Fall Foliage in Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji Region & Kyoto

• In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter Japan.
• We recommend registering your passport, flight, and other travel information at least 72 hours prior to departure through Visit Japan Web to speed up the immigration and customs process. Once you’ve completed your information, you will receive a QR code to present upon arrival.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JPF.

• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
• When you arrive in Tokyo, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or one bearing your name. If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a steadily paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Three full days of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach, some by train and boat
• About four hours of bus time daily

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk two to three miles per day across city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Stone walkways may be slippery even when dry.
• Access to the higher floors of Himeji Castle requires navigating a series of steep, narrow staircases.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• Temperatures range from the low 70s F in late October to the mid 50s F by early December, with cooler mornings and evenings.
• Fall is one of Japan’s drier seasons, with mostly crisp, sunny days and occasional showers.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a steady pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.

• This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains, boats, and a private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• A boat ride around Lake Ashi, as well as a high-speed train transfer from Odawara to Kyoto, is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip, high-speed train ride between Osaka and Hiroshima.)
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Japanese train stations operate much like airports, with luggage and body scanners common at many terminals. Platforms can be far apart and may require you to take your bags up and down escalators or stairs—porterage is not available on train transfers. Keep in mind that trains may stop at stations for only a few minutes, so boarding and deboarding quickly is essential. For full details on what to pack and how to pack it, see the Baggage Allowance & Expectations section of the FAQ.

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Make sure all bags are clearly labeled, and always keep valuables, medication, and important documents in your carry-on.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout the tour, as porterage is not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and train stations.
• Contact your airline(s) directly for baggage size and weight restrictions prior to travel.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. You are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• You’ll need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on) for your stay in the Mount Fuji region. We’ll transfer your checked baggage directly from Tokyo to Kyoto.

• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without one built in.
• In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.

• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
• Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three- to four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour may be located near train stations for smooth arrivals and departures. Others might be situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t always drop you off right out front, and you may need to walk your luggage to the property or to the station—no more than a few blocks.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels and buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.

• Guests will fully undress and leave their belongings in a locker room before entering the bathing area, as complete nudity is the traditional and expected practice at Japanese onsens. While some establishments are beginning to offer alternatives for modest visitors (such as designated swimsuit times or private bath rentals), these accommodations remain relatively uncommon.
• Before entering the shared baths, guests must thoroughly wash and rinse themselves at washing stations. Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid spraying others while washing.
• A small white bathing towel is often provided or available for rent. While bathing, most guests fold the towel and keep it nearby or place it folded on top of their heads. The bathing towel must never touch the bath water. Shampoo and soap are typically provided, though many guests prefer bringing their own.
• Hair should be worn up and secured to prevent it from touching either your towel or the water.
• Onsens are intended to be tranquil environments. Speak quietly and be respectful of others. Swimming, diving, and running are prohibited. You may soak, exit, and reenter the baths at your leisure, though it’s recommended not to spend more than 30 minutes in the hot water at a time.
• Dry off completely before returning to the locker room to change back into your clothes.
• Check an onsen’s tattoo policy before visiting. While many establishments are becoming more accepting of tattoos—offering cover-up patches or private baths for tattooed guests—many still maintain traditional prohibitions. Although most Japanese people don’t personally object to tattoos, many businesses maintain conservative policies regarding visible tattoos.

• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through our mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least three days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather, or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
• If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour, as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our Customer Experience Team. Please note that, at this time, not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.

• This tour includes one lunch and three dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet-style with hot and cold options.
• Most Japanese meals are based on rice or noodles, with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. Travelers should expect meals to be delicately balanced in flavor—often lighter, less salty, and less sweet than Western dishes. Presentation is important, with food often served in small, beautifully arranged portions. Many dishes highlight seasonal ingredients and emphasize freshness and umami (a savory taste unique to Japanese cuisine). Meals are typically served with multiple small side dishes rather than one large main course, and it’s customary to eat with chopsticks.
• Western-style substitutions may be limited outside major cities, so adventurous eaters will get the most out of the experience. Be sure to try specialties like kaiseki (a multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients and culinary techniques), okonomiyaki (savory pancake with various ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood), takoyaki (ball-shaped snacks filled with octopus), natto (fermented soybeans often eaten with rice), and matcha (powdered green tea used in tea ceremonies and desserts).

• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12 USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4 USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2 USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.

• You will use the yen in Japan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit and credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.

• To help you feel prepared before going on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There’s no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

• Your Tour Director will lead your group. Their role is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each day’s activities, and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and can’t provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.

• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
• Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
• Using a combination of extensive training, thorough incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
• Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional help to travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. And if there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will facilitate and support communication between travelers and their families.

• Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1 a.m. on the following day in Japan.

• When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormously beneficial socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.