Extended Okaeri Japan

Simple and easy, just book directly online on our website:
 

1. You choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and the number of participants. Several options are available.
2. Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount online and confirm your booking.
3. You receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking.
4. You book your plane ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the times required for your tour to run smoothly).
5. You pay the balance of your invoice up to one month before departure.

For more information about our tours or your booking, don 't hesitate to contact our advisers on + 44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com. 
You can also visit us in our London office.

The must-see places for a first trip to Japan are:

1. Tokyo, the megalopolis with a thousand sides to it
2. Kyoto, the capital of sophistication and Nara, with its temples and deer
3. Hiroshima, between memory and modern times, and its sacred island Miyajima
4. Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain
5. The Japanese Alps: Takayama, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go
6. Kanazawa, both modern and traditional, on the Sea of Japan

And many other unforgettable places to discover in our tours.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index.

Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

We typically suggest the following times to visit Japan: 

Spring (late February - late May): Spring”s mild temperatures are ideal for all kinds of activities. This is, of course, also the time when the sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom. 

Summer (June - August): The heat quickly takes over from the rainy season at the end of June. Despite the heaat, you can still enjoy the many fireworks displays and open-air matsuri (traditional festivals). 

Autumn (September - November): Temperatures are pleasant during this season and the momiji (maple leaves) glow gorgeous colors 

Winter (December - February): Discover gorgeous winter landscapes, such as the Zen Garden of Kanazawa under the snow. January is defined by numerous festivities and the winter sports craze! 

The most popular travel periods are: 
- Early January: for New Year's Eve, when many businesses and activities are closed 
- February: the plum blossom season and the 10 days around Chinese New Year are a big draw for tourists from Asia 
- Late March - early April: cherry blossom season 
- Late April - early May: "Golden Week" is a period of many public holidays. Many people in Japan go on vacation 
- Mid-August: during the Obon Matsuri 
- Late November: for momiji viewing 

To avoid the crowds, Japan Experience recommends: 
- February: outside the Chinese New Year period 
- Mid-May - early June: to take advantage of mild weather and more affordable prices just before the rainy season 
- September - early December: to enjoy mild temperatures and autumn leaves

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf 

All in all, it should take around 7 working days between the paiement of the tour and your visa issue.

There are several steps leading to the delivery of your visa:

1. After the payment, you will have to give a copy of your passport to Japan Experience, as well as the address of your first hotel and your flight number (if both not provided by Japan experience)
2. Then Japan Experience will issue by mail the Uketsuke Zumisho (受付済書), which is the document you will need to present to the Japan embassy/consulate
3. Go to the embassy or the consulate to get your visa done (please consult the site of your embassy/consulate : usually on the mornings, without prior appointment). Make sure to bring the following documents :

• the authorization issued by Japan Experience
• the completed visa application form you need to fill in. You can find the application form here. 
• your passport
• an ID picture
• 23€ in cash

      4. Come back to the embassy 3 to 5 business days later to retrieve your passport where the visa has been attached

It is not a group tour. You will travel with a guide especially privatized for you, no matter if you are on your own, 2 or several people of your family / friends.

If you prefer a tailor-made tour rather than our pre-set tours, please contact us directly by email at contact@japan-experience.com.

As of today, you do not need to be vaccinated to go to Japan. However, on the way back home, depending on your country of destination, you may need a PCR test performed less than 72 hours or an antigenic test performed less than 48 hours before departure is required to return to the territory.

Please check the website of your embassy to have all the latest information.

Both trips are essentially similar and cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa and a one-day trip to Nara. However, Okaeri Japan Extended is more complete as it provides you two more days in Japan in order to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima at their best, including nights in a 3* hotel.

The mask must be worn at all times indoors (except at a distance and without speaking!) and outdoors only when speaking at a distance of less than 2 meters. It is mandatory to respect those rules while traveling, as well as health guidelines (e.g., regular hand washing and physical distancing).

Two applications are currently mandatory to travel to Japan:

1. MySoS, which can be downloaded on both Android and iOS. Various information must be entered just before departure, including passport number and negative PCR test. A vaccination certificate can also be added if available.
2. Visit Japan Web (Android / iOs / PC), to add your passport and PCR negative test.

In case of positive PCR, the insurance included in the tour refunds 90% of the tour price. A negative PCR test done 72h to 48h before departure is necessary to board at your departure airport.

Due to the current regulations, an insurance is mandatory to go to Japan. It is thus included in the base offer of the Japan Experience trips and covers cancellation before departure, on-site assistance as well as COVID protection.

If you have booked a flight to Japan, it means you can enter the country provided you have a visa. Since June 1, a maximum quota of 20,000 people can enter Japan per day but this is not a point of concern as such. In fact, this limit is rather about the number of slots allocated to airlines landing daily in Japan.