Modern Adventure, in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), requires that all guests be fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof of documentation before joining any trip.

The CDC defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:

• a single dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine

• the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine

• The full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the US-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials

• The second dose of any “mix and match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)

We strongly recommend that guests who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot do so in preparation for their travel. Destinations and their local laws may have different requirements and definitions of what constitutes full vaccination. Guests who have not received a booster dose may be prevented from traveling to certain destinations.

In addition, it may be a requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result prior to your departure and your return to your home country. Information will be provided in guest communications leading up to your trip. By booking a Modern Adventure you are agreeing to these terms and to providing proof of vaccination.

For more information about our COVID policies, please click here.

Our accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, and we recommend using Wi-Fi supported apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype as an alternative to making calls from your mobile phone. For US travelers, many phone providers have temporary international travel plans. Check with your provider for options.

In Japan the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50-60 Hz. For guests traveling from the United States of America, some equipment will work fine (we use A and B sockets in the USA at 120v), however some devices may need an voltage adaptor, especially equipment involving heating (i.e., hair dryers).

If you are on prescription medication, you should ask your doctor for a letter detailing your condition and prescribed drugs. This prevents possible issues at customs and helps the local doctor if you need to buy medication while traveling. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, we recommend you bring an extra pair and a copy of the prescription in case of emergency.

October is a great time to visit Japan. Autumn ushers in colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures, with daily highs averaging in the upper 60sF, and evenings and morning temperatures cooling to the mid-50sF. October is generally dry with the occasional rainy morning or afternoon. Inland you can expect the occasional rain shower and blustery weather.

We’ll spend time in two large cities as well as a small island, where both casual and elegant will be equally appropriate depending on the situation. Mornings and evenings can be chilly and the mid-day sun warm, so layers are always a great option.

Casual clothing and sturdier walking shoes are great for our active days, and there is always time to change for cocktail hour and dinner.

A selection of sleeved tops and long pants or skirts work well. They'll also be handy for protecting against the sun. We also recommended a sweater or a warm jacket for cooler mornings outdoors, and recommend bringing a dressy option such as a dress, slacks or a nice coat for dinners. We do not dine anywhere that requires a sports jacket or tie but they are, of course, welcome additions.

We’ll spend time on foot during this experience, so make sure to bring sturdy walking shoes. We will travel by private bus between destinations, so you might want to pack along a pair of headphones for the ride.

Additionally, a bag that closes completely (such as a backpack) prevents personal items from falling out when stored, and is a better option than an open purse. There are a few additional items that we recommend you to bring:

• Hat (to protect yourself from the sun)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Sturdy walking shoes

• Bathing suit

• Phone charger

• Headphones

• Travel pillow

• Ear plugs

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling.

For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most 'Cancel For Any Reason' policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

While Modern Adventure does not recommend any policy specifically, we encourage you to compare benefits and options, a few of which are listed below. We recommend that any plan you select includes trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, at minimum.

Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan

Travelex: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/travel-insurance/plans/

IMG Global: https://www.imglobal.com/travel-insurance

Squaremouth: https://www.squaremouth.com/

US citizens do not require a visa to visit Japan for visits less than 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date from Japan. Not a US citizen? Please check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), worth roughly 107 yen to 1 US dollar. There are numerous ATMs in Japan to access your bank back home. Many restaurants and shops in Japan accept credit cards; however you will want some yen notes when traveling outside of the main cities.

We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure all experiences are immersive and included in your trip price. We recommend bringing enough money with you for a few meals on your own, as well as any souvenirs or local arts and crafts you might like to bring back with you.

Most gratuities and tips are included in our trip price. Tipping isn't customary in Japan and can be considered rude or insulting in many situations. Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress. Tipping also isn't required for cab or bus rides and many hotel services.

Please note, however, that tipping our local and Modern Adventure guides is at your discretion; to show your appreciation for good service, we recommend tipping each guide US$70 - $150 per guest.