Why Travel With Undiscovered Japan?
- All of our trips are fully escorted by bilingual guide(s)
- A guide who grew up in the region will escort you
- Small group: one guide per 14 clients. With more guests, we will add more guide(s)
- Cultural Immersion: visit undiscovered areas in your guide's home region of beautiful Western Japan.
- Excellent culinary experience!
Where is Kanazawa?
Our tours focus on the Kanazawa region — the epicenter of Japan's food culture. Relatively unknown to foreigners, Kanazawa is treasured for Japan's finest seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan, centuries-old sake breweries, and its unique combination of mountain vegetables and locally grown produce. Kanazawa is also called "Little Kyoto", and abounds with exquisite Japanese gardens, historic Samurai and Geisha districts, beautiful Natadera Temple, natural onsen hot-spring baths, and Mt. Hakusan — one of Japan's four holy mountains.
Why Kanazawa?
Kanazawa and its surroundings have not yet discovered by foreign visitors. However, Kanazawa is known among the Japanese to offer the best culinary experience. The city is also called Little Kyoto. We will combine the best of what the city and its countryside have to offer. We will create a trip of your lifetime.
When are Undiscovered Japan trips?
Undiscovered Japan regularly scheduled guided trips are in spring and fall. Please see our detailed itineraries at www.undiscoveredjapan.com/trips. In addition to our spring and fall trips, Undiscovered Japan can also offers private trips to Japan designed just for your group!
Who is going to escort you?
Your guide is Norie Kizaki, founder and owner of Undiscovered Japan. Born in rural, western Japan, Norie was raised in the Buddhist monastery her family has administered for generations. Even from Japanese stand point that is a unique background. Norie's upbringing is an asset to our tours because she can show you what true traditional Japanese life is about. Fluent in both Japanese and English, Norie has a passion for introducing clients to the ancient beauty and timeless culture of her native Japan — especially the undiscovered region of her native Kanazawa area.
What type of accommodations do you use?
We use 4 — 5 star hotels with a private bath in cities such as Kanazawa city. Depending on a tour, we will also use a family owned Japanese style inn called Ryokan in Kanazawa city. Outside of a city, we also use a family owned small but beautifully located Mountain Retreat as well as Japanese Inn with an indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths. When staying at Ryokan, expect to eat and sleep in traditional Japanese style with Tatami mat flooring and futon.
What is your group size?
It varies on a trip. 14 — 18 people group is a typical size. When it is over 14, we have extra guide(s) to escort us.
What do you expect for meals?
Culinary experience is a large part of Undiscovered Japan trips. We offer a variety of meals on a trip such as regional cuisine, noodle dishes, course meals called kaiseki, Buddhist vegetarian meals, sushi and more! You would experience the delicacy of Japanese cuisine as well as every day home cooking.
How is dining experience different from other trips?
Many of our trips include spending some time in Kanazawa city. Kanazawa is blessed with geographical conditions that are conducive to an abundance of good food. During all seasons, many tourists from all over Japan gather here to experience the exquisite flavors of Kanazawa's food. Our Undiscovered Japan staffs pick the best of the best restaurants in the city.
When is it a good time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is spring and fall. Summers in Japan can be hot and humid, while winters can be snowy, damp, and cold. Most of our trips are in March or in November.
How physically strenuous are Undiscovered Japan tours?
Traveling to Japan includes walking and climbing stairs especially in temples. Since we offer wonderful culinary adventures, we also include some walking between meals to increase our appetite. Walking is not strenuous but we suggest that you should be healthy when you arrive in Japan. Please refer to the tour itinerary for further details.
Will my electrical appliances work in Japan?
In Japan, the voltage supply is 100 and the electrical sockets are the same flat 2 pin types as in US. Most modern US appliances will work fine but a little slower in Japan. Most European appliances will not work in Japan. If your electrical device has a three-prong plug, you will need to bring an adapter.
Is it possible to use my mobile phone in Japan?
The Japanese mobile phone system is not compatible with the system in US. However, you may wish to confirm the compatibility of your mobile phone in Japan with your phone line provider before leaving for Japan. You can also rent a mobile phone at Narita or Kansai International Airport.
Is traveling in Japan safe?
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crimes, robbery, and pick pocketing are almost non-existence especially in rural Japan. However, we suggest using a money belt or a similar travel pouch for storing items that are difficult to replace.
Are your tours non-smoking?
Often times, the Japanese do not have separate areas for smoking and non-smoking in restaurants. However, this is changing and we will do our best to honor any requests for smoking and non-smoking. Many Ryokan (Japanese style inn) does not have non-smoking rooms.
Can you customize a trip?
Yes, we can! Depending on your needs, interests and budget, we can arrange a trip just for you. This is a great option for those who are already in Japan or have a plan to go to Japan and would like an additional adventure to visit remote Japan.
Can you just arrange logistics?
If you are an experienced traveler and would like a bit of cultural adventure on your own without a bilingual guide, we can set up some of the difficult logistical arrangements needed to visit Western Japan and the Ishikawa prefecture. We normally charge for $ 50 per hour for the logistical works. For example, if you want to travel to Kanazawa city and its surrounding areas for three nights, the typical logistic planning costs are about $ 400.
Can you help me plan pre and post Undiscovered Japan tour?
Yes, we can. If you are arriving early or if you would like to stay in Japan a little longer, we can help you book an escorted city tour through our affiliates in Kyoto, Tokyo and other major destinations. We also provide a consulting service at Undiscovered Japan to assist you with any plans.
How do I book one of your trips?
Simply email info@undiscoveredjapan.com or call 720-331-7532. We can email or fax you a registration form.
How much does a usual airfare to Japan cost?
The typical airfare in spring and fall are from $ 1000 to $ 1300 (weekend travels) including tax. Booking in advance and choosing to travel on week-days can often reduce your fare. Please note that our tours start on a week-day. If you do not want to hassle with shopping for airfare, we can recommend a travel agent for you.
What should I bring to Japan?
In spring and fall, the average temperature in Kanazawa city is about 50 Farenheit/10 Celsius. Make sure to pack a warm sweater, a rain jacket and an umbrella. You will be walking in a city since it is the best way to see the city as well as to meet the local people. So, please bring a good walking shoes and comfortable cloth. And good looking socks because you will be taking off your shoes to go into houses in Japan.
Here are the good things to take (excluding regular travel/clothing items):
- One warm sweater
- One rain jacket
- One umbrella
- Some good socks
- A pair of walking shoes
- CASH (Most shops do not accept credit card)
- Please pack light. This will speed up transitions. You will only need casual clothing.
What is the exchange rate?
Please see http://www.x-rates.com/d/JPY/table.html
How much yen should I bring to Japan?
Most of our trips are inclusive tours. Our trips include most meals, all lodging and all transportation. However, when you are in Japan, you will want to purchase some traditional art, craft, sake and etc. In terms of shopping, plan to bring at least $30 per day per person. In addition, you might want to order sake or beer to go with the meals. Drink prices are similar to US — some restaurants are more than others just like in US. I suggest bringing more than you think you will spend. It all depends on what you want to shop for. Please bring CASH. Japan is a cash society. Most shops do not accept credit cards. Once you leave an international airport, it becomes time consuming to exchange money, so please exchange all cash before leaving the airport.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No, you do not need to speak Japanese. We have a bilingual guide escorting you. However, it is nice to master a few phrases such as "please" and "thank you". We will provide some materials including basic phrases once you sign up for our tour.