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Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.

Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. When travelling by train, we include the transfer of one piece of luggage from destination to destination. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on luggage transfers and luggage size.

3. We are currently unable to offer airport transfers in Japan. Please refer to the Joining Point Instructions of the Essential Trip Information for our recommendations on arrival. Your leader will be able to advise the best way to reach the airport at the end of your trip.

4. On the May 11th 2025 departure (CJPJ250511), no double beds will be available at the hotel in Tokyo with only twin beds possible.

LUGGAGE IN JAPAN
On this trip you will need to carry your own luggage for up to 30 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require climbing a lot of stairs, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Elevators aren't always available and cannot accommodate many people at a time, so if you bring a suitcase, please ensure you are able to lift and carry it up and down stairs yourself without difficulty. Our ryokans allow suitcases, but you'll need to carry it onto the tatami floor in the room, instead of wheeling it. A backpack is often preferred by travellers for these reasons.

We recommend that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg.

LUGGAGE SIZE RESTRICTIONS ON JAPANESE TRAINS
Luggage allowances for train travel are calculated by adding the length, width and height together. We recommend your main piece of luggage does not exceed 159cm.

Luggage between 160cm and 250cm requires pre-booking additional luggage space for an additional fee. This can be difficult to secure given how busy Japan's rail system is. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on Shinkansen trains.

If you have oversize luggage you will need to use luggage forwarding services. Additional charges will apply. Please speak to your leader if you need to utilise this service.

Japanese trains don’t have large luggage racks for big suitcases so it's best to pack as light and small as possible so that you are not blocking aisles or taking up extra seats.

DAY PACK
A day pack for carrying essentials when exploring destinations, as well as for any shorter overnight stays, will be useful.

SEASONAL CLOTHING
Weather in Japan varies greatly between summer and winter so be sure to check whether you’ll need a beanie and thermals or light cotton layers during your visit.

PACKING LIST
Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

You will be expected to carry your own luggage, including while moving about busy public transport hubs to make tight connections, up stairs and escalators and on and off buses and trains. Although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, you are expected to be able to walk and handle your own luggage for up to 30 minutes, sometimes at a fast pace and in crowds. Good general fitness and mobility will play a big part in making your trip more enjoyable. Japanese cities are best explored by foot and public transport, so be prepared for a lot of walking each day you are in a destination! Many travellers are surprised how much distance they end up covering each day just seeing the sights. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend most of the day on your feet.

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, 2-16-11, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, 東京都台東区雷門2-16-11, Tokyo, Tokyo, 111-0034, JAPAN, Phone: +81 358263877

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is located in Tokyo's downtown Asakusa district and is located within 100m distance of several subway stations. The hotel provides immediate access to the historical sights of Asakusa and the Sumida River, as well as the main Tokyo hub of Ueno where Tokyo's main national museums are located. The traditional life of old Edo (the former name for Tokyo) can still be experienced in this part of Tokyo's central north-west.

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
06 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250306)
11 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250311)
18 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250318)
21 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250321)
25 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250325)
28 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250328)
31 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250331)
03 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250403)
06 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250406)
11 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250411)
10 May 2025 (CJPJ250510)
18 May 2025 (CJPJ250518)
31 May 2025 (CJPJ250531)
31 Aug 2025 (CJPJ250831)
07 Sep 2025 (CJPJ250907)
19 Sep 2025 (CJPJ250919)
26 Sep 2025 (CJPJ250926)
03 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251003)
12 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251012)
16 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251016)
26 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251026)
11 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251111)
13 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251113)
16 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251116)
25 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251125)
The Gate Hotel Ryogoku
1-2-13 Yokoami
Sumida-ku
Tokyo
Tokyo
130-0015
JAPAN
Phone: +81 356377041
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
04 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250404)
05 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250405)
08 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250408)
12 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250412)
14 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250414)
11 May 2025 (CJPJ250511)
24 Jul 2025 (CJPJ250724)
27 Jul 2025 (CJPJ250727)
29 Jul 2025 (CJPJ250729)
14 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251014)
20 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251020)
09 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251109)
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
2 Chome-9-10 Asakusa
Taito City
Tokyo
111-0032
JAPAN

We are currently unable to provide an arrival transfer in Tokyo.
We apologize that we aren’t able to provide this service. We understand that our travellers enjoy the ease of using an arrival transfer, and hope that your journey from the airport to the hotel is a smooth one. We are certain that you will find Japan’s public transport system efficient and reliable.

Most departures begin at the Gate Hotel Kaminarimon. Some begin at The Gate Hotel Ryogoku. Please check your documents to make sure you know your start hotel. To make your way to either hotel from Narita Airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus to Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and then by local train, subway or taxi to your hotel. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice too. The most direct way is by the Keisei Skyliner express to Keisei Ueno Station (approx. JPY2,500 and 40 mins) and then by subway or taxi.

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is located in Asakusa near Ueno. The Narita Express will take you into Tokyo Station (approx. JPY3,000 and 50 mins) and you will then need to change to the local Yamanote line, subway or taxi. If you're travelling from Haneda Airport, the most direct option is the Keikyu Line Airport Limited Express (approx. JPY700 and 45 mins) to Asakusa Station and then subway or taxi.
Please check the transport details on the hotel's website: https://www.gate-hotel.jp/asakusakaminarimon/access.html

The Gate Hotel Ryogoku is located in Ryogoku near Akihabara. The Narita Express will take you into Tokyo Station (approx. JPY3,000 and 50 mins) and you will then need to change to the local JR line or taxi. If you're travelling from Haneda Airport, the most direct option is the Keikyu Line Airport Limited Express (approx. JPY700 and 50 mins) to Asakusabashi Station and then JR line or taxi. Please check the transport details on the hotel's website: https://www.gate-hotel.jp/en/ryogoku/access.html

If you're having any problems finding the hotel, ring the hotel directly (you can use one of Japan's green public phones with coins of JPY10 or JPY100). Our local office in Osaka is also available in case of emergencies: 070-1771-5588.

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa, 310-2 Bizenjima-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 京都府京都市中京区備前島町310-2, Kyoto, 604-8023, JAPAN, Phone: +81 752568955

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
11 May 2025 (CJPJ250511)
Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo-shinmachi
387 Mukadeya-cho
Nakagyo-ku
京都市中京区百足屋町387
Kyoto
604-8214
JAPAN
Phone: +81 752552221
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
16 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250316)
21 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250321)
11 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250411)
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
361 Rokkaku-cho
Rokkaku-sagaru
Shinmachi-dori
Nakagyo-ku
Kyoto
604-8212
JAPAN
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
04 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250404)
07 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250407)
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
No. 406
Sakuranocho
Nakagyo-ku
Nakagyo Ward
Kyoto
604-8035
JAPAN
Phone: 81 752221111
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
27 Feb 2025 (CJPJ250227)
18 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250318)
28 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250328)
31 Mar 2025 (CJPJ250331)
12 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250412)
13 Apr 2025 (CJPJ250413)
03 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251003)
07 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251007)
17 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251017)
24 Oct 2025 (CJPJ251024)
14 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251114)
20 Nov 2025 (CJPJ251120)
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
〒604-8161 604 Manjuya-cho
Sanjo-sagaru
Karasuma-dori
Nakagyo-ku
Kyoto
JAPAN
Phone: +81 752517111

Japan has a very efficient public transport system and there are many ways to get from your hotel to the two airports in the Kyoto region (Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM)). Both airports are located a long way from Kyoto so we advise you use the efficient public transport options available rather than considering a taxi. Please speak to your leader on Day 1 about options.

Breakfasts included: 11

Lunches included: 1

Dinners included: 4

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

FOOD IN JAPAN
The Japanese daily diet contains gluten (ie. in flavourings such as soy sauce) and seafood (dashi, or fish stock, is the basis of most dishes, even vegetable ones), so we highly recommend that vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs do their own online research before travelling about some of the options that might be available to them. While our leaders will assist you whenever they can, there may be some included meals that are fixed in advance and not flexible, such as those included at ryokans, and cannot be modified for different diets. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, still your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

Food and drink are such a high part of Japanese culture. Here are some links to get your tastebuds tingling:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-convenience-store-food/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-tokyo-alleyways-locals-guide/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/eat-and-drink-like-a-local-in-japan/
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegetarian-vegan-travel-japan/

PEAK TRAVEL TIMES
Please be aware that while travelling during major national holidays (late Apr to early May) and peak seasons in Japan (Apr-May/Sep–Oct) are fascinating and exciting times to travel, there are also some downsides. There will be huge crowds at most tourist attractions and on all public transport. It's common for there to be difficulties in securing train tickets at our usual preferred times, hotels become overbooked, traffic jams and changes to the itinerary without prior notice can be necessary. If you decide to travel during peak periods come with a sense of adventure and flexibility and we are sure that your experience will still be rewarding and memorable.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +81 70 1771 5588

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Double rooms in Japanese hotel rooms can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 square meters). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.

AVAILABILITY
The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.

ONSENS
We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/

FROSTED WINDOWS
Many hotels in Japan (and especially in Kyoto) may have frosted or opaque windows. This is to maintain privacy. While the windows let in natural light, you may not be able to see out.