Tour Hotels

Hyatt Regency Shinjuku Hotel, Tokyo

Hyatt Regency Tokyo offers 4.5-star accommodation next to Shinjuku Central Park. It features an indoor pool, 7 dining options and free WiFi access throughout the entire property. A free Shinjuku Station shuttle is available. Private parking is available on site at an additional charge.

Tokyo Hyatt Regency is directly connected to Tochomae Subway Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. It is a pleasant 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Train Station. The hotel operates limousine buses which run directly between the hotel and the Narita and Haneda international airports.

The modern air-conditioned rooms feature large windows with views of Shinjuku. Each is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet and WiFi access, a satellite flat-screen TV, a spacious work desk and a minibar. The en-suite bathrooms feature a bathtub with overhead shower.

Guests can relax with a massage or beauty treatment at Joule Spa and Wellness. A fitness centre is available for workouts. Miyako offers a fine sushi selection. Guests can enjoy traditional Chinese dishes at Jade Garden or unwind at Eau de Vie.

Kagaya Ryokan, Kanazawa

Kagaya is a traditional Japanese style inn (Ryokan). It's a long-established ryokan that has been ranked #1 for the past 30 years. Featuring free WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool, Kagaya Ryokan offers accommodations in Nanao. The ryokan has a hot spring bath and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.

The ryokan is decorated with a balance of traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics, is fully outfitted with hot spring facilities, offers plenty of colorful meals using the best local ingredients, and is employed by staff offering the highest quality hospitality.

Every room includes a flat-screen TV. Some accommodations include a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.

At Kagaya, you can enjoy the famous water of the Wakura Onsen (hot spring) that has a 1200-year long history. The water is said to be good for ailments like rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, and allergies.

The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto

Hotel the Mitsui is located in the heart of Kyoto – adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle on the site of the Kyoto home of the Kitake, the executive branch of the Mitsui Family – a property the family maintained for over 250 years. The tranquility and storied history of the location is reflected in each of the guest rooms.

The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and garden in Kyoto. Among the facilities at this property are a concierge service and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

Kyoto is home to verdant mountains and clear water. Using natural spring water drawn from an on-site source, the onsite thermal sping facilities at the hotel are a haven for relaxation.

A modern reimagining of the traditional Japanese tearoom, the 161 guest rooms feature carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills. The bathtubs are fashioned out of stone and their generous size makes them ideal for stretching out and relaxing.

Sheraton Grand Hotel, Hiroshima

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and a 10-minute drive from the Atomic Bomb Dome. It offers 4 dining options, an indoor pool and a fitness centre.

All rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is fitted with a fridge, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. A humidifier and a trouser press are provided. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub.

Guests can work out at the fitness centre or swim at the indoor pool at a charge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are offered. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk.

Bridge restaurant serves a breakfast buffet. Japanese cuisine can be enjoyed at Miyabitei restaurant.

InterContinental Osaka Hotel, Osaka

Only a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Train Station, InterContinental Osaka is located at the newly developed Grand Front Osaka. This 5-star hotel boasts 5 dining options, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available at the entire property and guests can enjoy refreshing massages during their luxurious stay. Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line is a 7-minute stroll from the hotel.

Offering views of Osaka city from the 20th floor, Pierre restaurant serves exquisite contemporary French dishes. All Day Dining serves a buffet with various international dishes, while light tapas dishes and drinks are available at Adee Bar and Lounge.

The spacious air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV, a safety deposit box and a large work desk area. Guests can enjoy drinks from the minibar and listen to their favourite tunes using the iPod docking station. The en suite bathroom comes with glass windows, while slippers, bathrobes, tooth brush sets and free bath amenities are provided.

Trip Notes

How can I communicate with home while away?
Internet service is available at all land accommodations. You should check with your cell provider to determine if you have coverage in this region or if you can add coverage for the duration of the trip. Cell service will not be available in all areas. Contact information for the hotels will be provided in your final travel documents.

What are the passport or visa requirements?
Whether or not you need a Visa will depend heavily on what country you’re coming from. Most western nations such as the United States or the UK have 90-day exemptions.
Unless you’re from one the countries without Visa exemptions, all you’ll need to show the immigration officer is your passport. You’ll also have to comply with a scanning of your fingerprints and a photo. All foreign residents and tourists are REQUIRED to carry on their person either their resident card or their passport at all times.

What is the local currency?
The currency of Japan is the Yen. You can get the local currency at ATM’s and at some hotels; however, we recommend that you exchange currency at the airport. If you plan on using your card for ATM’s, it is recommended that you use participating post offices and 7-Eleven ATM’s. Please check with your card companies for more information regarding service fees that may apply. While things are slowly changing, Japan is still very much a cash based society.

What to wear?
Attire is casual and comfortable during the day, with sturdy footwear for excursions. Evening wear consists of open-neck shirts, slacks, or similar attire. Fleece jackets or sweaters are advisable for cool evenings. Other items to consider: shorts, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses and rain jacket.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

How do I power and charge my devices?
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). 2-flat-pin-pronged plugs are used in Japan, the same as North America.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. While we have collected pre-paid gratuities with your reservation, at your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips. Japan for the most part is a tip-free country. If you want to express your appreciation, a simple thank you is more than sufficient.

Are vaccinations required?
Most US travelers are covered by routine vaccinations. US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control website or your health care provider for vaccination requirements and recommendations. Citizens of all other countries should consult their government’s national disease center or their physician.

Are there any luggage restrictions?
There are no restrictions on the size or number of pieces of luggage each guest may bring. However, storage space may be limited at some hotels as well as on some modes of transport. Therefore, we recommend each guest follow the usual regulations of most airlines and only bring one checked piece of luggage weighing no more than 50lb, one carry-on type bag and one personal item.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
This package includes an arrival transfer from Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airports to the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency in Shinjuku. A departure transfer will also be provided from the Osaka Intercontinental Hotel to Osaka’s Kansai (KIX) or Itami (ITM) airports). If you extend your stay at these properties, the transfers will still be included. Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.

Tattoos. What do I need to know?
You should know that in the eyes of conservative Japanese, you have basically branded yourself as part of the Yakuza. Historically, Japan branded criminals with tattoos. Later, as the country entered a period of modernity, Japan’s organized crime syndicates took total ownership of the practice. Recently, Japanese youth are beginning to change the cultural and legal perceptions of tattoos however much red tape remains.
What this means in practice is that you will not be able to use most pools, public bathing facilities, or gyms. If you have a small tattoo you can simply cover it with flesh-colored tape and be fine but if have sleeves, you’re going to need to pass on some activities. Nevertheless, if you still want to experience a traditional hot spring, I suggest booking a ryokan with private onsen in the room as this will allow you to circumvent the need to share with people who aren’t comfortable with your tattoos.