Frequently Asked Questions
General
Not really! Age isn’t the deciding factor. What matters more is your mobility and comfort with the activities involved. Our journeys vary in pace and activity levels; some are more relaxed, while others are better suited to travellers who enjoy being active. If you’re unsure which journey is right for you, just get in touch and we’re happy to help.
Not necessarily, it really depends on the trip you choose. Strolling through villages or visiting shrines is nice and easy, while some hiking trails will require serious stamina and willpower. Just let us know your comfort level, and we’ll recommend a trip that’s right for you.
Expect a mix of cosy and unique stays, curated by us. We’ll arrange traditional ryokans with fluffy futons and hot springs, welcoming guesthouses, and, if you’re up for it, a night under the stars (don’t worry, it’s not survival camping). You won’t find budget or backpacker-style accommodation here.
Where driver services are available, we’re happy to help arrange one. However, in some remote areas of Japan, dedicated driver services can be unavailable. Taxis may get you from point to point, but they generally won’t wait while you explore. That’s why some of our journeys are designed as self-drive, giving you the freedom to reach places that are harder to access otherwise. If you’d prefer not to drive, we also have journeys designed around public transport, or we can explore a bespoke trip with you.
Yes! While we don’t run our own shuttles, we can help arrange taxis, assist with train reservations, or point you towards the easiest public transport connections. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll help make the journey as seamless as possible.
To secure your trip, a 50% deposit of the total quoted amount is required upon confirmation. Once we receive your deposit, your adventure is officially locked in! The remaining balance is due 30 days before your departure date. For the full payment schedule and booking terms, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
We can’t promise a five-star vegan menu deep in the mountains, but we’ll do our best! Let us know your dietary needs ahead of time, and we’ll work with local hosts to make sure you’re looked after.
Halal-certified options are uncommon in Japan, especially in the countryside. However, we’ll do our best to make suitable arrangements in advance, including Muslim-friendly dining and accommodation where available.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes it becomes part of the journey. We’ll advise you on how to prepare and gear up properly so you can still enjoy your activities safely.
We’ll provide safety and emergency information as part of your comprehensive travel guide, so you’ll know what to do and where to get help if something unexpected happens.
Yes! We can arrange small corporate outings, team retreats and incentive trips, tailored to your group’s objectives and preferred pace. Get in touch to plan a bespoke trip for your group.
Yes! We are a Singapore-licensed travel agency (Licence No. TA03926) regulated by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Being a licensed travel agency means we meet STB’s requirements for financial standing and ongoing reporting, including a minimum paid-up capital and regular submission of audited accounts. These requirements help provide greater protection and peace of mind when booking your trip with us.
Driving-related
Driving in rural Japan is generally much easier than driving in big cities, with lighter traffic and quieter roads. We’ll recommend suitable routes based on accessibility and safety. You’ll just need to be comfortable driving on the left and navigating some narrower mountain roads.
If you’re not confident driving or it’s your first time driving in Japan, our hosted Signature Tour can be a good introduction. We’ll lead the way in convoy, so you can simply follow along and enjoy the journey.
We’ll advise based on your group size and itinerary, but generally, a regular car is sufficient, even for mountain roads and longer drives. Most importantly, make sure you have full insurance coverage for peace of mind. We can also arrange your car rental through our reputable partner, so you can simply pick up and go.
If you’re driving in Japan, you’ll generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with your valid home-country driver’s licence. Some countries have different arrangements, so make sure you check the requirements that apply to your licence before travelling. Japan is pretty strict about this, nobody wants to get stuck at the rental counter!
Journeys
No, our journeys are self-guided, designed for independent travel. We’ve planned the route and will handle the key arrangements, while our comprehensive day-by-day guide helps you navigate the journey. We’re always just a phone call or message away if you need us.
Our journeys cover the accommodation, meals and experiences included in the proposed itinerary. Every detail is carefully researched and thoughtfully arranged, so you can simply follow the plan and enjoy the journey. For a full breakdown, please refer to the pricing and inclusions section.
Our journeys are carefully designed as complete experiences, so we generally recommend following the route as planned. If you’re looking to make significant changes or create something different, we’d be happy to plan a bespoke trip instead.
Think of it as having the freedom of a road trip without spending weeks figuring out where to go. We’ve designed and tested the routes, and will arrange the key parts of your journey. You’ll drive at your own pace, following our day-by-day guide, with us just a message away.
Not at all. Our journeys are carefully planned to keep travel times and transfers manageable. We’ll give you clear instructions for each leg of the journey, so you can travel with confidence.
Hosted
You drive your own rental car while we lead the way in ours. We’ll travel convoy-style, so all you have to do is follow us, enjoy the views while having the freedom of your own car.
Our hosted signature tour covers the accommodation, meals and experiences included in the proposed itinerary. Every detail is thoughtfully planned around your preferences, so you can simply relax and follow our lead! For a full breakdown, please refer to the pricing and inclusions section.
If you can’t drive, grab a friend who loves driving and make them the designated driver! If neither of you drives, take a look at our self-guided journeys accessible by public transport, or get in touch about a bespoke trip.
At the moment, we only offer hosted trips within the Kii Peninsula. It’s our home turf, and there’s more than enough here to discover! That said, we’re constantly exploring, and if you have somewhere else in mind, get in touch and we’ll let you know if we can bring your journey to life.
We believe 5 days 4 nights is the sweet spot to show you around the Kii Peninsula, with ample time to experience both the coast and the mountains. If you’d prefer a different trip length, talk to us to kickstart a bespoke trip tailored just for you.
English, some Mandarin, and unavoidably, Singlish! You don’t need to know Japanese (we’re still picking it up), but we’ll share with you a phrase or two to greet the locals.
Bespoke Trip
Try us! We focus on what we do best: nature, culture and experiences beyond the obvious. Right now, our expertise is centred on our home turf, the Kii Peninsula. That said, we’re constantly exploring and expanding our network of trusted local partners across Japan. Get in touch and we’ll let you know if we’re the right fit to bring your journey to life.
We will get in touch within 1 – 3 working days and arrange a video call, usually within 1 – 2 weeks depending on the complexity of your trip. During the call, we’ll walk you through a personalised proposal according to your preferences.
We’ll create the initial plan based on your inputs and preferences. If you have specific requests or minor tweaks, we’re happy to discuss them during the planning call and see what we can accommodate.
