Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

Visas
If you have a ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British National (Overseas)’ passport, you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. You may need to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket.

If you have a different type of British nationality, or you wish to enter Japan for other purposes (long-term stay, study, settlement, employment); if you have any doubts about whether you’re eligible to enter Japan (eg, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested even if it did not result in a conviction) or about visa matters generally, contact a Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Visas aren’t issued after arrival in Japan.

If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Japan Foreign Advice

Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your sole responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates of the countries in which you are planning to travel.

Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter painkillers like those containing codeine. Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for offences – ignorance may not be considered a defence. You should check the status of your medication with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

If you’re travelling with prescription medication that is permitted under Japanese law, you’re normally allowed to bring in up to one month’s supply. You’re advised to bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating the medical condition that the medication has been prescribed to treat. For more guidance on travelling with medication, check information pages from NHS Choices and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) in our foreign travel checklist.

If you need prescription medicine for long term use, you may need to provide extra paperwork, such as an import licence. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provides information about bringing medication for personal use.

The transfer time for the main tour between Tokyo Airport and the hotel is approximately 1 hour depending on traffic.

The transfer time for the main tour between the hotel and Kansai Airport hotel is approximately 1.5 hour depending on traffic.

Luggage Forwarding Service
As a section on this holiday is done by public transport (Japan’s excellent train network) a luggage forwarding service is used on 3 occasions as space is limited on the trains. This luggage service is a one day service. You will need to use one night bag for yourself.

Please note

• A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required as we include plenty of sightseeing/travelling, some with early starts. Please note that on this trip we will also use private and public transport and there will be a lot of walking and standing involved.
• The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change
• Please refer to Medical Conditions in Important Information.

Our tours are planned to be as fully inclusive as possible. However, from time-to-time your Tour Leader and Local Guide may suggest optional tours/sightseeing in addition to the standard sightseeing planned for that city. Such options are at an additional cost (payable in local currency). If you do not wish to take part in any optional extras, you will have the option of enjoying some free time at leisure or to return to the hotel.

Yen

Cash is king in Japan! Although things are slowly changing it’s not unusual for shops and restaurants to not have facilities for credit and debit card transactions. Cash on the other hand is accepted everywhere in Japan. For guests already in Japan, Seven Eleven & Family Mart convenience stores, Post Offices and international airports have ATMs that will allow them to withdraw Japanese yen in cash using international credit or debit cards.

Tipping is generally not done in Japan. Staff at restaurants and hotels will likely be confused and try to return any ‘over-payment’ if tipped. A heartfelt thank-you is the best way to respond to good service. If you feel that your Tour Leader has done an exceptional job and choose to tip him/her, any amount will be graciously and gratefully accepted. Our local agent recommends 5,000 yen per person for the two week trip.

Although Japanese people generally dress quite smartly, there are no strict dress codes in Japan. We would recommend a common-sense approach. During the day when sightseeing, we recommend casual, lightweight cotton clothing, that covers the shoulders and knees (both men and women). You will find that smart casual wear is acceptable, even in the best hotels during the evening. We would recommend an umbrella or hat for protection against the sun. This is quite an active itinerary and comfortable clothes would be best. From time to time, your guide will advise you about observing local customs. There will be occasions in Japan when guests are expected to remove their shoes. The most likely places to encounter this is when entering temples, shrines and traditional tea houses. Of course the tour leader will be on hand to advise. We would also recommend packing some clothes which are quick drying in case of rain.

There are three occasions where the main luggage (one piece allowed) will be transferred for you. You will need to use one night bag for yourself.

Sushi is of course the most famous dish, but Japanese food does not stop with raw fish; other specialities include teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate), sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg), and tempura (deep fried sea-food and vegetables). If everything so far sounds a bit meat and fish orientated don’t be alarmed – there are vegetarian options in Japan. Try the wonderful zaru soba (buck-wheat noodles served cold), a bowl of udon (thicker noodles), shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine based on a strictly vegetarian diet), vegetable okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), and vegetable tempura to name a few.

A word of warning – being a strict vegetarian or vegan in Japan is challenging. Fish stock (dashi) is used as a base in many dishes and soups and can be difficult to avoid.

Most of the restaurants we use for group meals try their best to accommodate dietary requirements. In some cases, restaurants may omit meat and fish products for vegetarians – meaning food could be bland. We will inform restaurants in advance if anyone has allergies or other dietary requirements and the tour leader will be on hand to give advice and restaurant recommendations to fit guests needs.

International foods are widely available in Japan. From a country that survived on a diet of mainly fish and vegetables just over a century ago, Japan has reached the stage where there is an Italian restaurant or McDonald’s on nearly every city street corner. Indian restaurants abound too, as well as some very good Chinese and Korean places. For a late night snack, a ramen bar is a good bet – these can be found serving up steaming bowls of Chinese noodles, prepared Japanese style in various broths, until the small hours of the morning.