Your Japan trip will be here before you know it! Approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date you’ll receive your personalized travel documents, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is strongly recommended for this program. However, the Japanese government only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the country. Make sure you carry your passport at all times during your trip to Japan. It is a legal requirement and local police may ask to check your identification. Check passport requirements of your destination before traveling HERE.
Visas: Citizens of the United States are not required to obtain visas to enter Japan. Citizens of other countries should check visa requirements with their home country, or a Japanese Consulate or Embassy.
Information for US Citizens Traveling to Japan: We encourage you to go to the following linked webpage, for detailed information about: entry requirements, restrictions on medications, etc.: HERE.
You may also find this website helpful providing additional context regarding prescription medications and over the counter meds.
Fast Track Immigration Registration: Travelers to Japan may pre-register for airport Immigration and Customs, and use “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan using Visit Japan Web. This is a service that allows you to perform arrival procedures “immigration “, “customs”, and “Tax-free shopping service”
Please see the Visit Japan Web Landing Page for information on how to use it. We created the following Guide that shows step-by-step screenshots for completing the information on this Fast Track Immigration Registration page.
Travel Protection: Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you have not purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International by visiting: HERE . Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required for entering Japan but it is recommended that you discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. Their website is www.cdc.gov in the US.
Physical Limitations: The is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over uneven terrain, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steep and narrow. Guests with physical limitations will find access to many sites difficult or impossible to navigate. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition. If you have questions or doubts about your ability to participate, please call us at 952-405-9309 to discuss.
Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip are the guest’s own responsibility, and neither Brand g nor the local ground operator is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as medical evacuation while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and where possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring it is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Luggage Allowances for Trains:
Much of our travel from city to city in Japan will be by train. The good news is that your large pieces of checked luggage will be shipped ahead and so you will not need to carry them with you on the trains. We recommend you bring a small backpack or day bag to carry with you on the trains. This bag should contain only your daily essentials, such as an umbrella, light jacket, medications, passport, etc.
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Entry documents will be required at all border crossings, so please carry proper identification with you all times, and never place it in checked luggage.
When arriving by airplane, it is not unusual for a border guard to ask you questions such as “where are you from,” “where are you going,” “how long will you be there,” or “what is the purpose of your trip.” Always answer honestly and politely.
If you are bringing laptops, cameras, or other electrical equipment with you on your trip, you may be required to register these items with the local customs authority in order to ensure you are not charged duty on these items when you return home.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at most host hotel properties is 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase an early check-in, late check-out, or additional hotel night in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days prior to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival transfers are provided from the Tokyo Airports of Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) to the Brand g host hotel or to your independently booked pre-program hotel. No further arrival transfers are provided. The transfer from airport to the hotel takes about 30 – 40 minutes for guests flying into Haneda (HND), and about 90 minutes for guests flying into Narita (NRT). Please consult the travel documents, which will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date for instructions on where to meet your transfer at the airport.
Departure Transfers are provided from the Brand g host hotel in Osaka to the Osaka airports Kansai International (KIX) or Itami (ITM) or to the train station in time for your independently arranged flight or train. No further transfers will be provided. A departure confirmation will be provided to you during the trip advising you of the meeting time and place for your transfer.
Travel Delays: If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Minneapolis-based Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Important Contact Information section.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your local carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards or eSIMs are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities of Japan, coverage in more rural areas may be limited, and at times may not be available at all. Should you choose to bring your cell phone on your vacation, please refrain from conducting conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary.
All hotels used in Japan provide complimentary Internet access.
The official currency of Japan is the Yen (JPY). Currency exchanges at the airports are able to exchange a wide variety of currencies, including US dollars, British pound sterling, Euros, and Australian dollars. Or, you may wish to withdraw local currency from a bank ATM machine. It is advisable to keep a few small notes on hand, as it is sometimes difficult to get change.
Although credit and debit cards are becoming popular in Japan, many shops and restaurants still do not take cards. Japan remains a largely cash-based society especially outside big cities, so please ensure to carry enough cash for daily use. It is especially important to have cash for smaller purchases like snacks, beverages, or small gifts.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit/ATM and credit card(s) overseas.
During portions of your itinerary, we will make every effort to ensure time is available for shopping where this is feasible. On excursions where shopping is possible, the actual amount of time available may be limited due to tour constraints. Shopping suggestions can be made by your local guide. It is a good idea to have local currency to use for purchasing of souvenirs or sundries.
Gratuities for your guide and drivers have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional gratuities at your discretion for exemplary service. If so, we recommend you provide the tips in an envelope and do so with discretion. It is not customary, and may even be considered rude, to tip at restaurants and for other services in Japan.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas at each hotel. The hotel has open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking rooms as well as areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. If you would like a smoking room where available, please let Brand g know in advance. If you are assigned a smoking room at any hotel by accident, please ask the front desk to assign a non-smoking room. If you need any assistance in this matter contact your local guide or Brand g host. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The voltage in Japan is 100v and the frequent is 50/60 Hz. The plugs are the same 2 or 3 prong plugs (type A or B) used in North America. Most North American electrical appliances will work in Japan without an adapter and vice versa; however, certain appliances, especially those involving heating (e.g. hair dryers), may not work properly or even get damaged. If you intend to purchase electronic appliances in Japan for use outside of Japan, you are advised to look for equipment specifically made for oversea tourists.
Your tour program includes comprehensive excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
Many of the local customs in Japan differ from Western culture. If ever in doubt, our local guide will be happy to assist and answer questions.
Shoes – You will find it is quite common to be asked to remove your shoes when entering certain sites such as homes, Japanese hotels, temples, etc. In most cases it will be obvious when you should remove your shoes as there will be benches to sit and storage boxes to keep your shoes. Often slippers or alternate footwear will be provided, however at times you may only have your socks. The sites we visit will all be quite clean and tidy, so there should be no reasons for concern if alternate footwear is not provided. For your convenience, we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off as necessary.
Our itinerary may take us into areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient).
Tattoos – In the eyes of conservative Japanese, tattoos signify you are part of the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). Recently, Japanese youth are beginning to change the cultural and legal perceptions of tattoos, however much stigma remains.
What this means in practice is that if you have tattoos you will not be allowed to use most public pools, bathing facilities, or gyms. If you have a small tattoo you can simply cover it with flesh-colored tape and be fine but if you have larger tattoos, you’re going to need to pass on some activities. One of the hotels on our itinerary is at a traditional Japanese Ryokan (hotel) with an onsite onsen (hot spring public bath). If you would like to visit an onsen and have tattoos that are larger than 2 x 2 inches, please advise Brand g so that we can try to find an alternative such as a private onsen experience (where available).
Learn more about etiquette – If you would like to learn more about proper etiquette before your visit we recommend you visit this helpful and informative site: https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/manners-and-etiquette.
Many of the places we visit on the itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Many excursions involve walking over uneven ground. Additionally, some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g reserves the right to refuse participation, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Brand g cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
Tap water at all locations in Japan is safe to drink.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
During our visit in May, day time high temperatures will be in the 70’s and nights will be in the 50’s Fahrenheit.
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing:
Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the program. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts are appropriate throughout the program. The weather should be warm enough for short sleeve shirts and shorts during the day, however mornings and evenings may be a bit cool and require long sleeves/pants. We suggest clothing that may be layered to adjust to changing outdoor temperatures or to airconditioned trains or buses.
A light jacket or sweater, and rain jacket and/or umbrella is also recommended. You may also wish to pack a swimsuit since there are pools in many of the hotels on our itinerary.
For evenings, we recommend smart casual attire such as slacks or nice blue jeans and collared shirts. Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not required at any time during this program, however you may wish to pack a few nicer outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions. You will be required to remove your shoes often when entering home, hotels, temples, etc., so we recommend that you bring shoes that are easy to slip off and on.
Laundry: Laundry service is available for an extra fee at the hotels. Instructions and fees are listed in your Guest Service Directory book or within the closet in your hotel room. Self-service laundry facilities are not available in the hotels.
Below is day to day itinerary. You will receive a printed copy of the itinerary in Tokyo. Please note that we will do everything we can to follow the below itinerary. However, it is subject to change if necessary. Your guide or Brand g hosts will inform you of any changes as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about any aspects of the itinerary, please discuss them with your local guide or Brand g hosts. We will do our absolute best to make accommodation if necessary.
At the Brand g hospitality desk in Tokyo, you will also be provided with a map as well as a list of restaurants. Should you have any further questions about the area or dining options, please consult the hotel concierge.
A WhatsApp chat group has been set up so that you may communicate with your Brand g hosts Mike and Ronnal as well as fellow guests. You may join the group by scanning the below QR code using the camera in WhatsApp. If you do not have WhatsApp on your phone, you may download it from your cell phone App Store.
Note: Tomorrow night’s dinner is on your own. You may wish to make reservations this afternoon. If you need assistance, please ask your local guide. We anticipate being back at the hotel around 7:30pm, so an 8:30pm dinner is probably the most appropriate and something in or near the hotel would likely be best.
Your checked luggage will be transferred directly to the next hotel. You will not see this luggage again until you check in to the next hotel at approximately 3:45 this afternoon. Your local host will inform you the day prior of the time, and where exactly to place the luggage for porters to collect. You should plan to pack a separate small daypack containing your passport, any valuables, and any other items you’ll need for the train and subsequent bus trip to the hotel. Bring this bag to the lobby with you when you check out of the hotel and take it with you to the bus.
Your checked luggage will be transferred directly to the next hotel. You will not see this luggage again until you check in to the hotel in Kyoto this afternoon. Your local host will inform you the day prior of the time and where to leave this luggage for porters to collect. You should plan to pack a separate small daypack containing your passport, any valuables, and any other items you’ll need for the day. Bring this bag to the lobby with you when you check out of the hotel and take it with you.
Note: Tomorrow night’s dinner is on your own and we will provide you with a list of local recommendations. Whether dining at the hotel or a local restaurant, we suggest making reservations in advance through the hotel concierge or our local guide.
Your checked luggage will be transferred directly to the next hotel. You will not see this luggage again until you check in to the hotel in Hiroshima this afternoon. Your local host will inform you the day prior of the time and where to leave this luggage for porters to collect. You should plan to pack a separate small daypack containing your passport, any valuables, and any other items you’ll need for the day. Bring this bag to the lobby with you when you check out of the hotel and take it with you.
Your checked luggage will be transferred directly to the next hotel. You will not see this luggage again until you check in to the hotel in Hiroshima this afternoon. Your local host will inform you the day prior of the time and where to leave this luggage for porters to collect. You should plan to pack a separate small daypack containing your passport, any valuables, and any other items you’ll need for the day. Bring this bag to the lobby with you when you check out of the hotel and take it with you.
If you’d like to connect with your fellow travelers before the program, we encourage you to join our private Facebook group page HERE or use your mobile phone to scan the QR code to join. Please allow 48 hrs or admins to approve your request to join.
Tokyo’s main gay bar scene is located in Shinjuku Ni-chome (District 2). In fact, Ni-chome is home to hundreds of bars, clubs and cafés. Some venues limit access to Japanese only; others have policies based on specific themes. This is not an exhaustive list, nor have we personally verified these listings: Tokyo Gay Nightlife
Osaka has the largest gay scene in the region. The city’s main gay bars and nightlife are located in Doyama district, near Umeda Station. Some venues limit access to Japanese only; others have policies based on specific themes. This is not an exhaustive list, nor have we personally verified these listings: Osaka Gay Nightlife
Please provide a copy of this contact information to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency.
Japan operates on the JST (Japan Standard Time GMT+ 8:00 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 1:00am (+ 1 day) in Japan.
International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code (81) and then the phone number. If your inbound flights are delayed for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately. Should you need to utilize the local emergency mobile below, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
Emergency contact InformationLocal Representatives: The below number is for our representatives in Japan throughout the trip, including arrival and departure transfers. If you need to contact them for any reason, please let them know you are traveling with Brand g Vacations: Primary: Yukiko +81 80 3477 5308 Prior to departure from your home country, the Brand g Vacations office is available to support you Monday – Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm Central Standard Time at +1.952.405.9309. Also, you may email info@brandgvacations.com. If outside our normal office hours, please leave a message and we’ll contact you as soon as possible. Brand g Host: Mike Mumford +1-801-403-5227 |
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| PROGRAM DATES | PROGRAM VENUE | ADDRESS |
| May 12 – 15 | Bellustar Hotel – Tokyo Telephone: +81 3 6233 8800 |
1-29-1, Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021 |
| May 15 – 17 | Yunokuni Tensyo Telephone: +81 76 177 1234 |
922-0298 Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamashiroonsen, １９−49-1 |
| May 17 – 20 | The Westin Miyako – Kyoto Telephone: +81 75 771 7111 |
Keage, Sanjo, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto, Kyoto 605-0052 |
| May 20 – 22 | Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Telephone: +81 82 262 7115 |
12-1 Wakakusa-Cho, Higashi-ku HIROSHIMA CITY |
| May 22 – 24 | Intercontinental Hotel – Osaka Telephone: +81 6 6374 5700 |
3-60, 3 Ofuka-cho Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011 |
All of our trips include arrival and departure airport transfers, most meals, included beverages and so much more! Plus our trips are hosted, meaning someone from Brand g will be with you the entire time to take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
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