FAQs
Jewel Tours help and advice section
Please take a look below to find many common and helpful answers to your frequently asked questions about our tours and Japan in general.
General Questions
What makes Jewel Tours Japan unique?
At Jewel Tours Japan, we don't limit our visitors to only looking at nice places, we make memories together!
We will take you through Japan and show you its famed spots, and unveil some gems that you would have trouble finding yourself.
The professionals who guide our tours in English are local residents who know the area well, and that is something we are proud of. These guides are experts and have a personal experience which makes each tour special, making it possible for our customers to feel the region’s culture.
Do you offer custom or private tours?
Yes, we specialize in creating customized tours according to your wishes and requirements.
This could be a private journey or a family holiday, we shall make it happen.
Just inform your guide when you meet or even better drop us a line before and we will make every effort to make your dreams a reality on the tour!
What languages do your guides speak?
All guides speak English and some can even speak Japanese, and in rare instances we can coordinate tours in other languages as well, just inform us when you make a reservation!
Tour Preparation
What do I need to bring on the day?
We want you to to enjoy your Jewel Tours experience!
The aim is to be comfy. So dress appropriately for the weather, and shoes are also important. In summertime remember to put sunscreen, in colder months, grab a jacket.
I always dress appropriately for the weather and wear good shoes, if it is a walking tour. Also if I am going to be doing a specific activity on the tour, for instance snorkeling, I would be told beforehand the things I need to carry.
Finally one should round up the list by adding things like a camera, a water bottle, a public transport pass, and money in case of extra expenses.
Are meals included in the tour price?
It all depends on the trip you choose! Our wonderful and popular package called "Eat Like a Local" includes some meals and allows you to be on your own and find your own restaurant experiences. For further details, please refer to your itinerary. If you are in transit and wish to try out certain plates, please tell your guide – they will have no trouble adding these other food stops.
Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory, we highly recommend travel insurance for peace of mind, covering cancellations, medical needs, or unexpected delays.
What is your refund policy?
Life can be unpredictable, and we understand this well. Kindly inform us regarding your cancellation of any tour as early as possible. Cancellation is governed by our policy and cancel terms which are defined in advance by your cancelling the booking with us. To get the complete information, please consult our terms when placing a booking.
How physically demanding are your tours?
Join us for through serene walks or engage in exciting activities, we have it all! Mostly, we advise that participants should manage to be moderately healthy and should be careful if they are aged or have any heart issues. Make sure to read the description for each tour to find one that meets your comfort level and energy level.
Where can we meet?
To make it even easier to begin your tour, we come to a mutually agreed meeting point. In most cases, we say we can meet you at your hotel, a train station close to you, or a central place. This is discussed specifically when you are booking the tour in order to avoid any trouble at the hour of the tour.
Can I add more guests to my tour?
Sure! If you want to add extra guests, please let us know in advance so we can organize things properly. However, you must keep in mind that including other guests might change the pricing or scheduling of your tour, and also there may be certain limits on the number of guests depending on the type of experience you have booked. That said, we are pretty accommodating and will always do our best to help you with what you want.
On the Tour
What happens if I’m late to the meeting point?
If you are late for some reason, please notify us right away. We will try to adjust to you as much as we can, but hey, if there are delays it might create a problem for you getting to the group. Of course, we will note the contact information of your tour guide for you!
What kind of transportation is included in the tours?
Transport fees are not covered in our tours like all of our tours are walking tours. But some tours, for instance, the popular Tokyo tours, may require public transport. Not a problem though - your guide will help you with that part of the journey as well.
Please note: Any transportation costs for you and your guide are not included in the tour price and will need to be covered by you.
Are the tours family-friendly?
We know how stressful traveling with kids can be thus, a number of our tours are family friendly! Take a look at the description to see if it fits or get in touch with us for alternatives, but most of our tours are perfectly fine for kids.
Will there be free time during the tour?
Of course we allow free time for sightseeing, shopping, or resting during most of the tours. We do our best to put you in control, so if you wish to pick up the pace, or linger at certain sites longer that is totally fine - your guide will work with you to make your tour exactly how you like it 🙂
Cancellations and Changes
What if the weather disrupts the tour?
The tours operate regardless of the weather, except for extreme weather conditions, in which case we will modify the plan or the time to allow for everyone’s safety.
How do I cancel my booking?
If you would like to cancel your booking please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us here, through the contact form here or calling +44 788 1148703
What is your refund policy?
We know plans can sometimes change. Should you wish to cancel your tour, be sure to let us know straight away. Cancellation fee refunds are subject to our policy based on notice periods made for the booking of tours. Visit our terms and conditions before booking for more information.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Absolutely! This is usually a rare circumstance, however, you can notify us at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour and we will change the reservation details for you.
Can I amend my tour after I book?
We aim to be flexible and accommodate changes where possible. If you need to amend your tour, please contact us as early as you can. Adjustments may depend on availability and the type of changes requested, and additional fees may apply for significant alterations.
What happens if my tour is canceled?
In the unusual case we need to cancel, you will be refunded in full or given the chance to reschedule your tour.
Common questions about Japan
Can I use credit cards in Japan?
Sure, credit cards can be used in Japan especially in major cities like Tokyo and Yokohama. However, due to some smaller shops and even some restaurants that are present in the areas, they mostly gain attention for cash. It is a good thing to say that always having a few yen on you is a plus. To check if the establishments are available do look out for credit card symbols there.
Will I need a visa to travel to Japan?
It depends on your nationality whether you need a visa or not. Make sure to look up the information with your local Japanese consulate or embassy. If still in doubt, feel free to send us a message and we will try to assist in any way possible.
How many people speak English?
There are a lot of places in Japan where English is not spoken although it is a subject in schools. People, primarily in famous cities like Tokyo and Osaka, are able to speak English, particularly in places that are frequented by tourists. But if you travel to the countryside, you may find fewer English speakers, hence it is advised to learn some basic Japanese.
What is the best time to travel?
In terms of what is the best season to travel to Japan, it all really depends on personal choice. If you like cherry blossoms, then spring would be the best season for you to come here. If you prefer autumn colors, then autumn would be the ideal time. If one enjoys the many festivals and carnivals, summer is not only the hottest but is also the most colorful season. If you like a place covered in snow, as well as hot springs, winter is the best season to travel to Japan.
Do I tip in Japan?
No, it isn't customary to leave tips in Japan and might even be considered as a little rude. In fact, thanking waiters and waitresses with a polite “arigato” is much more appreciated than giving them tips. Therefore, tipping waiters is not a normal practice in Japan and it can even be offensive.
Should I fly or use the Shinkansen? (Bullet Train)
Your travel plans will determine that. Within the country the Shinkansen (bullet train) will be able to take you anywhere comfortably and beautifully especially in the case of several cities. But in long routes like flying from say Tokyo to Hokkaido flying might be more ideal.
The Shinkansen is a wonderful experience and a major highlight for traveling around Japan! So we would recommend riding one
More info about using the Shinkansen Bullet Train here.
Is Tokyo really as expensive as people say?
Generally speaking, Tokyo can be pretty pricey especially when it comes to high-class restaurants as well as accommodation. Nevertheless, there is also an array of cheap alternatives such as cheap restaurants, free places to visit as well as cheap public transport making it easy for one to tour the city without spending a lot of money. Our professional guides will make every effort to explain to you how to make a budget with a little help from their amazing knowledge of less expensive places.
What is the Onsen (Hot Springs) etiquette?
A trip to an onsen is both relaxing as well as culturally satisfying, but as it is usually the case one needs to behave properly and in accordance with the etiquette so as to ensure that everyone including themselves gets an enjoyable experience. To begin with a bath routine, you are required to completely strip naked in the locker room first before entering the bath and then scrub yourself and make sure no soap is left on your body when bath time comes.
Soak in the tub to shoulder level but keep your hair dry, and try not to splash or swim. You are encouraged not to make a lot of noise when also refraining from engaging in any activity that can cause disturbance as the goal is to maintain a calm environment.
While you can drink water it is advised against consuming alcoholic beverages as it goes against the norm of respect and may lead you to doing more undesirable actions such as washing clothes or taking photographs in the dismantling parlor. Make sure you use waterproof covers on any tattoos to be on the safer side, while also considering private bathing if it deems necessary.
After bathing, dry off completely before returning to the locker room to maintain cleanliness. Some onsen offer private facilities or baths with milky water for added privacy, making them a great option for those seeking a more secluded experience.
For more info please see our blog article on Onsen hot Springs etiquette.
When must you take your shoes off?
There are places in Japan, including temples and homes, where it is customary for visitors to remove their shoes. On such occasions, you will find that slippers have been made available for put on when inside a building. To know more about the local etiquette and custom, you can always ask your professional Jewel Tours Guide.
