JTB4ASIA

A: Yes, JTB will supply you with information on travel insurance of all types
(i.e. travel coverage, medical, cancellation, baggage, etc.) upon request.
When you have made your decision on what insurance coverage you would
like, it may be purchased through JTB.

Q: Do I need a passport and visa?
A: All travelers need a valid passport for travel to other countries. If you do
not have a valid passport, you should apply early. This can be done at
designated Post Offices in your area. For additional information on how to
secure a passport and related information, visit the following site:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Q: Where may I go to find out information on the destination I am going to?
A: Information is available in a variety ways. Access to some of this information has been provided on the following page (www.jtbusa.com/enhome/traveltop.asp)

2. Package Tours:

Q: Can deviations be made from Package Tours?
A: Extensions or deviations may only be made either at the beginning or end of the tour. As a rule, no refund is given for early departures from the tour.

Q: For sightseeing tours in Japan, can passengers be picked up at a hotel not listed on the Sunrise Tour pick-up list?
A: No. The passenger must either pre-arrange to go to one of the hotels on the list or directly to the Hamamatsu-Cho Terminal.

Q: How far ahead must I plan my trip?
A: It is recommended that you start planning your trip as far as ahead as possible. The closer it is to the departure date, the more chance there is that space for your preferred travel dates may not be available. Some tour packages charge a surcharge for requests received less than 2 weeks prior to your departure.

3. :

Q: Are my tickets to Japan non-refundable?
A: This will vary depending on the rules of the particular fare on your ticket. Your JTB Travel Consultant will advise you of the rules which apply for your fare. Some are non-refundable while others have a cancellation penalty of anywhere from $100.00
to $200.00.

Q: Can I change my outbound date?
A: Change of the outbound date for any ticket as a rule requires the re-issue of the ticket. Thus the same rules/penalties apply to the old ticket as are noted above regarding cancellation. The new fare will be that applicable at the time you purchase the ticket based on your new departure date.

Q: Can my return date be changed?
A: Your Travel consultant will advise you regarding the rules of your particular fare. In a majority of cases, it is possible to change the return date with payment of a penalty (between $100.00 and $200.00) as long as it is only a date change and not a change of routing. This of course depends on availability in the same inventory of your original ticket. Again, you should be sure to understand the restrictions on your particular fare as there are exceptions.

4. Hotels:

Q: Do the hotel rates quoted include tax and gratuities?
A: Applicable taxes are included. In Japan, a 10% service charge is charged in lieu of gratuities. Tipping is not required.

Q: Can breakfast be added to land tours that include hotel arrangements?
A: Yes, in most cases it may be added. Inquire with your JTB Travel Consultant to verify this as well as the cost for each respective case.

Q: Will the room I get at a Hotel in Japan be like what I am used to in the U.S.?
A: If you select a western style room, it will be somewhat similar to what you are used to.
    However, there are some things you should understand:
    1) The rooms are smaller there as a rule.
    2) A majority of the rooms have two smaller beds and it is harder to get one

king size bed.
3) A majority of the rooms in Japan are smoking. Even if you are non-smoking,

you may sometimes have trouble getting a non-smoking room.

The Hotel will do their best to freshen the room to your satisfaction.

5. Railpasses:

Q: What is the difference between Green and Ordinary Class trains?
A : The Green cars offer more leg room and wider seats. Particularly on the bullet trains, the green car is 2-2 seating while most of the Ordinary cars are 2-3 seating.   There is no difference in service. Generally, the green cars will be less crowded.

Q: How is the rate set for the purchase price in dollars of the Railpasses?
A : JTB calculates the prices based on the exchange rate in effect with this rate being set on a weekly basis.

Q: Who qualifies for the purchase of railpasses?
A : Railpasses have been created primarily for overseas travelers visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing. Thus, there are very specific criteria for who may purchase a railpass:
    Criteria 1: Holder of a non-Japanese passport.
    Criteria 2: If not, a person with a Green Card (a permanent US resident status).

6. Group Tours/Custom Tours:

Q: Does JTB arrange group tours beyond those contained on this web site?
A : Yes, we do. JTB is experienced in both the planning and execution of a variety of types of tours to Japan and throughout the world.

Q: How do I request assistance in group travel arrangements?
A : Please contact us either by calling (800)685-5824 or e-mailing us at
A professional Group Travel Consultant will work through the details with you of planning a group tour taylor-made to meet your particular needs.

Japan Travel Bureau USA