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About this trip
Japan is a nation of ancient and storied traditions and customs. But in the 20th century she leapt headlong into the west, becoming a technological and economic powerhouse. Such a land of contrasts is eminently interesting but also possesses much natural beauty. This tour will feature the urban centers of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima but also the rural charms of the Japanese alps, the villages of Matsumoto, Nara, and Takayama. We will visit Zen gardens, learn to make sushi, visit castles and temples, explore a Geisha district, view mighty Mt. Fuji, and much more. Join Imprint for this diverse and fascinating fortnight.
Trip Highlights
· Teamlabs Borderless - an immersive digital art museum featuring a collection of interactive exhibits
· Sushi & Sweet making classes – learn to make, then enjoy your own shushi and traditional Kyogashi sweets
· Classic Japanese garden - visit Koishikawa Garden with its traditional water features and brightly colored arched bridges, arboreal variety, streams, and flowers
· Kyoto’s Golden Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine – The UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, the extravagantly decorated Golden Temple and the iconic Shinto complex, with its thousands of vermillion torii gates
· Shirakawa-go - World Heritage designated alpine village
· A-Bomb Monument and Museum – A sobering but important visit to Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome, the Peace Memorial Park, and Museum
· Miyajima island - Daisho-in temple with its garden of “baby Buddha” statues and mystical grotto
· Nara - Kasuga Taisha shrine and Japan’s largest seated bronze Buddha statue
FAQs
Visa Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Japan for short-term stays of up to 90 days
Registration and Deposit
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details. Also included is your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Your deposit is refundable for 30 days, after which it is non-refundable for any reason.
Flight Information
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included.
Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The tour starts in Tokyo (Narita {NRT} or Haneda {HND}) on May 25 and ends in Osaka (Osaka Int'l {ITM} or Kansai Int'l {KIX}) on June 7 (after breakfast). The two Osaka airports can also be used following the Koyasan extension. The Osaka airports can also be used to depart after the Koyasan extension.
Q: If I'm extending to Koyasan, when should I book my return flight?
A: The extension ends back in Osaka at about noon on June 8. We suggest not making a departing booking prior to 17:00 if you wish to fly on the 8th.
Q: Which airport should I use for Tokyo and Osaka?
A: Your choice. All 4 airports have equally easy access to/from the respective cities.
Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.
Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: Avoid booking flights before Sept 25, 2025 unless you confirm the tour status.
Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Sept 25?
A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Sept 25, you may assume the tour is a go.
Tour start/end
Q: What time will the tour start on May 25?
A: About 17:00 (5:00PM)
Q: What time will the tour end on June 7?
A: After breakfast
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Payment: Early Pay Discount (EPD) and Full Price
Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by Sept 25, 2025. As long as you choose the EPD category, the payment system already reflects this discount. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.
Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?
A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.
Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?
A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.
Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?
A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees.
Q: If I am registering for the optional extension, why do I need to designate EPD or Full Price when the extension price is the same for both?
A: Designating EPD or Full Price on the optional extension allows us to sync payments for your entire trip in order to invoice you accurately.
Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until Feb 25, 2026?
A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by Feb 25. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.
Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?
A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until Feb 25. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).
Q: What if I have to cancel after Feb 25?
A: After Feb 25, 2026 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason.
Pre-Departure Information
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels
Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, the first tour hotel in Tokyo is TBD. For post-tour nights, the final tour hotel in Osaka is TBD. If you are extending to Koyasan, you will still return to Osaka on June 8, arriving about noon. Tour bookings are made under Intrepid Travel Japan and Imprint Tours. Standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.
Q: If I want to book pre-tour nights in the [ ], can Imprint assist in making sure I stay in the same room when the tour begins?
A: No, Imprint is unable to assist with this. You must deal directly with the hotel to make any special arrangements.
Q: What if the first and/or last tour hotels are fully booked for the pre- and/or post-tour nights I am interested in?
A: You must make your own alternative arrangements. We suggest using your favorite hotel booking engine to choose an accommodation with the location, price, and standard of your choice.
Tour Hotels
Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: On the Japan Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website.
Important Reminders
Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:
- Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
- Add [email protected] to your email address book.
- Download Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
- Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.
Health and Safety
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Japan. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.
This tour involves moderate to demanding physical activity, including walking tours, climbing steps, multiple use of public transportation, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Tour Member Expectations
Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.
Travel Insurance
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.
In case you haven’t read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing trip insurance. We have partnered with Travelex, a leader in the travel insurance industry. We have chosen Travelex for their very high rating, their record and reliability of processing claims, and their excellent customer service. Travelex is proud to offer you a variety of travel protection plans to fit your travel needs. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it’s important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.
Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
- Travel Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay and more.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world. For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.
Please Note: Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans can be purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.
*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
What’s included
- Accommodations13 nights accommodation
- Most mealsAll breakfasts, 5 dinners, 2 lunches
- TransportationBus and train throughout the tour
- TipsAll tips are included: tour manager, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs
- GuidesFull-time services of a tour manager, local guides
- EntrancesAll entrances: Koishikawa Garden, Teamlabs Borderless, Festival Float Museum, Genbaku Memorial, Peace Memorial & Museum, Kinkaku-ji, Osaka Castle, Todai-ji temple, Tasuga Taisha shrine & museum,
- ActivitiesAll activities: Fuji photo stop, sushi making, sake tasting, Takayama Merchant District, Miyajima Island visit, Itsukushima shrine, Daisho-in temple, Mt. Misen cablecar, Gion walk
- More activitiesKyogashi sweets making, meditation instruction, Kuromon market, Dotonbori walk, and more.
What’s not included
- International flightsFlights to and from our tours are NOT included
- Travel insuranceSTRONGLY Recommended
- VisasJapan does not require advance visas for US or Canadian visitors
- Drinks and mealsParticipants are responsible for the cost of all drinks and free-time meals throughout the tour
- Additional activitiesActivities not listed in the itinerary, such as free-time sightseeing and activities
- BaggageTrain baggage handling fees (optional)
- Additional expensesExpenditures of a personal nature
Available Packages
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds).
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Must pay in full by Sept 25, 2025 to receive the early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement.
Must pay in full by Sept 25, 205 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR - For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
Must pay in full by Sept 25, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds).
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone, paying the Single Supplement.
For couples, traveling companions, or singles sharing - full price
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Available Add-Ons
For couples or traveling companions.
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
To be paid in full at the EPD payment deadline of Sept 25
For individuals traveling alone, paying the Single Supplement.
To be paid in full at the EPD payment deadline of Sept 25.
For couples or traveling companions.
Price is per person based on double occupancy. To be paid in full by the payment deadline of Feb 25, 2026.
For individuals traveling alone, paying the Single Supplement.
To be paid in full by the payment deadline of Feb 25, 2026.
Itinerary
Day 1 Meeting; Dinner
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's dynamic capital. Your tour begins with an early evening get-acquainted meeting in the hotel. Afterwards we’ll enjoy our first meal in Japan.
Day 2 Koishikawa Garden; Sushi making
Our first destination this morning is a classic, Edo-period Japanese garden. We will visit Koishikawa Garden with its traditional water features and brightly colored arched bridges, arboreal variety, streams, and flowers. Afterwards we will learn the art of sushi making. We’ll learn how to craft sushi and then enjoy the fruits of our labor for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the fantastical Teamlabs Borderless digital art museum with its immersive, interactive, mind-bending exhibits.
Ryogoku View Hotel (2 Nights) https://www.viewhotels.jp/ryogoku/