Frequently Asked Questions

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Nippon Navigators specializes in immersive tours of Central Japan, encompassing the vibrant cities of Kyoto, Nagoya, and Osaka. Our expertise extends beyond urban exploration, as we offer captivating day trips to iconic destinations like Ise Jingu and Toba, the enchanting Takayama and Shirakawago, and the historic Magome and Tsumago. While we offer unparalleled experiences in Chubu and Kansai, we regrettably do not operate tours in the Kanto area, including popular spots like Fuji, Hikone, and Kawaguchiko.

Nippon Navigators offers two distinct experiences: carefully crafted tours and customizable guide services. Our tours follow expertly designed itineraries showcasing the best of each area dnd its sights, ensuring you don't miss a highlight. For those seeking a more personalized adventure, our guide services allow you to create your ideal itinerary with our knowledgeable guides. While both options provide exceptional experiences, guide services offer greater flexibility and come with a slightly higher price point to accommodate your custom preferences.

Travel together, save together! Our tours offer a flat fee, making them more affordable the more people you bring.

Our tours, capped at 6 guests, ensure a personalized journey. Get the most out of your exploration with a guide who caters to your interests. (For family groups we may be able to go to a max of 8 people for an extra fee)

Our tours are designed solely for your group, ensuring a personalized experience with a dedicated guide by your side.

Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our guides will not feel disappointed if you do not tip them because this practice is not widespread in Japan. Although, they will gladly accept a tip if  you really enjoyed the service and tour.

Absolutely! We offer tours throughout Chubu and Kansai, including popular destinations like Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. But that's not all! We also cover hidden gems like Takayama, Shirakawago, Ise Jingu, and Toba. Let us know where you'd like to explore, and we'll be happy to find the perfect tour for you!

While we can't directly book accommodations due to Japanese licensing regulations (only licensed tour agencies can do that), we'd be happy to recommend some fantastic hotels and ryokans in the areas you'll be visiting! Just let us know your destinations, and we'll share some great options to consider.

Due to Japanese regulations, we can't directly arrange transfers. No worries though! Most Japanese airports have convenient public transportation options like train, buses, and taxis.

Yes and No. The walking part of these tours are only while visiting the attraction sites. To move from site to site we usually use public transportation (minimal expense) or we can also grab taxis if you feel like it. Please bear in mind that transportation fees for you and your guide are not included in the tour price. Also, we can help arrange for a licensed company to provide a comfortable van and driver for your group. This service would be an additional fee on top of your tour cost and would require advanced notice.

We require at least two months advance notice to put in a request for the Guild and the schedules of the Geisha and the Restaurant / Tea House to try to secure a request. Due to the highly sought after services of Geisha as well as the restaurants involved our request may be denied due to the scheduling. 

The geisha that will be present for your geisha experience are authentic and trained geisha. They are a few of the handful of geisha still practicing this ancient art form and tradition in Nagoya and are highly skilled and talented. 

Unfortunately not at this time. Currently, we only have connections to the Nagoya Geisha Guild and their partners and  have worked hard to cultivate a relationship with them through our local connections, Kyoto takes a lot more time to cultivate connections with their five Hanamachi and we hope in the future to have at least one connection in Kyoto to offer this amazing experience there. 

For your comfort, we meet you at your accommodation, so please include the full address of your accommodation with your inquiry..  Prefer to meet elsewhere? No problem! Just let us know your desired pick-up location and time, and your guide will be happy to meet you there. 

Yes. See as much as you can, walk as much as you want. We are flexible to all of your needs.This is your tour, your pace!
During the tour, we will devote ourselves exclusively to you and to the people you're traveling with so you can have the freedom to do what you like the most.

Sorry, we offer  our tours in English only. 

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Food: Eating out is surprisingly affordable. Mid-range restaurants typically range from ¥800 to ¥1,500 (around $8 to $14 USD) per meal, letting you enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank.
• Transportation:  Japan's efficient public transportation system keeps costs down. You can explore the city for a day for around  ¥700 to ¥1,200 (around $7 to $12 USD).
• Attractions:  Shrines, temples, and gardens have reasonable entrance fees, usually between ¥300 and ¥500 (around $3 to $5 USD).  Occasionally, some might cost up to ¥1,500 (around $15 USD), but these are less common.

Budgeting for your trip:

As a general guide, plan for ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 (around $28 to $39 USD) per person per day. This comfortably covers meals, drinks, transportation, and entrance fees.