Trip style

Limited Edition: While all of our adventures are special, our Limited Edition specialty tours are truly one-of-a-kind. From uniquely authentic seasonal celebrations and breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomena, to unforgettable cultural festivals and exclusive photography excursions, these incredible one-off departures offer an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the most exotic and exciting events on the planet. Back To Index

Service level

Standard: Step out of the normal tourist mind-set and truly experience the world. Most nights will have you staying in a simple yet clean twin-share hotel or lodge rooms with private facilities, complete with running water and electricity. Occasionally you may have a multi-share night at rustic local guesthouses, with communal bathrooms and the sporadic cold shower. Transportation will be a combination of public transport, private buses and some private vehicles. Back To Index

Physical grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. Back To Index

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Osaka (April 11th)

Day 2-3 Kyoto (April 12-13th)

Day 4- 5 Takayama (14-15th April)

Day 6-9 Tokyo – Nikko and Kamakura (16th-19th April)

Day 10 Depart Tokyo (20th April)

StartFinish

Osaka to Tokyo Back To Index

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Back To Index

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Back To Index

Important Notes

Please note that this tour combines with other Gap Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with Gap Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another Gap Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. Back To Index

Group Leader Description

All Gap Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and recommend great local eating venues. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also encourage travellers to locally interact with the communities we visit, so that each traveller has unique travel experiences. Back To Index

Group Size Notes

Max 15, Avg 10 Back To Index

Your Fellow Travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Back To Index

Meals Included

No meals included. Back To Index

Meals

Gap. Adventures knows that worldwide, local cuisines define the cultures. We think sampling regional delicacies are intrinsic to truly experiencing the country. We want you to be able to try foods according to your individual tastes, comforts, and budgets. At times, meals will be taken together as a group. Other times, your Tour Leader will point you in the direction of several delicious options, and you will have free time to pick and choose at will. Often in Japan it is fun to get some snacks and beverages with the salarymen in the evenings at small restaurants, and other times it is fun to sit with a few friends at a sushi train. Food is common ground in any culture, and some of the best local experiences can be found in the restaurants. Prices of food can run the gamut in Japan, so you will have the option to splurge on Kobe beef or to work out how to buy an inexpensive bowl of udon purchased from a vending machine. Feel like squid for breakfast? Be as daring as you like! Travellers with special dietary requirements can easily be accomodated. Consult your Tour Leader for assistance. For all trips, please refer to the Meals Included and Budget Information for information regarding included meals on your trip. Japan's kitchen is at your fingertips. Back To Index

Transport

Taxi, bullet train, subway. Back To Index

About our Transportation

Japan's reliable public transportation is the best option for both the environment and for experiencing Japan like a local! We will ride several forms of transportation throughout the country, from Shinkansen bullet trains, to subways, funiculars, local trains, and buses. Note that often times we will have to carry our luggage from one mode of transport to another, so please consider this whilst packing. Back To Index

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Back To Index

Single Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. Back To Index

Accommodation

Hotels (9 nts) Back To Index

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Back To Index

About Accommodation

Please refer to your Trip Notes to find out the style of accommodation for your individual trip. Back To Index

Joining Hotel

Osaka Namba Washington Hotel Plaza

1-1-13 Nipponbashi
Chuo-ku Osaka
542-0073, Japan

大阪なんばワシントンホテルプラザ

〒542-0073
大阪市中央区日本橋1丁目1-13

Tel: 81-6-6212-2555
Fax: 81-6-6214-3332

Map (Japanese)
http://nanba.wh-at.com/access/index.html Back To Index

Joining Instructions

From Kansai Intl Airport (KIX) to Osaka Namba Washington Hotel Plaza

First, get some cash.
After passing through the customs, stop by a bank counter or an ATM machine on the first floor to get some Japanese Yen. This may be your last chance to exchange cash easily in Japan as only certain banks do currency exchange.

Airport Limousine Bus
Buses run twice hourly to the Namba OCAT bus station near your hotel. Journey time is 48 minutes and costs 1000 Yen.
The bus departs from Stop 11 at the International Arrival Lobby on the first floor of the airport. Tickets for buses can be purchased from vending machines located near the bus stops.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_ocat.html

On arrival at OCAT, you can either take a taxi (recommended. 5min, 1000 Yen) or the subway. To take the subway you will need to walk to Namba subway station (NOT JR Namba station). Follow the subway signs; you will walk through the OCAT Walk and Namba Walk underground shopping plazas. It should take about 5 minutes.
See the instructions below about getting to the hotel from Namba station.

Nankai Line Train
The Nankai Line runs extremely regular trains to Namba station.
1. Follow the sign "Railways" to the second floor, exit the terminal building, then cross the pedestrian bridge outside to walk into Kansai Airport Station.
2. Go to Nankai Railways counters #1-3 under the orange sign "Ltd. Exp. Rapi:t Reservation Tickets and General Tickets" on your left.
3. Purchase a ticket for the next Rapi:t (pronounced 'rapeet') or Airport Express to Namba. The ticket costs 1390Yen for Rap:t (44min) or 890Yen for Airport Express (38min) .
4. Go through a gate under the orange sign, which says "Nankai" by inserting the ticket into the gate. Retrieve the ticket, which will be returned to you at the other side of the gate. You will need it when leaving the Railway.
5. Go down to a platform, and get on the train. The seats are reserved on the Rap:t and non reserved on the Airport Express. The departure time, car number and the seat number are written on the ticket.
6. Follow the signs for "Subway Sennichimae Line " down to the subway station.

At Namba
1. After passing by the gates for the subway, you will find ticket vending machines.
2. Deposit 200 Yen or more (the machine will return any change) into the machine, and press the button displaying "200" to buy a ticket to Nipponbashi.
3. Go to the gates with the Sennichimae Line sign. Go through a gate by inserting the ticket into it. Retrieve your ticket, which will be returned at the other end of the gate. You will need it when you leave the subway.
4. Take a train bound for Nipponbashi. It is the next (and final) stop.
5. Take Exit 2, you can see your hotel across the main road on the left hand side. Back To Index

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. Back To Index

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Gap Adventures Local Office – Bangkok, Thailand (+7 hours GMT)
Bangkok Office (12:30pm to 8pm Japan time) Tel: +66 2 252 6642

Japan Regional Manager Emergency Mobile:
Calls from Japan: 050 5532 8279 - Jarrod
Outside Japan: +81 50 5532 8279 or +66 89 227-2946 - Jarrod

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Back To Index

What to Take

We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. You will be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light and have easy to handle luggage and capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for Gap Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). In Japan, bags need to fit in the overhead luggage racks when travelling on trains. You will also need a day-pack/rucksack to carry daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, Ipods etc. Back To Index

Checklist

Small backpack or luggage on wheels is best for this trip
as there is a lot of walking involved.
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Gap Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Alarm clock
Head-torch/flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sun glasses
Insect Repellent
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-March, and for the summit of Mt. Fuji if applicable: Fleece, windproof/waterproof jacket, thermals, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Camera
Reading/writing material
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Back To Index

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Back To Index

Visas

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.

For most travelers there will probably be a Japanese embassy or consulate in the country that you live.

JAPAN: Most nationalities receive A 90-DAY PERMIT ON ARRIVAL, Back To Index

Destination Guide

For practical information on weather, typical costs, visa information, special events and much more, our Destination Travel Guide is the place to visit! This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about everywhere we go! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/travel-guide for detailed information on the countries and cities we visit. Back To Index

Detailed Trip Notes

Travel in Japan is easy, clean, fast and efficient, however please be aware that English is still not widely spoken, however a lot of patience, a sense of humour and a respect for the local culture goes a long way in any Asian country and will greatly enrich your experience. Back To Index

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. Back To Index

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. As of April 2009 the exchange rate for JAPAN was 1 USD = 95 JPY (Japanese Yen). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Back To Index

Local payment description

Effective October 1st, 2009, new Gap Adventures tour bookings will no longer require travellers to pay a portion of their tour price on Day 1 of their tour. What was previously broken out as a local payment for our tours is now being included in the upfront tour pricing as displayed on our website. The changeover period due to the implementation of this policy will mean that on day 1 there will be a mixture of travellers both paying and not paying the local payment, however please note that the overall cost to our travellers has not changed.

People who booked a tour before October 1st 2009, and are travelling after 01 January 2010 will have the option to either bring their local payment funds to their Tour Leader on Day 1, or to prepay their local payment before departure. Anyone who desires to prepay their local payment must contact their Adventure Specialist at Gap Adventures or Travel Agent by October 31st, 2009 to arrange prepayment. If you still wish to pay your local payment upon arrival, the amount to be paid will be clearly stated on your tour voucher and invoice documents.

Please be aware that certain park fees and local charges still apply on some tours; only the Gap Adventures local payment has been discontinued. This change is a result of feedback from our travellers and to streamline and simplify the payment process. Back To Index

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Back To Index

Departure Tax

Departure tax is included in all international and domestic flight tickets. Back To Index

Tipping

Tipping in restaurants is not practiced in Japan. If someone helps you carry a bag, you can offer to tip a few USD (in local currency), although it will not be expected. If you have a local guide or a driver on your trip, then you will be advised to tip $1-2 USD (in local currency) per person per service, as long as you felt it was appreciated. Please ask your Tour Leader for specific advice if you are unsure.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Gap Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is highly appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Back To Index

Optional Activities

We suggest you bring along USD100 for additional sightseeing. Back To Index

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Gap Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the Tour Leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Back To Index

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our Tour Leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here. Back To Index

Trip Specific Safety

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Back To Index

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/medical-form. Back To Index

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes. Back To Index

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. Back To Index

Responsible Travel

Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what Gap Adventures is all about. From the start, Gap Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the Gap Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com Back To Index

Planeterra-The Gap Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. Gap Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in Gap Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your Gap Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Back To Index

Local Dress

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or other holy sites. Back To Index

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Gap Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations Back To Index

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from Gap Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup

Stay current on all things green by signing up to "The Village" e-newsletter. Check out Planeterra's exciting line up of voluntours, stories from the field, fun contests and upcoming events. Subscribe at - www.planeterra.org Back To Index

Travel Forum - The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Back To Index

We Want Your Photos

If you've got some great photos form your Gap Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often! Back To Index

Free Online Trip Journals

An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 Gap Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to gapadventures.mytripjournal.com. Back To Index

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff. Back To Index

Special Comments

7 day Japan Rail Pass included in the price of the trip. Back To Index

DepEnd

Thur-Fri Back To Index

Highlights

Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama Festival, Nikko Festival, Kamakura Festival, Tokyo Back To Index

Departure

Departs selected Thursdays. Back To Index

Recommendation

Interested in more Ancient Empires? You can add our China Express trip to this one, take a look at trip code ACCJ. Back To Index