For the most up to date entry requirements for this tour, please visit here: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/entry-requirements?tour-code=JNYB

• Travel Documents: In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the date of re-entry. A Visa is required for this trip.
• Travel Insurance: While Travel Insurance is not required to enter Japan, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers here.

Tour Preparation:

• Travelling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.

• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan so you can stay connected while on the road. While free Wi-Fi may be available, it won’t be everywhere nor as strong as we are used to. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.

• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

• Complete you pre-tour checklist: this can be found in your account.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions
When traveling to an exotic destination, vaccinations or health precautions other than your routine vaccinations may be required or recommended. Consult your primary care physician or local travel clinic at least 60 days prior to departure for the most up-to-date recommendations or requirements by the CDC (Center for Disease Control). While you're in Japan, keep these additional tips in mind to stay healthy:

• Drink bottled water only, avoid tap water even when brushing your teeth
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they're cooked, washed, or you can peel them (like a banana)
• Bring a small first aid kit that may include antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, etc.
• If you have daily medication, make sure you have enough for each day of the tour plus some, in case of delays
• Be wary of sun exposure as the sun can be especially strong in Japan

Staying Healthy while Traveling
There’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Safety while Abroad

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

We at EF will help facilitate any testing requirements while on tour, however it is the travelers responsibility to pay for these tests and it is our recommendation that you budget roughly 150 USD total. Please note that non-boosted travelers may be required to do additional testing to enter places such as restaurants, and/or major attractions.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour

The local currency in Japan is the yen. Read on for more must-knows about money and tipping on your trip!

• When exchanging money before the trip, better rates are usually found overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• Cash is king in Japan, but you should take debit and credit cards with you to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but be wary of fees
• Budget around $60-$80 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities
• Tipping at restaurants or for taxis is not customary, but we do recommend tipping your Tour Directors and Local Guides. We recommend tipping your Tour Director $36- $54 at the end of the trip. For local guides, you should tip $1-$2 at the end of each experience.

Your airline ticket includes one checked bag (recommended 27" x 21" x 14”), but note that years of customer feedback tells us the lighter you pack, the better; Aim for one piece of luggage no more than 30lbs, plus a smaller backpack or purse for carry-on. Pro tip: You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage without assistance. See more packing tips below:

• A light jacket or rain-wear, or a warmer jacket for winter
• A shawl or layer to use when visiting temples or other religious sites where bare shoulders / legs are not permitted
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers for long days of sightseeing
• Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen
• 1-2 pairs pants, shorts, or skirt
• 1-2 long skirts or dresses for female travelers
• 2-3 shirts / t-shirts
• 1 dressier outfit for Farewell Dinner or a night out
• Underwear and socks
• Toiletries, medicine
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (optional)
• Reusable water bottle
• Phone or camera
• Passport, Visa
• Debit / Credit cards and cash
• Adapter / Converter – type “A”, or universal. Looks like two flat pins, two rounded pins, or three flat pins at an angle

Note: When visiting temples or religious sites, you must have appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and falls below the knee. For monasteries, public baths, hot springs, and gyms, your tattoos MUST be covered as they are forbidden. If you have tattoos, bring gauze or band aids to cover them.

Flight Preparation
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. You can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Pro Tip: Travel from the U.S. to Asia is a lengthy process (20 – 30+ hours travel time total), so prepare for your long flight. Download movies ahead of time, bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, and get some sleep! When flying, we suggest occasionally getting up to stretch, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Arriving in Tokyo
Congratulations! You’ve landed in the world’s most populous metropolitan area of the world, and the capital city of Japan. We can’t wait for you to dive in! Before you do arrive, your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app! Once you arrive in Beijing it will be mid-late afternoon.

Meet Your Tour Director and Fellow Travelers
Your Tour Director will also tell you best way to communicate with them during the trip; they will be with your group from start to finish so if there is anything you need, connect with them. Concerned about international cellular data and staying in touch with your group? Check out “Phones and Electronics” further down in this guide.

Transportation in Japan
Transfers between cities and countries are via private bus, or high speed train, and these transfers can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in most major cities where necessary. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.

Note: The rail network in Japan is over 150 lines over 5,000 kilometers, and it is a strict place. Out of respect, try to be quiet and considerate when using public transportation. This means no talking on cell phones, and no food or drink.

Phone, Internet, and Electronics
We recommend purchasing an international data plan from your cell phone provider for this trip. The most common options are the Travel Pass with Verizon, or use a personal hot spot with your carrier. See more details about connectivity while in Asia:

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• For your cell phone and any other electronics you bring abroad, you will also need a converter/adapter.
• Finally, remember that WiFi is not available in the safari vehicles; more reason to take in the views around you!
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Note: In Japan, you’ll need a type “A” adapter/converter on this tour for your electronics. A staff favorite for all travel is also the “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” ($20, Amazon.com)

As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs of Asia, and feel like a true local:

• #BeHumble: The Japanese are simultaneously the most proud and the most humble people. Humility is a core principle in Japan, and there is a deep respect for elders, superiors, and order. You’ll notice this in locals bowing, customer service, or even lack of confrontation.
• Navigating: There are no street names in Japan, so an address in Japan starts with the city, then the ward, then a specific area of the ward, then finally ends with the block number. Try to orient yourself with landmarks and asking for directions!
• Bargaining: Haggle for everything in the markets! Pro tip: Request a price that is half of what the vendor initially asks. After that, it’s just back and forth until you’re happy with a price!
• Restaurants: Some restaurants in Japan may turn you away because you are foreign. This is usually because they are either worried about making a mistake, or, pure exclusivity and needing an introduction from a trusted patron to get in.
• Bathrooms: The rumors are true. Japan has high-tech bathrooms, specifically toilets that flush backwards and have a lot of buttons. It’s an experience to say the least.

Speak the Language
The official language of Japan is Japanese. While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases to get started:

• Hello: kon’nichiwa.
• Goodbye: sayanara.
• Please: onegai shimasu.
• Thank you: arigato.
• Pardon me: sumimasen.
• Yes: hai.
• No: iie.
• Cheers: kampai

You booked an Ultimate Plus tour which means you are guaranteed twin-based accommodations. There is one instance on your trip to Japan where this may vary. In every accommodation in Japan the rooms have a private toilet and bathroom, but there is once instance on your tour where this doesn’t happen in Koya-san: this overnight is a temple-stay, and the bathroom facilities may be shared and not private. You also may have to share your ryokan-style accommodation rooming experience with 4-5 other people, however the rooms are large and the experience is one you will never forget!

Dining in Japan is very different than in the U.S.. Prepare to dive into a fusion of ancient tradition and extremely modern practices. This is the gastronomical paradise that is Japan. Read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Street Food: In Japan you have to try the street food. Try to find stands with long lines - that means it’s delicious, AND safe to eat.
• Noodles: Noodles are a popular base in Japan, similar to rice in China. Soba noodles are buckwheat flour noodles with soy sauce or sugar sauce. Udon noodles are kneaded wheat flour with similar toppings as soba, but a much thicker, firmer density than soba!
• Shabushabu: Sometimes known as “Hot Pot” - this is a dish where you boil your own meat and vegetables in a flavored broth and eat as you cook! Try adding some udon noodles to the dish to kick it up a notch too.
• Onigiri: A boiled rice ball typically dried plum, salmon, or cod roe all wrapped in a sheet of dried seaweed. You can ind these everywhere and take them to go. And you should.
• Sushi: Heard of it? In Japan, try a kaitenzushi (conveyer belt sushi restaurant) for some cheap, yet delicious, sushi options. Just 100 yen per plate!
• Tempura: Tempura is a dish where veggies, seafood, or other ingredients are dipped and fried in a flour & egg batter. Served with dipping sauce, guaranteed deliciousness.
• Ramen: Consider Ramen in Japan a significant upgrade from your 99 cent college ramen noodle days. Try this noodle soup dish with a chicken, beef, or seafood broth, noodles, veggies, spices, and usually an egg!

Note: Chopsticks are a staple of Asian cuisine and culture. Attempting to use chopsticks instead of western cutlery will earn you some respect with the locals, but be wary of using chopsticks to point at someone, poke at food, or play them like musical instruments - these are all signs of disrespect.