Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tour Information

What types of guided tours do you offer in Japan (cultural, historical, nature, food tours, etc.)?

•We offer a wide range of guided tours in Japan, including cultural, historical, nature, and food tours. Our goal is to provide immersive experiences that showcase the rich heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights of Japan. Our mission is to enable you to discover Japan as a true inhabitant, with a focus on relaxation, well-being and cultural richness. Haven crafts exclusive, culturally rich travel experiences that invite guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil allure and minimalistic elegance of Japan.

•Most of our tours are designed to be accessible to people of average fitness levels. However, some tours may involve activities like walking or hiking. Please check the specific tour details or contact us if you have any concerns about physical requirements.

•Yes, all our tours are conducted in English/French/Japanese. If you require a guide who speaks another language, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

•Absolutely! We specialize in creating customized private tours tailored to your interests and preferences. Let us know the places or experiences you’re interested in, and we’ll design an itinerary just for you. You can also email us directly through “Experiences – Custom Japan Tour”, or through our “contact” form.

•Our tours vary in length. Day tours typically last between 9 to 10 hours, while half-day tours are around 4 to 5 hours. We also offer multi-day tours and full package holidays for those looking to explore more extensively or that want a tailor-made unforgettable time in Japan.

•Unless specified otherwise, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. This allows you the flexibility to choose which attractions you’d like to visit during the tour. Please note that we also do all inclusive package for our “Custom Japan Tour”.

•Meals are generally not included unless stated in the tour description. However, our guides can recommend excellent local restaurants that suit your preferences. Please note that we also do all inclusive package for our “Custom Japan Tour”.

•Please inform us at the time of booking about any food allergies or medical conditions. We’ll make necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

•For private tours, there is no minimum number of participants—you can book a tour just for yourself or your group. The maximum number depends on the specific tour and transportation method, as a general rule of thumb our luxury van have either 5 or 9 comfortable seats, but we have several guides, and vehicles, so all can be arranged. Please contact us for details.

•Yes, we offer tours that include traditional Japanese experiences such as tea ceremonies, kimono wearing, onsen visits, Knife crafting, Geisha evenings and more. These can be incorporated into a custom tour based on your interests.

Booking & Payment

How do I book a guided tour online?

•You can book a tour directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and following the booking instructions. Alternatively, feel free to contact us via email or phone for assistance with your reservation.

•For “One Day Experience” we recommend booking at least one week in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. However, we may accommodate last-minute bookings depending on availability. For “Custom Japan Tour”, it depends of the season, Japan is a country were traverlers plan much in advance, we would recommend contacting us 6 months prior to your ideal departure date. However, as said above, we may accommodate last-minute bookings with some limitations.

•Yes, we offer discounts for large groups. Please contact us with your group size and tour interests, and we’ll provide you with a customized quote.

•Yes, we accept payment in Japanese yen and accept major international credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

•Our standard cancellation policy/charges is as follows for One day experiences:
•Cancellations made 6 days or more before the tour date: Full refund.
•Cancellations made 3 days or more before the tour date: 50% of the price
•Cancellations made 48 hours or less before the tour date: 100% of the price

•Our standard cancellation policy/charges is as follows for custom holidays:
•Cancellations made 60 days or more before the tour date: Deposit
•Cancellations made between 40 to 60 days before the tour date: 30% of the price
•Cancellations made less than 15 to 39 days before the tour date: 60% of the price
•Cancellations made less than 16 to 14 days before the tour date: 75% of the price
•Cancellations/Nor Show made less than 5 days before the tour date: 100% of the
price
•Please refer to our full cancellation policy on our website for more details.

Preparation & Logistics

Where do your tours typically start and end?

•Our tours usually start and end at a convenient location such as your hotel in Tokyo or a designated meeting point specified in the tour details.

•We’ll provide detailed instructions and maps to the meeting point upon booking. For private tours, we often offer hotel pickup and drop-off services.

•We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking or riding, depending on the tour. We will always let you know beforehand depending of the season. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. For motorcycle tours, appropriate riding gear is necessary, and we will provide it.

•Yes, many of our tours are suitable for families and can be adjusted to accommodate children. Please let us know the ages of your children so we can tailor the experience accordingly.

•We strive to make our tours accessible to everyone. Please inform us of any mobility issues or special requirements, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Cultural Etiquette & Local Insights

What are some important Japanese cultural norms or customs I should know during the tour?

•Japanese culture values respect and politeness. Some key customs include removing shoes when entering certain buildings, bowing during greetings, and being quiet in sacred places. Our guides will provide guidance on cultural etiquette throughout the
tour.

•Yes, many of our tours offer opportunities to interact with local artisans, participate in workshops, or engage in cultural activities like tea ceremonies and traditional crafts.
Please contact us for details.

•Our itineraries are flexible, and we can include free time for you to explore, shop, or relax at your leisure.

•In traditional Japanese onsens, swimwear is typically not worn, and guests bathe nude in gender-separated baths. This practice is rooted in the cultural norm of communal bathing, which emphasizes cleanliness (no detergent, chlorine, or sweat deposit from a swimsuit to the water) and relaxation. However, some onsens offer private baths. Please let us know your preference so we can choose an appropriate onsen for you in advance.

•Most onsens in Japan have restrictions on visible tattoos due to cultural reasons. We can guide you to tattoo-friendly onsens where tattoos are accepted without issue.

•Yes, our knowledgeable guides will explain the proper etiquette and customs to follow when visiting sacred sites to ensure a respectful and meaningful experience.

•Absolutely! Our guides are happy to teach you basic Japanese phrases and assist with translations to enhance your interactions during the tour.

•Travelling in Japan is a joy. Public transport is fast, efficient, clean and punctual. All trains and most buses have sufficient English-language signs and announcements. As a further back-up we have our own English-speaking assiant in Japan who are available to help you with any unforeseen issues.
 
The Japanese are almost universally polite and helpful. Even in a situation where someone does not speak English they will almost certainly be willing to try to help, and people often go out of their way to assist foreign travellers. This is out of genuine care and concern and is not done expecting anything in return!

•Yes, our guides know the most picturesque spots and will gladly recommend the best locations for capturing memorable photos and assist you, never hesitate to ask them to handle the camera for you.

Special Requests & Customization

Can I book a private tour with a focus on specific themes like Japanese gardens, samurai history, or anime culture?

•Yes, we offer customized tours focused on various themes, including Japanese gardens, samurai history, anime culture, and more. Share your interests with us, and we’ll create a personalized itinerary.

•Yes, we offer food tours that highlight Japan’s diverse culinary scene. We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please inform us of your requirements in advance.

•Absolutely! We provide seasonal tours that showcase the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall. These tours are very popular, so we recommend booking early.

•Yes, we can arrange private tour guides for special occasions, corporate events, team-building activities, and more. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Weather & Timing

What happens if it rains during the tour?
•Our tours proceed rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, we may adjust the itinerary to include more indoor activities or provide alternative options to ensure your comfort. We will always contact you if poor conditions will arise, and discuss potential options with you.

•We recommend bringing your own rain gear. However, if unexpected weather occurs, our guide can assist you in purchasing umbrellas or raincoats as needed.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are popular for their warm, pleasant days. In summer the temperature rises, as does the humidity, although up in the mountains things remain a few refreshing degrees lower. Late June and early July see a brief “rainy season” with a few overcast days and increased precipitation, though this should by no means preclude travelling at this time. Winter is cool at sea level; cold up in the mountains, with heavy snowfall the farther north you go from Tokyo. Rainfall is fairly even throughout the year, with showers possible in any season.

•Cherry blossoms typically bloom between late March and early April, while autumn foliage is best viewed from mid-November to early December. These periods can vary by region and weather conditions. For other questions on this topic don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

•Yes, we offer evening and night tours, including city illuminations, food and drink experiences, and cultural performances. Please check our tour listings or inquire for more details, or contact us directly.

Miscellaneous

Do your guides provide historical and cultural explanations throughout the tour?

•Yes, our experienced guides are knowledgeable about Japan’s history and culture and will provide insightful information to enrich your tour experience.

•For private tours, hotel pickup and drop-off are often included. For other tours, we can provide detailed directions or arrange transportation upon request.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and is not expected. If you feel your guide provided exceptional service, a small token of appreciation is always welcome but not required.

Japan is generally regarded as one the safest countries in the world, and has some of the lowest crime rates among developed countries. Changing conditions or events beyond our control are extremely rare, and we have sent customers on trouble-free trips for as long as we have been operating.

There is generally no visa required to go to Japan for short stays under 90 days. Please visit the Latest Japan Travel Requirements page of your home country embasst to stay up to date with the latest entry requirements.