Japan Highlights
Japan's storied history dates back thousands of years. While it crossed with Western history in the mid-20th century during World War II, the 70+ years since then has been an era of unprecedented growth and development for this small Asian island nation. It has earned a place in world economics and now not only hosts a wealth of modern culture, but also a rich ancient cultural identity that we showcase on our tours of Japan:

• Tokyo - the bustling capital city where most of our Japan tours begin and depart
• Visit the traditional morning markets of Abashiri & Hakodate
• Shikotsu-Toya National Park - a UNESCO Global Geopark that features a volcanic crater lake.
• The "Floating Island of Flowers" on Rebun Island.
• Russia - Crossing the sea of Japan, some of our tours also feature stops in eastern Russia, and the Northeast Passage tours navigate as far west as Europe.

Japan Travel FAQs
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Visas are not required for US citizens staying up to 90 days in Japan. Check the visa requirements for more specific information.

Is tipping customary in Japan?
Tipping is not an expectation in Japan, and waiters and hotel porters will often decline tips. Guides and drivers will accept tips between $5-20 per day.

What is internet access like in Japan?
Internet access in Japan is on par with any other developed country - in the major cities, you can count on having access to WiFi and high speed internet, especially in the hotels, cafes, and restaurants. There also might be public WiFi in parks. If you are traveling to more rural areas, naturally you might find yourself out of range.

Can I use my cell phone while in Japan?
The best way to use your phone is to have your service provider unlock it and then purchase a SIM chip once you arrive in Japan. Then your phone will work on the local network. If you can't unlock your phone, then consider an international plan, renting a phone, or simply using WiFi networks when they are available.

Do I need power adapters?
Japan has the US/ North America style plugs (A&B) with either two flat prongs or two flat and one round prong, and runs on 100v power. If you are traveling from Europe, you will need plug adapters. 

What are the toilets like in Japan?
Japan is a very developed country, and you will find a mix of squat and bowl toilets, but mostly bowl toilets in the hotels and ships where you will be staying. Bring your own toilet paper just to be safe and never flush it - rather, put it in the waste basket next to the toilet.

Can I drink the water in Japan?
Japan is our only destination country in Asia where it is safe to drink tap water. You will also always have access to bottled water if you prefer.

Are credit cards accepted in Japan? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, and it's quite easy to find ATMs throughout the major cities. More isolated parts of the country either might not have ATMs or the networks could be down for days at a time. Many smaller vendors throughout the country also only accept cash, which can be easily withdrawn from an ATM.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, purchasing travel insurance before going on vacation is always a good idea. Fortunately, we offer some great comprehensive deals through TravelGuard on our Once You're Booked page.