is within Tokyo, Kyoto, or nearby areas, individual tickets may be more economical.
Learn more: https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase/price
Do I need an international phone plan? Can I rely on public wifi?
Free public wifi is not as common in Japan as it is in North America. Reliable internet access is important for navigation and communication. The following options are recommended:
- eSIM: Install an eSIM app (e.g., Airalo) before departure. Use referral code JULIA7391 for a small discount.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: A small portable device ideal for families or those with multiple devices. Rental is available at most international airports.
- Sakura Mobile (locations in NRT, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports) allows you to reserve in advance and pickup upon arrival. You may return the device at the airport before your departure.
- SIM cards: Can be purchased at major airports or convenience stores.
- Roaming: Canadian providers may offer roaming plans, but these are often expensive unless pre-arranged.
What if I don't speak Japanese?
English is fairly common in large tourist areas such as Tokyo. We recommend using a translation app like Google Translate or Apple Translate (pre-installed on most iPhones), which has a camera feature and can translate signage and menus in real time.
What other important information do I need to know before traveling to Japan?
Leading up to the tour, we will organize virtual information sessions that will cover important details of the tour – during these sessions we will also discuss things like etiquette and cultural customs. Attending these sessions will ensure you are well prepared, and ready for your first visit to Japan!