Tour Conditions

1. Costs. can be given for the land portion of tour only, or for air also (Hong Kong - Kansai International (Osaka) - Hong Kong). Please contact The Travel Advisers, for these costs. There is a 10% reduction for children under 12. Travellers must show the guide evidence of having travellers' insurance, including "Medivac". 2. Bookings. The booking form and a non-refundable deposit of 25% per person must be received for confirmation of booking. Upon receipt of booking form, a travel insurance application form receipt will be issued. The remaining 75% is payable 30 days before departure. Cancellation after 28 days before departure will incur forfeiture of 50% of the cost. Minimum group size is 10 and maximum is 16, including the guide. If fewer than 9 bookings are received 28 days before departure, the trip may be canceled. In such a case, all payments will be returned. After start of tour, transfers and bookings not used, will not be exchanged or refunded. 3. Included and excluded. Cost includes accommodation in Japan, all bus and train travel in Japan, and all meals except lunches and 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Osaka, which are not included in the cost. Lunch stops will be picnics or in restaurants with inexpensive fare. Lunches will range from ¥350~¥1500, and dinners around ¥2,000, depending on personal preferences. Walkers should plan on about ¥30,000 expenses in Japan for food and incidentals (may vary with the individual), not including shopping. Also not included are traveller's insurance. Fees for coin lockers, and temples visited as a group will be covered. Credit cards are useful in some shops, but money machines (ATMs) are not available. Exchanging US dollar cash is possible; though travellers' cheques and other currencies may be difficult. Outside of Nara and Osaka, finding a bank will be extremely difficult. 4. Accommodation is on a sharing basis. Depending on the inn, this will range from twin sharing to Japanese (or dormitory) style. Except for the last night's hotel in Osaka, all accommodation is Japanese-style futon bedding for sleeping. 5. Baggage and clothing. Baggage should be limited to a backpack or medium suitcase which can be easily carried for short distances: maximum 20 kilos. When walking long distances, baggage is sent ahead. The inns can often make a washing machine available. Several changes of clothes, toiletries, a towel, spare shoes, some rain-gear, and something warm in the spring or fall may be all you need. At most times, trains or taxis can be utilized by a weary walker or one with a twisted ankle. A day pack is advisable. 6. Weather in Japan can be changeable, so wet weather gear is a must. From October to April, warm clothing is necessary, especially at night. Heat is provided at the inns when it is cold. 7. Distances. The walking is moderate, but preparations are advised. Distances range up to 18 kilometers per day. Good walking shoes are a must, but this is not a trek in the Himalayas. 8. Daily needs. While walking, it is not necessary to carry more than water, a snack and personal wants. There are frequent shops and vending machines beside the road which carry everything: hot/cold coffee, oolong tea, beer, soft drinks, and snacks. 9. Food and drink. Dinners and breakfasts are served at the inns or we will go out to a restaurant. Since drinking preferences differ, drinks will be billed separately. Food is Japanese style, with rice and vegetables garnishing river fish, sushi, and sashimi. Our temple lodging on Mt. Koya will serve us a sumptuous, but completely vegetarian meal. 10. Health. No vaccinations or prophylactic medicines are required. Tap water is drinkable. 11. Visas are required for some nationalities (not UK or US). Each traveller must ascertain whether a visa is required and obtain one if necessary: Travel Advisers and the guides accept no responsibility in this matter. 12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult/guardian and should ordinarily be over 10 years of age before departure date.