Frequently Asked Questions Section

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

• Day 1: Tokyo, Japan
  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.
  *Travelers making pre-extension stays or arriving at Haneda or Osaka International Airports will need to arrange transfers to hotel on their own

• 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 Tokyu 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 ~ Nara ~ 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 ~ Taipei, Taiwan
  After breakfast, the tour guide will assist guests to take the express airport line on own expense to Kansai International Airport. Guests will have to check in with the airline on own and board the homebound flight. Upon arriving in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you will see our receptionist at the Arrival Hall and will enjoy the free shuttle bus to the hotel. Please be noticed that if the flight is rescheduled or delayed, please contact your Taiwan emergency contact in advanced or the tourist center at the terminal after arrival. Guests can check-in hotel after 3pm. Lunch and dinner are excluded today.
  (B)
  
• Day 7: Taipei ~ Hualien
  After breakfast, we will visit National Palace Museum where houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures and imperial collections. At noon, we will experience Taiwanese Beef Noodles. After lunch, we will head to Hualien to visit National Taroko Park. (Please be noticed that if the road is blocked due to typhoons or heavy rain, this attraction will be rescheduled into Qixingtan Beach.) At the evening, we will go to Amis Folk Center where exhibits tribal art crafts, and perform traditional dance. (B, L, D)
• Day 8: Hualien ~ Taipei
  After breakfast, we will visit Yeh-liu Geopark. You may learn the development process of mushroom rock as well as witness the appearance of ginger rock, cleavage, pothole, melting erosion panel etc. Then，proceed to Jiufen Old Street, which used to be the center of gold mining. With the decline of gold mining activities, Jiufen faded but it has successfully transformed into a famous tourism spot. Afterwards, we will head to Pinxi, where is rich in culture and history and provide a nice glimpse at Taiwan's beautiful natural scenery. Events such as the Sky Lantern Festival draw visitors year round to create a Chinese lantern with a wish written on it to set into the sky (Lantern fee is excluded). At night, we will have Din Tai Fung for dinner. It has been selected as the “Top 10 restaurant in the world” by <New York Times> and has won Michelin Star restaurant for five times. (B, L, D)

• Day 9: Taipei
  Today is a free leisure day for you to explore on your own pace and do as you please. (B)

  Suggested sightseeing:

  • Taipei 101 is ranked as the top 9 tallest financial building in the world and is known as the tallest green building. You can overlook whole Taipei at its observatory deck at 89^th floor on your own expense.
  • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall a memorial to the founder of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of the Republic of China. You will have a good view to see the Taipei 101.
  • Ximen Ding this pedestrian shopping haven is one of the city's culture centers, hosting a massive variety of fashion clothing shops, eclectic restaurants, clubs, and bars. Ximending was founded during the Japanese colonization era as a recreation district, and today has grown into a cultural icon with inspiration drawn from its Japanese roots.
• Day 10: Taipei ~ Home
  After breakfast, you can take the bus on own expense (approximately USD5/per person) to Taoyuan Airport (Buses will run for the flight departing time between 09:30am to 21:15pm), or continue exploring the city on own. (B)

*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 $995 USD (low season) and triple sharing has a $45USD deduction.
        4. Does this tour include any flights?
           International flights are not included.
        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?
            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?
            **Tips and Gratuities are included for the tour guides and drivers.**
        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 Airport transfer is included in Japan. This service is subject to limitations such as hour, airport terminal and as stated on the itinerary. Departure transfer is not included.
        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.
        23. Does this tour have any shopping stops?
            There is 1 designated local shopping stops on this tour (jewelry) and a minimum of time that must be spent at this shopping site (60 mins). However, there is no obligation to purchase anything. Visits should be treated as a cultural learning experience as all products are deeply ingrained in the Japanese culture and are worth learning about and make fun souvenir gifts as well. Shopping time will not exceed more time than the popular landmark sightseeing spots in our itinerary.