home    |    contact    |    guides    |    booking

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

A GENERAL GUIDE TO WALKING FITNESS

Grading walks is difficult as much depends on the perception of the individual. Some walking will be along mountain paths, so previous hill or mountain walking experience is recommended. Anyone who lives an active life and is in good health should cope with the climbs. In any case, it would be worth preparing yourself by toning up before you join. The walking will all be below 1000m on the Imperial Pilgrimage tour and up to 3,100m on the Mountains of Central Japan tour. There are other shorter walks in flatter countryside. The tour leader will ensure that the pace on all the walks is unhurried. See advice on what to wear below.

Luggage is sent ahead by vehicle so you will only need to carry a day sack with personal items, apart from walks where nights are spent in mountain huts, when overnight items must be carried.

Walking poles with rubber tips are strongly recommended. Much of the way on the Imperial Pilgrimage is paved with ishidatami or flagstones (poles can be provided if you do not have one). We always try to minimize environmental impact.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

• rain gear
• shorts for summer walking as well as warmer layers
• comfortable walking boots/lightweight trail boots
• slip-ons or slippers that you can use in inns and temples at night (the plastic slippers provided are often too small and uncomfortable) - you cannot wear outdoor shoes in Japanese dwellings.

Baggage should be limited to a backpack or medium-sized suitcase and a day sack for walking.

A NOTE ON JAPANESE CUSTOMS

Japanese baths are a truly wonderful experience. However, the bathrooms are large and you should be prepared to share the bathroom, or outside hot spring pools, with others. The Japanese are not self-conscious when bathing, and there is no need for you to be either. The baths are gender-segregated.

We will sleep on comfortable futon (Japanese-style mattresses) on the tatami floors of inns and temples. The floor and pillows are often firm but offer good support. Western-style hotels are used in addition to traditional accommodation. As the inns and temples vary considerably in size, it may be necessary to share a large room with fellow tour members. Room sizes tend to be flexible, however, and it is nearly always possible to open and close the fusuma (sliding doors) to create the size of rooms we need.

One of the highlights of the tours is to taste real, home-made Japanese food. Vegetarian food can be prepared if we give advance notice. We recommend that you try to master chopsticks (o-hashi) before you go. Be prepared for the freshest of food. Japanese food is delicious. Fish, chicken, pork, rice, miso soup, tofu and vegetables are at the heart of many meals. It is not all raw fish, but sashimi will be offered, and really is worth trying. We will mostly sit on cushions on the floor at low tables for meals. So you should be able to sit comfortably on the floor - loose clothing is highly recommended.

TRANSPORTATION

The group may use a microbus for travel in Japan. When the day is a 'walking day', luggage is sent ahead on the bus to the next inn, temple or hotel.

FLIGHTS TO JAPAN

We are not ABTA bonded or covered by ATOL, so do not sell flight tickets. This means tour members coming from overseas book flights themselves. Individuals and groups will normally be met at the airport. If members travel separately, we will arrange an easy-to-find meeting point, normally the hotel where we stay for the first night.

TOUR MEETING POINTS

The West Japan Explorer, Imperial Pilgrimage Route, and Mountains of Central Japan Tours

These and most of the other shorter spring and autumn tours start in the Osaka/Kyoto area. The nearest international airport for these tours is

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, OSAKA.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/

Unless clients have a reason to fly to Tokyo, flying to Kansai International is recommended for these tours.

Northern Horizons - Hokkaido and North Main Island

This tour starts in Tokyo.
The nearest international airport for the start of these tours is

NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TOKYO.
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/

PERSONAL EXPENSES

The holiday price includes transportation in Japan, accommodation and meals, guided tours and the service of tour escorts/guides (British and Japanese).

Expenses that members will be expected to pay for in Japan include drinks. As a general guide we would suggest that about £100 will cover additional expenses. The purchase of personal items and souvenirs is up to individuals.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

VACCINATIONS and PROTECTION

Check the following websites:
Department of Health http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/index.htm
Foreign & Commonwealth Office http://www.fco.gov.uk

Check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel. - Make sure that any medication you need to take regularly is legal in the country you are travelling to. - Pack any prescription medication in your hand luggage and take the prescription with you.

Travel insurance with medical and health cover is very important. It should be for a minimum of £2 million. It must include cover for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation.

PAYMENT

TERMS & CONDITIONS

contact     |     booking     |     payment    |    conditions    |    privacy policy