Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions we are regularly asked. If you can’t find what you need to know here please check the About Japan FAQ and feel free to email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Why visit Japan?
Why book with Japan Journeys?
When is the best time to visit Japan?
What's the average age of people on the Manga Tour?
My daughter is only 14 but she really wants to go.
I want to stay in Japan for longer than your itinerary. Is it possible?
What's the single room supplement? And if I’m travelling alone do I have to pay it?
I'm worried about travelling around Japan alone.
I'm worried about the food. Can I get Western food in Japan?
What grade of hotels do you use?
What is a ryokan?
I've heard Japanese baths are different to ours. How do you wash in a Japanese bath?
What are your booking terms?

Why visit Japan?
If you're reading this, the chances are that you are intrigued by the idea of a country and culture which really is unique, and perhaps the most foreign in the world. In Japan’s case, this is no cliché; the country has fascinated westerners for centuries due its social and cultural, as much as geographical inaccessibility. Japan is a place where ancient traditions stand shoulder to shoulder with the latest in cutting-edge technology, where glittering skyscrapers are blessed by Shinto priests, and where speeding bullet trains cut through rice paddies which are still tended by hand. From the pulsating neon streets of Tokyo to a serene Kyoto temple, from the world-class ski resorts of Hokkaido to the turquoise waters of Okinawa, from a refined kaiseki (haute cuisine) dinner to a steaming bowl of noodles, Japan has everything to give you the holiday of a lifetime.

Why book with Japan Journeys?
All the staff here at Japan Journeys have spent years living, working and travelling in Japan, which is why we are dedicated to bringing you the best of this amazing country. We have been the number 1 provider of specialist Manga, Bonsai and Quilters tours since 2004, our Group Tours are fully-guided by one of our expert Japan Journeys Tour Managers, and we are fully-bonded with the Travel Trust Association for your peace of mind.

In addition to our packages for Independent Travellers we can also make specially-designed itineraries tailor made to your requirements. See what previous customers have said about us.

When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring (March-early May) and autumn (mid-September-November) are generally considered the best times to visit Japan, owing to the mild climate. Late March sees the whole country turn pink as this is the time for cherry blossoms, whilst late October heralds the beginning of Japan’s stunning autumn colours. Winter (December-February) attracts skiers and snowboarders to the north of Japan for some of the world’s best powder, and this can be a pleasantly quieter, if colder time to visit. Summer (June-August) gets fiercely hot and humid, although it’s the best time to experience the magic of a Japanese festival.

What’s the average age of people on the Manga Tour? My daughter is only 14 but she really wants to go.
Most people on the Manga Tour are between 18 and 30. We often have younger customers who come with their parents, and parents enjoy the experience just as much as their children! Whilst manga and anime might not be every parent’s cup of tea, there’s plenty of other things on the tour to enjoy, such as temple visits, shopping, great food and learning more about Japan.

I want to stay in Japan for longer than your itinerary. Is it possible?
Yes, this is what many of our customers do. We can arrange for additional nights in a hotel, Japan Rail Passes, excursions, escort services and any guiding you might require. If there is a special event or you have a particular interest in any aspect of Japan, we can arrange this on top of any of our standard packages.

What’s the single room supplement? And if I’m travelling alone do I have to pay it?
The price per person for all our tours is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. The single supplement is the additional cost for staying in a single room. On our Group Tours, we will do our best to pair up single travellers who want to share so that you can avoid paying the single room supplement. We only pair up members of the same sex.

I’m worried about travelling around Japan alone.
Don’t worry! All our packages for Independent Travellers provide you with a comprehensive Information Pack containing everything you need to know about getting around Japan. All train stations have English as well as Japanese signs and Japan is probably the safest developed country in the world!

I’m worried about the food. Can I get Western food in Japan?
While sushi grabs the headlines, Japanese food is much, much more than just raw fish! There is an endless variety of rice, noodle, vegetable, meat and cooked fish dishes in Japan, and unlike some other Asian countries you can be sure that the food hygiene standards are extremely high. Whilst we really recommend you try some of the delicious local cuisine, there is plenty of familiar food on offer in small towns and major cities alike, such as pasta, pizza, Indian, Chinese, fast food chains and bakeries.

What grade of hotels do you use?
The minimum grade of hotels we use are 3* business hotels. These are compact, simple hotels, but spotlessly clean, with ensuite bathrooms, breakfast included and internet in the lobby. Rooms are cleaned everyday. We would not put you in any hotel which we wouldn’t be satisfied with staying in ourselves.

Some of our group tours offer a superior grade of accommodation (see tour pages for details). For independent travellers and Tailor Made packages, we can arrange 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation.

What is a ryokan?
Ryokan refers to a traditional Japanese inn, and will be a highlight of your trip. You will be greeted upon arrival by staff in kimono, who will provide you with slippers for walking around the accommodation. Traditional Japanese rooms have floors made from tatami, a smooth, luxurious reed mat. Dinner is almost always included in ryokan, which makes them slightly more expensive than staying in a hotel, but the experience is priceless as dinner will be a delicious, elaborate affair, served in your room. Onsen (see How do you wash in a Japanese bath?, below) are usually a feature of this type of accommodation, and you will be provided with futon in which to sleep. A stay in a ryokan is something you will never forget!

I’ve heard Japanese baths are different to ours. How do you wash in a Japanese bath?
Onsen, or hot spring baths, are one of the highlights of Japan. They can be anything from a simple shower room and large tub to a steaming, natural hot spring set in beautiful natural scenery. Despite what you might have heard, they are really simple to use as follows:

Whilst bathing is communal, men and women are separated. This is indicated by the curtain at the entrance to the bathroom, blue for guys, red or pink for girls. This is a great rule of thumb if you don’t read Japanese!
There will be a locker for you to leave your clothes and bags while you are bathing.
First, wash your body in the shower area. Washing is never done in the bath, so make sure you rinse off all the soap! Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are always provided.
Next, head for the bath! There are often several baths of different temperatures and different mineral content. For maximum health benefits it is recommended that you spend 8-10 minutes in each different bath, cooling off in between.
Wash your body again, or just rinse with water, and head back to the locker room. Simple!
Remember to drink lots of water as it’s easy to get dehydrated.

What are your booking terms?

To make a booking, a deposit of 10% per person is required.
The balance of the price of the trip must be made 12 weeks prior to departure.
Full terms and Conditions
INSURANCE: Details of Japan Journeys travel insurance policy are below.
All passengers should click here to obtain a quote. We recommend you select the best coverage possible i.e. Platinum protection
It is a condition of booking that you must have insurance cover at least equivalent to that described above.
For insurance details click here for a full Summary of Cover offered by our Platinum level protection.
If you would like to book your insurance through Japan Journeys, please do so using this link:

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