As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Peony Tours journey, please review carefully the trip details that we provide you including hotel information, tour itinerary, and emergency contact number(s). Please make sure you have all travel documents, passports, air tickets, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip.
PASSPORT / VISA
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip. Japanese law also requires travelers to have at least one blank page in their passport for entry stamps.
U.S. Resident Aliens need both passport and Alien Resident Card for re-entry to the United States.
Carry emergency contact person's name, address and telephone number with you.
Keep travel documents, passport, personal necessities and valuables with you at all times. Leave a copy of the important documents to your family or pack another separately from the original itself. We suggest you scan and email a copy to yourself for easy online access. This will help speed up the replacement process.
No entry visa is required for US passport holders for stays of less than 90 days. For detailed passports and visa information, all travelers are advised to visit the website of Consulate-General of Japan in:
Peony Tours is not responsible when you are denied entrance for any reason at a foreign country, even if you have a valid passport and visa.
CONSULAR INFORMATION
The US Department of State provides Country Specific Information Sheets for every country in the world, as well as Travel Alerts and Warnings. Find this information by calling 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444, or online at travel.state.gov.
HEALTH / MEDICAL MATTERS
For your protection and peace of mind, you are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance prior to departure.
No required Vaccinations for guests traveling to Japan. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with any potential health issues or concerns related to your destination, and so we strongly recommend consulting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccines and medications. Visit them online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or call 800-232-4636.
Plan to visit your doctor or local travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
It is advised to pack any prescription medicine in your carry-on hand luggage and make sure it is fully labeled.
It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance.
Please consult your healthcare provider for suggestions on prevention and treatment.
WEATHER
The weather in Japan is generally mild. But since the nation stretches for over 3,000 km from north to south, the weather is varied depending on where and when you travel. The average winter temperature in Japan is 5.1 °C (41.2 °F) and the average summer temperature is 25.2 °C (77.4 °F). The main rainy season falls in June and July.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt. The frequency of electric current is 50 Hertz in Eastern Japan (including Tokyo and Hokkaido) and 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima); however, most equipment is not affected by this frequency difference. Leading hotels in big cities within Japan have two outlets of 110 and 220 volts, but their sockets usually accept two-prong plugs (Type A) only.
BAGGAGE
Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Peony Tours welcomes our guests to bring one check-in luggage due the storage space on the bus.
We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock, a Peony Tours baggage tag showing the name and contact information of the owner, and the tour code. Please only use Peony Tours luggage tags for easy identification.
No porter service will be provided throughout the tour. During the tour please keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables at all times. Beware of your surroundings when going out on your own.
Do not pack your prescription medicine, valuables, or other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag.
Consider packing one change of clothing and toiletry in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delayed or lost luggage.
Power bank chargers over 20,000 mAh are restricted from carry-on and check-in luggage. Power bank mAh capacity must be clearly labeled by the manufacturer on the charger.
Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA baggage restrictions.
CLOTHING / THINGS TO BRING
Pack clothes according to the weather. Spring (Mar-May):lightweight jackets and sweaters; Summer (Jun-Aug):light clothing, short sleeves, raincoat or umbrella;Autumn (Sep-Nov): same as spring; Winter (Dec-Feb):wool and warm overcoats, suits, sweaters and jackets.
All-season jacket, lightweight raincoat, umbrella or poncho, and comfortable walking shoes are must.
Please note: shoes need to be removed prior to entering residences and temples in Japan. Since the temples have no heater, during winter time, we recommend you to wear warm socks when visiting temples.
Charging cables for your cell phone, camera, camcorder, tablet, and other electronics.
International travel voltage converter and adapter plugs.
ARRIVAL AIRPORT INFORMATION / CUSTOMS
At most international airports, passengers cannot be met inside secured areas. This includes Immigration, Customs halls and Baggage Claim. Your Peony Tours local representative will greet you as you exit these restricted areas; look for the person holding the distinctive Peony Tours signboard.
LANGUAGE
There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However, many Japanese are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must learn as part of compulsory education.
TIME DIFFERENCE
The time difference between major cities in USA and Japan is as below:
Los Angeles and San Francisco +17 hours,
New York +14 hours
CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARD
The currency of Japan is written “円”. Its currency sign is “¥” and is written “Yen” or “JPY” in English. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen. The 1,000 yen bill and 100 yen coin are used often. In addition to being accepted by many vending machines, the 1,000 yen bill makes your shopping go smoothly at the cash register.
The exchange rate is about 153.37 yen to one US dollar as of October 2024. You can exchange yen at the airport currency exchange counters, hotels, or foreign exchange banks at arrival.
Most department stores, hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as American Express, VISA, and Mastercard. However, it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops. It is advised to inform your credit card company of your traveling and to confirm your credit line prior to departure.
ATMs: You can withdraw yen from your debit cards/credit cards via ATM in Post Bank and Seven Bank throughout Japan.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Based on two adults sharing one twin bedded room, double occupancy. Generally the hotel rooms in Japan are small, but very clean and comfortable. The hotels do not provide porter service. Passengers have to carry their own luggage.
MEALS / WATER
Meals are specified in the itinerary including hotel breakfast, lunches and dinners at hotel or local restaurant.
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water can be easily obtained from super markets, convenience stores and other similar places. Automatic vending machines are more widespread in Japan than anywhere else in the world. The machines operate 24 hours a day at all rest areas, selling soft drinks, cigarettes, and cup noodles.
INTERNET / TELEPHONE
Telephone numbers in Japan consist of an area code and phone number. Area code for Tokyo is 03, Kyoto 075, Osaka 06, Kobe 078, Sapporo 11, Otaru 134, Moriota 19, Towada 176. Japan's country code is 81.
Call from Japan to USA: 010+1+Area code+Phone number
Call from USA to Tokyo: 011+81+3+Phone number
In Japan, you can find many Wi-Fi signals which you can enjoy browsing. Free Wi-Fi access is often provided by cafes, restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores. Pocket Wi- Fi and SIM Card rental service is also available at the airport.
Tipping
Please note that gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our guides greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them. Our recommended tip amount is $12 USD per person per day. Since a 10 –15% service charge is added to the bill at leading hotels and restaurants, no tip is necessary unless you request some extra special services.
Emergency contact in Japan, please call Peony Tours' representative: USA +1 626-677-3415; China +86 21-6205-3666
IMPORTANT NOTES
Drive and walk on the left side in Japan.
Respect other group members, your tour guides and drivers. Refrain from talking when the tour guide is speaking.
Safety of travelers has always been our number one concern. For your safety, please bring the hotel's address card with you when you are out on your own.
Always be cautious when staying at a hotel. Never allow strangers into your room. Keep doors locked at all times.
Use the safes where available in your accommodations to secure your valuables, especially passports, medications, jewelry, money and electronics. If you must carry valuables, keep them on your person at all times. Be mindful of your surroundings and take extra caution in crowds.
It is important to follow the indicated meeting time and meeting point. Use the badge provided by Peony Tours for easy identification.
To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, allow enough time for flight check-in, security screening and boarding: 2 hours for US domestic travel, 3 hours for international travel, and even more on public holidays. In case of emergency, please contact Peony Tours immediately.
USA / During Office Hours (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5:30pm PST)
Los Angeles Office------------------------------626-289-1010
San Francisco Office------------------------------650-259-9983
New York Office------------------------------212-973-1998
USA / After Office Hours-------------------626-677-3415
USEFUL JAPANESE PHRASES
ENGLISH
JAPANESE
Hello!
Konnichi wa
Welcome!
Irasshaimase
Thank you!
Arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse me
Sumimasen
How are you?
Ogenki desu ka?
I am fine.
Genki desu
It’s good
Ii desu yo
Good morning!
Ohayo Gozaimasu
Good afternoon!
Konnichiwa
Good evening!
Konban wa
Goodbye!
Sayonara
Cheers!
kanpai
Delicious
Oishii sou
How much?
Ikura desu ka?
What is this?
Kore wa nan desu ka?
Too expensive
Taka sugimasu
I came from America
Amerika kara kimashita
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING JAPANESE ONSENS
Japan is a country consisting of four major islands and more than 6,000 other islands, with many volcanoes and natural hot springs. When traveling to Japan, it is a must to visit a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen). Some are indoors, some are outdoors. Whatever the case, they all come with some strict rules. To ensure your Japanese etiquette is up to scratch, here’s what you need to know before diving in.
Most hot spring hotels and ryokans provide yukata (a casual type of kimono) for guests to be worn during their stay. Be sure to wrap the left side of yukata “over” the right side.
Some Western style hotels provide yukata in guest rooms as well; however, the yukata at hotels are usually only intended as room wear and should not be worn outside the hotel room. Please check with the hotel first.
In most Japanese hot springs men and women bathe separately. The entrances are generally marked by half-length curtains, red curtains are for women, blue curtains for men.
Store your phone with your belongings in a locker before you enter the bath pool. Respect others, never whip out your phone and FaceTime others or snapping selfies around the pool.
It is important to wash your hair and entire body clean before taking your relaxing dip.
Don’t jump into the hot spring. Enter slowly when your whole body is accustomed enough to the temperature of hot water.
Do not get your hair, towel, or soap in the hot spring. The water must be kept clean. Large towels should be left in the changing room, while small towel can be put on the head when bathing. If you have long hair, tie or wrap it up!
Hot springs are a place for people to relax and meditate. Keep your talk quietly and at a minimum. Don’t splash, swim, giggle, stare, or do anything that may disrupt others.
Avoid the hot spring after drinking alcohol, intense sports, or immediately before or after a meal.
Some Japanese hot springs provide complimentary basics like shampoo, shower gel, hair drier, and combs. In this case, you don’t need to bring anything.
At traditional Japanese hot spring, clothing including swimwear and underwear is not permitted. Bathing naked is part of the Japanese culture.
Tattoos are a bit of a taboo in Japan. Most traditional Japanese hot springs forbid anyone with tattoos. However, this attitude is changing amongst younger generations today. If you have a small tattoo, try to cover it up with a bandage. If you have larger tattoos, check with the hotel first.
The time soaking in the hot spring should be about 10 minutes, and 30 minutes at the longest each time. And it’s best not to have more than three baths in a day.
After the hot spring, you can take a shower again to rinse off any oils, masks, and conditioner that may linger on your body, or just dry off with your towel and get clothed.
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