Japan trips & tour packages

Many nationalities do not need a visa for short-term tourism travel in Japan. However, several countries are required to obtain a visa.

To enter Japan you may need:

• An undamaged passport valid for at least six months from the date you exit Japan
• One blank passport page for an entry stamp
• A visa
• A return or onward ticket from Japan
• Proof of funds to financially support yourself while traveling in Japan
• Documentation supporting the purpose of your stay, like accommodation or tour booking.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travelers, regardless of their nationality.

We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Read more about travel insurance

Tipping isn't customary in Japan and is not expected – in fact, it will sometimes be considered impolite. Some inns or ryokans may leave a small envelope in your room where a small gratuity can be left for the housekeeping staff.

Summer months can be incredibly hot and sticky, so loose, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential.

Spring and fall can be crisp and cold, so you might want to pack thermal layers in addition to your coat and boots.

Outside of Hokkaido and the mountains, the winter temperatures in Japan are manageable as long as you have regular cold-weather clothes like a good coat, pair of gloves, a winter hat and a scarf.

The style of dress common for women in Japan may be a little more covered up than you are used to, particularly outside the major cities

Packing comfortable trousers is essential as you may find yourself sitting cross-legged on the floor during your stay.

Drinking water from taps in Japan is considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Major cities often have water fountains in train stations.

Internet access is excellent in Japan, with one of the most developed high-speed internet networks in the world. Internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. If you want to use your cell phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

In Japan, toilets range from high-tech bidets to standard Western-style flushable toilets to squat toilets, which are still common outside the city. Often, there will be both types available to choose from.

Japan is generally safe and is rated among the safest countries in the world. Reports of crime, such as theft, are very low, and travelers are often stunned by the fact that locals leave belongings unaccompanied in cafes and bars (though we certainly don’t recommend it!). 

While homosexuality is legal in Japan, gay marriage has not been made legal by the Japanese high court. There is no legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan; however, similar to the legitimacy of gay marriage, it can vary by region.

LGBTQIA+ travelers shouldn’t have any issues visiting Japan with violence, outright hostility or overt discrimination extremely rare. However, Japan’s older generation still holds conservative values when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sexuality and non-binary gender expression, especially those who live in regional areas.

Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, so keep that in mind when you’re out in public

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Having a basic understanding of the language and culture of the country you're visiting can go a long way when it comes to, not only communicating efficiently but your overall trip experience as well. Some common phrases you need to learn are: 

• 'hello' - Konnichiwa
• 'good morning' - Ohayō 
• 'thank you' - Arigatou Gozaimasu
• 'please' - Onegaishimasu

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Japan directly support our foundation partner, Japan Rescue Association.

Japan Rescue Association

Japan Rescue Association are on a mission to train and deploy rescue and therapy dogs to help save lives. Donations help them train dogs, raise awareness for the importance of working dogs and promote animal welfare.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations to The Intrepid Foundation.

Find out more or make a donation

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.