FAQ
The nitty gritty about how we work
1) You write about service, but you don’t mention exclusive offerings much. Are you able to provide them?
Absolutely! “Exclusive” offerings in Japan are not as difficult to come by as you would think – a quick search on the web shows this. However, we are able to go deeper than most websites thanks to our active participation in local and national business networks. The experiences you get with us are not geared towards exploiting the tourism boom in Japan, but rather introducing you to real & authentic local people. In addition to this, we are actively pursuing new and exciting people to introduce our guests to all the time.
2) Are changes possible to my guests’ itinerary?
Our goal is to make your guests’ visit to Japan a memorable one, filled with exciting things they want to do. If your guests wish to make changes to their travel schedule, even while in Japan, we are happy to do so. However, please be aware that in the case of last minute changes, some items may become unavailable.
3) Do you invoice net or gross?
Both are perfectly fine, but we do ask that you tell us your preference at the beginning of the planning phase to avoid any potential confusion and compromise in service to you and your guests.
4) How can I pay?
Our preference is for bank transfers, but credit cards are also possible.
5) When can I expect to receive commission?
Commission is generally paid out within 7 days of the completion of your guests’ trip.
Some basic information about travel in Japan
1) My clients only have 7 days, and they want to see as much of Japan as possible!
Looking at a map, Japan appears to be quite small and easy to cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time.
Looks can be deceiving, though. Japan is a very old country and is densely packed with must see areas. Each section of Japan has a fascinating past and unique local culture.We highly encourage that the focus be on taking in each area to its fullest rather than trying to cover many areas in a short time.By doing so, your guests will be able to build genuine connections with the people they meet and experience Japan in a way only those living here can.
2) Regarding tipping
Tipping is not a generally accepted practice in Japan. You should not leave a tip for servers, housemaids, and taxi drivers. However, many guests leave tips for their guides and/or drivers, but it is not expected. If guests wish to leave a tip, it is best to do so in a white envelope (found at convenience stores) and never leave any amount using the number 4 (Four, or "shi" in Japanese also means death).
3) Earthquakes
Japan is one of the world’s most seismologically active countries. Chances are quite good that your guests will experience an earthquake while here. Many of these earthquakes are barely noticeable and no cause for alarm.
In the event of a major earthquake, we will first verify that your guests are safe. In addition, we will contact the appropriate embassies to notify them that your guests are in Japan and their current location and status. Japan is well prepared for such events and we will work with local authorities to ensure your guests are able to leave the disaster area as soon as possible.
4) Safety
Japan is an exceptionally safe country, with one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world. Your guests will be perfectly safe exploring on their own, even in the middle of the night.
With that being said, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. We do not advise carrying large amounts of cash around, and standard safety precautions are always recommended.
5) Dietary restrictions
The secret is out – Japan is an amazing place to eat. Although options can be a little more limited than other nations, Japan is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions, but some may require advanced planning. We advise that you let us know as soon as possible any restrictions your guests have so that we can ensure a smooth and pleasant dining experience while traveling.
One of the most difficult dietary restrictions to accommodate is gluten intolerance. The use of wheat and barley is universal in Japanese cuisine due to soy sauce’s many applications and also as a filler in many prepackaged foods. For those with gluten intolerance, we will provide a list of common foods that contain no products using wheat & barley.
6) Medical care
Japan has exceptional medical care. In the event that your guests require medical assistance we will ensure that they are taken to the appropriate facility and symptoms are properly conveyed to the physician on call. In the case of severe emergencies, a member of our staff will promptly go to your guest’s facility and assist with anything the family may need.