The Mystery of Japan

We have graded this holiday Sightseeing / 4. Whilst much of the walking will be easier than grade 4, to fully enjoy the holiday you need to be happy with grade 4 walks. Countryside walking makes up most of our day on the Kumano Kodo, and two half days of the Nakasendo Way. Within the cities there will be plenty of walking in parks and gardens, but you should also bear in mind that the visits to Mount Koya and the Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto will involve a certain amount of walking.

This holiday is a mixture of sightseeing and walking, although as most of the sightseeing is done on foot it is a very active holiday. 

Please note: This itinerary has been planned to be busy and full-packed so that you make the most of your time and experience as much as possible. There will be some free time during the tour for you to explore on your own or relax, and details will be confirmed locally by your RWW leader and the local guide.

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day. Allow about £30 per meal for dinners not included in Kyoto.

Japanese Yen. Japan is very much a cash based society. Credit and debit cards can however be used in most areas visited on our itinerary. Foreign currency is not accepted in Japan, you will need to withdraw Yen from cashpoints which are available widely.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY or ¥). Even in this day and age, cash is definitely better for Japan.  Where credit cards are accepted, they might limit acceptance to certain cards or certain times.  Most restaurants, especially in cities, now take credit cards. Department stores and major shops should take plastic, especially food departments.  Moreover, you can now use almost all credit or debit cards in ATMs in Japanese banks, so cash is easy to get. Crime rates in Japan are very low, so carrying cash around is safe, though normal precautions should be taken. The bottom line is therefore carry some Yen, have a credit card to use for shopping and a debit card for use in an ATM if necessary.

Tipping is alien to Japanese culture so there is no need to tip in Japanese restaurants or if you take a taxi anywhere. However in common with many other areas of the world it is appropriate to tip your tour guide or driver if s/he has stayed with you for more than a day. We recommend the equivalent of £3 per person per day for the guide and £2 per person per day for the driver, though we must emphasise that this is entirely voluntary and should be seen as a thank you for a job well done.

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

For entry into Japan a passport is required which should be valid for the length of your stay. Your passport might be required when checking in to hotels and when changing money, so carry it with you on these occasions. It is also an excellent idea to memorise your passport number for the form filling. As of September 2022, the Japanese reinstated the Visa Waiver Scheme they had suspended during Covid. UK nationals may now stay 90 days without needing a visa.

We include twelve breakfasts whilst in Japan, nine dinners and five lunches. Dinners will be a mixture of Japanese table d’hote or buffet, sometimes with western options. Vegetarians (though not pescatarians) and especially vegans can sometimes struggle in Japan, but we will endeavour to make sure you get tasty food and do not go hungry. On some evenings in Kyoto dinner is not included. For one of these evenings we strongly recommend buying a bento box for the bullet train journey back from Hiroshima. On the other nights you a free to choose your own restaurant or follow your tour leader. There is so much more to Japanese food than sushi and California rolls! There’s teppanyaki where the food is cooked in front of you on a huge iron griddle, yakitori where chicken is barbequed on skewers, okonomi stuffed pancakes, tempura, a great variety of noodles… to whet your appetite have a look at www.japancentre.com/en/pages/156-30-must-try-japanese-foods.

For new comers to Japanese food the following terms might prove useful:

Onigiri, a rice ball wrapped in seaweed, eaten as a snack. 

Miso soup,  traditional soup made from miso paste, dashi (broth), served with rice. 

Tamagoyaki is a rolled omelette seasoned with salt and soy sauce. 

Noodles, Udon is a white, flour noodle served hot, thicker than soba noodles, made of buckwheat, served cold with miso and wasabi. 

Sushi, in Japan it is fish with vinegared rice, mostly raw. 

Sashimi is thinly sliced raw food, usually fish and seafood. 

Tempura consists of seafood and vegetables, coated in a thin batter and deep fried. 

Ramen is noodle soup with a broth base, with wheat noodles and an assortment of toppings, normally roast pork. 

Sukiyaki consists of meat which is slowly cooked or simmered at the table, alongside vegetables and other ingredients in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. 

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake layered with yakisoba noodles, fried egg, and pork belly drizzled with a delicious sauce. 

Several of the walks will be along stone or cobbled paths which can be slippery in wet weather. We therefore recommend taking a lightweight pair of walking boots which you might also find the most comfortable option for walking around the cities.

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

• Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
• Lightweight quick-drying trousers
• Walking T-shirt/shirts
• Walking socks
• Fleece or jumper
• Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
• Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
• Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
• Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
• Day sack liner
• Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
• Basic first aid kit
• Lunchbox
• Walking poles (should you find them useful)
• Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Documents and Information to take with you:

• Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
• Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
• Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
• Holiday money
• Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
• Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
• Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
• Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
• Your travel insurance details
• Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
• Photocopy of the personal details' pages of your passport
• A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
• Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

The Rough Guide and Lonely Planet Guide to Japan are pretty good.  If you want a good glimpse of modern Japan city life, you could do worse than watch Lost in Translation!  

For historical and cultural background you can try Dogs and Demons: The Fall of Modern Japan by Alex Kerr and Kyoto: A Cultural and Literary History.

In terms of fiction, one of the best known modern Japanese novelists is Haruki Murakami. His magical realist novel Kafka on the Shore might not be to everyone’s taste, but has been critically acclaimed. Slightly less weird, and a lot shorter, is Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto which mixes cooking, love, death and florists. Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami has a good glimpse of life in modern Japan, including food and drink. For lighter reads there is a thriving genre of Japanese crime novels. Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama is a great police novel, which also has much about the Japanese media and their relationship with the police, and is fascinating with lots about life in Japan. The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino also has fascinating insights into Japanese thinking, speech, life… and death. Salvation of a Saint by the same author is an unusual crime novel, since you witness the murder at the start and know whodunnit, with more insights into modern Japan.

If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

You may wish to look at the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination; BBC weather or MyWeather2. 

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Or a local travel health clinic

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilise this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en-route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimise the use of mobile devices. Your co-operation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.