Get Ready

Money, tipping, WiFi access, what to wear, local climate and packing tips—the following information aims to help you prepare and pack for our Modern Adventure in Japan.

Internet & Phones

Our accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, and we recommend using Wi-Fi supported apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype as an alternative to making calls from your mobile phone. For US travelers, many phone providers have temporary international travel plans. Check with your provider for options.

Electricity

In Japan the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50-60 Hz. For guests traveling from the United States of America, some equipment will work fine (we use A and B sockets in the USA at 120v), however some devices may need an voltage adaptor, especially equipment involving heating (i.e., hair dryers).

Climate

October is a great time to visit Japan. It's the fall season season, largely sunny and pleasant with daily highs averaging 73F, and evenings and morning temperatures cooling to around 57F. The rainy season ends in mid-September, and by mid-October the weather is generally clear and mostly dry in Tokyo, while inland and in the south you can expect the occasional rain shower and blustery weather.

Vaccines & Medications

While there are no vaccines or health requirements to enter Japan, we always recommended speaking with your doctor to make any personal health decisions prior to travel.

If you are on prescription medication, you should ask your doctor for a letter detailing your condition and prescribed drugs. This prevents possible issues at customs and helps the local doctor if you need to buy medication while traveling. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, we recommend you bring an extra pair and a copy of the prescription in case of emergency.

Clothing

We’ll spend time in two large cities as well as a small island, where both casual and elegant will be equally appropriate depending on the situation. Mornings and evenings can be chilly and the mid-day sun warm, so layers are always a great option.

Casual clothing and sturdier walking shoes are great for our active days, and there is always time to change for cocktail hour and dinner.

A selection of sleeved tops and long pants or skirts work well. They'll also be handy for protecting against the sun. We also recommended a sweater or a warm jacket for cooler mornings outdoors, and recommend bringing a dressy option such as a dress, slacks or a nice coat for dinners. We do not dine anywhere that requires a sports jacket or tie but they are, of course, welcome additions.

We’ll spend time on foot during this experience, so make sure to bring sturdy walking shoes. We will travel by private bus between destinations, so you might want to pack along a pair of headphones for the ride.

Additionally, a bag that closes completely (such as a backpack) prevents personal items from falling out when stored, and is a better option than an open purse. There are a few additional items that we recommend you to bring:

  • Hat (to protect yourself from the sun)

  • Sunscreen & sunglasses

  • Sandals or flip-flops

  • Sturdy walking shoes

  • Bathing suit

  • Phone charger

  • Headphones

  • Travel pillow

  • Ear plugs

Money & Tipping

The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), worth roughly 107 yen to 1 US dollar. There are numerous ATMs in Japan to access your bank back home. Many restaurants and shops in Japan accept credit cards; however you will want some yen notes when traveling outside of the main cities.

We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure all experiences are immersive and included in your trip price. We recommend bringing enough money with you for a few meals on your own, as well as any souvenirs or local arts and crafts you might like to bring back with you.

Most gratuities and tips are included in our trip price. Tipping isn't customary in Japan and can be considered rude or insulting in many situations. Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress. Tipping also isn't required for cab or bus rides and many hotel services.

Please note, however, that tipping our local and Modern Adventure guides is at your discretion; to show your appreciation for good service, we recommend tipping each guide US$70 - $150 per guest.

Visas & Passports

US citizens do not require a visa to visit Japan for visits less than 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date from Japan. Not a US citizen? Please check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling.

While Modern Adventure does not recommend any policy specifically, we encourage you to compare benefits and options, a few of which are listed below. We recommend that any plan you select includes trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, at minimum.

Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan

Travelex: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/travel-insurance/plans/

IMG Global: https://www.imglobal.com/travel-insurance

Squaremouth: https://www.squaremouth.com/