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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Sapporo Brewery visit - 3000 Yen per person including dinner
Day trip to Nara - 2250 Yen per person.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local crew - Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly you should allow £20 for tips.
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Local Currency: Yen.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: It is preferable to take money in Yen or traveller’s cheques.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: All post offices have international ATMs. Some other ATMs do not accept Western bank/credit cards. Your tour leader will advise you locally.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and stores.
Travellers Cheques: It should be noted that outside of the major cities it is difficult to change traveller’s cheques. Where available it takes 30-45 minutes.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| UK | Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.20 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £25.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £15.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topEntry visas not required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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There are currently no compulsory vaccinations. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topAs we use public transport for much of this tour, please read the ‘Packing for your tour’ section carefully. For excellent additional information about rail travel worldwide including detailed descriptions of different trains and journeys we recommend the website www.seat61.com.
Please note in Tokyo, Hakodate, Kyoto and Nagana breakfasts will be Japanese-style "light" breakfasts consisting of rice balls and miso soup. Therefore, you may wish to supplement your breakfast on these days.
Japan’s climate is mostly temperate, with five distinct seasons. During Winter, typically October to April, temperatures are usually around 10 degrees C in Tokyo during the daytime, falling to an average of 2 degrees at night. Whilst in Sapporo the temperatures are much colder with an average of -1 degree centigrade during the day, decreasing to -8 at night. Days are often sunny but snow should be expected at anytime during the trip.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs although you should aim to bring less than this. We recommend a compact suitcase with wheels or good quality rucksack.
Back to topRain gear is essential. You will need warm clothing for this trip as both daytime and night time temperatures are cold. Expect it to be around -1 degrees centigrade during the day and sinking to minus 8 during the night.
Back to topComfortable shoes with good grips for walking around the ice festival.
Back to topBring a water bottle to save on purchase of plastic bottles and a small torch. Hairdryers are provided at all the hotels.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topThe use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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