Frequently Asked Questions Section

Meals: B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

• Day 1: Tokyo (Narita Airport)
  Free pick-up service is available for all flights, which arrive from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm at Tokyo Narita Airport Terminal 1 & 2. Please provide your flight number before the tour. We will have a guide onsite to assist you to take the free hotel shuttle to the hotel. Travelers who arrive at the other times can take the free shuttle bus on own to the hotel. The location of Hilton Free Shuttle Bus Stop: Waiting area 16 at Terminal 1 and Waiting area 26 at Terminal 2. The last shuttle bus departs at 10:30pm. If the guests arrive after 10:30, please take taxi on own expense (approximately 20 USD) to the hotel. The hotel check-in is available after 3pm with your passport.
• Day 2: Tokyo
  After breakfast, visit Senso-ji Temple, which is the oldest temple in Tokyo, surrounded by imposing gates and the vibrant stalls of Nakamise Dori, Senso-ji is a must-see destination during your trip in Japan. View the tallest standing tower in the world – Tokyo Skytree from afar. Later, enjoy barbecue for lunch and visit the Imperial Palace Out Gardens, Imperial Palace is the home of the Emperor of Japan. The view of the famous Nijubashi Bridge is highlight of the garden. Afterwards, proceed to Ginza Tokyo Plaza. Dinner is on your own arrangement. (B, L)
• Day 3: Tokyo ~ Hakone ~ Hamamatsu
  In the morning, visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station, located halfway up the mountain (If weather not permitting, go to Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center instead). Then, head to Oshino Hakkai. Bridges and pathways lead you around and over the tranquil ponds there. The traditional buildings, slowly spinning water wheels and amazing view of Mt. Fuji all transport you to another era. Then go to Bussharito Heiwa Park to appreciate the gardening featured with Japanese characteristics. The most famous spot is the peace statue, which is a treasure given by Indian government. Later, proceed to the hot spring resort hotel. Enjoy a Japanese-style banquet or buffet dinner and a hot spring bath. (B, L, D)
• Day 4: Hamamatsu ~ Kyoto
  After breakfast, stop by the Jewelry store, visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site and the oldest temple in Kyoto, and stroll along the Ninenzaka and Sannezaka Streets. Afterwards, head to Gion, where the streets and buildings are mostly maintained in the old style. It is a good place to experience the ancient charm and culture of Kyoto. Visit Yasaka Shrine, the shrine is almost always buzzing with energy, with eager devotees flocking to receive blessings and pray for good fortune. Walk on Hanamachi Street, the most stylish geisha district in Japan from the Edo period. In the evening, you may see some geishas passing by on the street. Dinner is on your own arrangement. (B, L)
• Day 5: Kyoto ~ Osaka
  After breakfast, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine where worship the deity of a good harvest and success in business. The seemingly endless path of vibrant orange torii gates leading up Mt. Inari makes for an impressive setting and is one of the most famous images of Japan. Afterward, head to Nara to visit Nara Park where full of very playful and friendly deer. And don’t miss the beautiful view in Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Later on, shop at Tax Free shop. This evening, visit Shinsaibashi, the largest shopping district in Osaka and taste local cuisine at Dotonbori Food Street. Dinner is on your own arrangement. (B, L)
• Day 6: Osaka ~ Sapporo
  After breakfast, take the free hotel shuttle bus to transfer to Kansai International Airport. Take a flight to Sapporo for the tour in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, guests will be picked up by a guide and proceed to check in at the hotel. Free leisure time afterward. (Guests who arrive early/late can check-in on own after 3 pm with the passport) Today’s schedule has no meals included. (B)
• Day 7: Sapporo ~ Biei ~ Sounkyo
  Start your day with a colorful Hokkaido tour after breakfast. Drive to Furano and visit Hokkaido's largest farm, Tomita Farm, with more than 150 kinds of flowers (Tomita Farm will be replaced with Ningle Terrace from November to December). There is also beautiful lavender during summer. Afterwards, head to Biei-cho, where you can experience the beauty of beautiful hills! Taste the Furano buffet and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the beautiful hills during lunch! Visit the colorful “Shikisai no oka” (Shikisai no oka will be replaced with Otokoyama Sake brewery from November to December) and walk through the “Blue Pond” to explore the breathtaking scenery of the lake. In the evening, we arrive at Sounkyo Gorge, the center of Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido. (B, L, D)
• Day 8: Sounkyo ~ Akankohan
  After breakfast, visit the Sounkyo Valley, watch the Ginga Falls, Ryusei-no-taki, and the beautiful Dakan Valley in Sounkyo gorges. Visit Abashiri on the way to Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, where you can experience an icy world and learn about the icy sea creature - "Clione limacina". Later, visit a crystal clear “Lake Kussharo". Then, check out the clearest lake in the world - Lake Mashu. Tonight, we stay at Akanko Onsen Hotel. Here, there are rich seasonal ingredients, full-open buffets, and exquisite Japanese-style room service, allowing you to enjoy the cuisine of Tohoku. (B, L, D)
• Day 9: Akankohan ~ Tokachi
  After breakfast, enjoy a cruise on Lake Akan (Lake Akan will be replaced with Ainu folk dance and Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden or Kofuku Station in December). Visit the hometown of Chlorella and enjoy the beautiful scenery in every season. Afterwards, visit the “Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Natural Park”. Then, go to Tokachi River for tonight’s hot spring hotel. This evening, taste exquisite Japanese cuisine made from Hokkaido beef and seasonal vegetables grown from farms. (B, L, D)
• Day 10: Tokachi ~ Jozankei
  After breakfast, visit Jigokudani, also known as the Hell Valley. It offers a spectacular display of hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other volcanic activity. Enjoy Japanese Seafood Hotpot or Bento Box before going to the Bear Park to see the Ussuri Brown Bears. Afterward, take the Usuzan ropeway where you can have the panoramic view of Lake Toya. Later on, proceed to Jozankei Onsen for overnight. Enjoy Hokkaido local cuisine for dinner tonight. (B)
• Day 11: Jozankei ~ Home
  Coach to Otaru this morning after breakfast. The romantic Otaru Canal is sitting in the city. Later, visit Kitaichi Glass Otaru, where you can appreciate many beautiful glass arts. Afterward, transfer to the airport around 11:30 am to take a homebound flight or plan rest of the day on your own. (In order to make sure the complete of touring schedule, please purchase the flight departing after 1:30 pm).

*Services of English speaking guide.
*Final confirmation will be provided 1 week prior to the departure date.
*This package includes guided tours featuring the highlights of certain cities in a brief visit.
**Tips and Gratuities included**

Frequently Asked Questions

• • • • 1. What is the group size of this tour?
           Tourist from all over the world join this tour and it can vary from 4 passengers to 30 passengers.
        2. What kind of tour is this?
           This is an Escorted Group Tour by coach. This guided tour features the highlights of certain cities in a brief visit.
        3. How much does single supplement or triple sharing cost?
           Single supplement costs an additional $1320USD and triple sharing has a $50USD deduction.
        4. Does this tour include any flights?
           International flights are not included, from home to Asia or within Asia.
        5. What if I don’t want to join the tour some days or only join for half a day?
           Due to this is a group tour, you will need to follow the group for the entire program on days of tours and cannot deviate. Any deviation will result in a penalty at the discretion of the local office. However, you will have enough leisure time to do as you please.
        6. Is there a luggage limit?
           The luggage allowed for each passenger on our Group tours is limited to one piece of a maximum of 66lbs (note airlines and trains have their own limits, normally lower). We may refuse to accept excessively bulky luggage.
        7. Will someone help me with my luggage?
           Porterage is not included and you are responsible to handle your own luggage at all times.
        8. What mode of transportation will be used?
           This tour will use a Coach unless specifically stated.
        9. Will the bus have toilets?
           Japanese Group tours will not have toilets in the bus.
        10. Are the tours wheelchair friendly?
            Our coaches are not equipped with access ramps for wheelchairs.
        11. What do I do if I want to extend my stay?
            Contact us and let us know if you want pre or post and how many days.
        12. How long is the duration of tour?
            A full day of tour is scheduled from around 8am to 7pm
        13. Can three guests stay in the same room?
            Yes, they can. Hotel rooms in Japan tend to be international standard. It may be a fold out bed or sofa bed. We would suggest this for families traveling with a child.
        14. Can we change the meal plan?
            Charming Travel Destinations offers vegetarian meal options for travelers. Regrettably, we cannot accommodate certain food options in Japan like Gluten Free or specific allergies during Group tours. For private tours, we can accommodate anything, but for this group tour we cannot. Please inquire if you have any allergies we need to know about.
        15. What information do I need to provide to book?
            Please provide legal names, email address, phone number, mailing address, number of rooms (single-triple occupancy), travel insurance preference, birth dates, and passport information.
        16. Do I need a visa to visit Japan or South Korea?
            US and Canada passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan.
        17. How much is the deposit to reserve a spot in the tour?
            For Land Only, the deposit is $300USD. For Land + Air packages, the deposit will be 50% of overall tour price
        18. Are there gratuities included? If not included, how much?
            Gratuities are already included. No need to tip in Japan to the guide or driver.
        19. When should I expect to receive my travel documents and confirmations?
            Travel Documents and Hotel confirmations will be emailed out 1 week before arrival.
        20. What time can we check-in or out?
            The hotel check in is usually about 2pm and check out is 10am. If you want your room to be available for more time, consider booking an extra night.
        21. Are airport transfers included?
            Arrival & Departure Airport transfers are included in Japan.
        22. Are the hotels listed the exact ones we will get?
            Final hotel confirmation will not be available until 1 week prior to departure. Hotels may be confirmed at any of the hotels listed or at similar properties.