Japan Express: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka in 8 Days

This journey begins at Tokyo. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.

Your Group Leader will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
 It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.

This journey ends at Osaka. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.

For this itinerary, soft luggage is required for logistical reasons and the convenience of the whole group - including yourself! Soft luggage includes backpacks, duffel bags, or sports bags, but not trolleys or bulky suitcases. The Travel Group Leader will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.

Find out the entry requirements for Japan, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Japan – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Japan is in Japan Standard Time (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of GMT. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference with the UK differs throughout the year.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). You can easily exchange your Euros or other currencies at airports, banks, and authorized currency exchange counters throughout the country. 
It's always a good idea to compare exchange rates to get the best deal.

Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Japan, especially in major cities, department stores, and hotels. However, many smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas might only accept cash. It's a good idea to carry some Japanese Yen with you. ATMs are available in convenience stores and banks, and you can use international cards there. Mobile payment apps like Suica or PayPay are also becoming more popular and might be handy during your stay.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, and in many cases, it can even be considered rude. Instead, excellent service is expected, and the price you see is the price you pay. If you really want to show your appreciation, you might consider giving a small gift instead. It's always a good idea to respect local customs, so just enjoy the great service you receive without worrying about tipping.

In Japan, staying connected to the internet is pretty easy. You can rent a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport or order one online for delivery to your hotel. These devices provide unlimited data and are convenient for multiple users. Alternatively, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card at electronic stores or convenience stores. 

Public Wi-Fi is available in many places like cafes, hotels, and train stations, but it's not as widespread as in some other countries. Japan does not fall under the EU roaming agreements, so make sure your phone is set up for international roaming if you plan to use your home data plan.

The official language in Japan is Japanese. While traveling, you might hear or use some common expressions:

• Hello: Konnichiwa
• Thank you: Arigatou
• Excuse me: Sumimasen

In Japan, they use Type A and Type B plugs. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B has the same two pins plus a grounding pin. The voltage is 100V with a frequency of 50-60Hz. You might need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter for your devices. Check your electronics to see if they are compatible with this voltage to avoid any issues.

The main religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is native to Japan and involves various rituals and festivals. Buddhism was introduced from China and Korea and has a significant influence on Japanese culture. 

Neither religion has strict practices, and many Japanese people incorporate aspects of both into their lives, along with secular beliefs. There are no specific dress codes or religious holidays that require special preparation for travellers.

For a trip to Japan, pack wisely to make the most of your experience. 
Here's a handy list of items to include in your backpack for Japan:

• Clothing
  - Light layers for spring and autumn
  - Breathable clothes for summer
  - Warm clothing for winter
  - A raincoat or umbrella
• Shoes
  - Comfortable walking shoes
  - Slip-on shoes for temple visits
  - Sandals for warmer months
• Accessories and Technology
  - Universal adapter for Type A and B plugs, 100V voltage
  - Portable charger
  - Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication
  - Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo
  - Sunscreen
  - Common travel medication like pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, and any personal prescriptions

Japan's weather can vary greatly, so it's best to check the forecast before you go.

Japan's weather varies greatly depending on the region and season. Here's a quick guide:

• Hokkaido (North): Cold winters with heavy snowfall, mild summers. Best time to visit is summer for outdoor activities.
• Tokyo (Central): Hot and humid summers, mild winters. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for visiting.
• Kyoto & Osaka (West): Hot summers, cool winters. Spring and autumn are perfect for enjoying cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
• Okinawa (South): Subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, occasional typhoons in late summer.

For a pleasant experience, consider visiting during spring or autumn when the weather is generally mild across the country.

Cherry blossom season in Japan typically starts in late March and lasts until early May, depending on the region. In warmer areas like Tokyo and Kyoto, blossoms usually begin to bloom in late March. 

In northern areas like Hokkaido, you can expect them to bloom in late April to early May. Keep in mind that the exact timing can vary each year due to weather conditions, so it's a good idea to check local forecasts as your travel date approaches.

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.

If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Departure not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com

If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.
If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, it will be fully refunded.

Departure confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.

Departure confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.

If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.

If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, you can cancel up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and the private room fee. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!

Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, you have up to 8 days before departure.

How to change your trip from MyWeRoad

• Enter your booking
• Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
• Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip

Things to know

You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.

You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.

This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.

If a departure is “Available”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!

The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!

Yes, but the available options depend on the status of your trip and when you make the request.

If your trip is not yet confirmed
You can cancel your booking by emailing hello@weroad.com
free of charge, up to 31 days before departure.
Please note: if it’s your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$0100 deposit will be required.

If your trip is confirmed
Fees are not refundable in cash. You are entitled to cancel up to 31 days before departure, but after this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.

Flexible Cancellation
If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), you can cancel your trip up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and private room fee. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

How to cancel your trip

• Write to hello@weroad.com
• indicating your booking code. 
• We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. 

Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this. 

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.