Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: Rural Japan is a registered Japanese travel operator, holding a Regional Travel Agent's Licence issued by Gifu Prefecture
(Gifu Prefecture travel agency registration no.: 398).

A: Our guides, who also act as interpreters, are typically Japanese nationals in their twenties to fiftties with experience of living abroad and a high level of English proficiency. For certain tours, we also invite local experts to join, with our guide providing interpretation throughout.

A: Our tours are conducted in English.

A: Bookings can be made via our enquiry form, or through the registration form on each tour page.

A: Yes — the deposit is non-refundable. At the time of booking, half of the total tour price (inclusive of the deposit) is payable by the application deadline, with the balance due by a specified date thereafter.

A: Rural Japan operates in full accordance with Japan's Travel Agency Act, and all tours are covered by the protections this affords. In the event of force majeure — such as an earthquake or natural disaster — we will offer a refund or the option to reschedule to an alternative date.

A: We are unable to offer provisional bookings.

A: Credit card payments are processed via Square. Payment by bank transfer is also accepted.

A: Our tour prices are set in Japanese Yen, and payments must arrive at the equivalent Yen value.

A: At present, we are not able to arrange flights or Shinkansen bookings.

A: Even for last-minute bookings, payment must be made by bank transfer or credit card; cash payments to the guide on the day are not accepted.

A: For our small-group tours, participation fees are determined by the final group size. Whether a private room within the guesthouse is available depends on the composition of the final group; where guests are travelling alone, we do our utmost to arrange a private room. As this depends on room availability at the guesthouse, we will always contact you individually to discuss and confirm the arrangements.

A: A detailed itinerary — including specific locations, venues and timings — will be shared with all participants within two calendar weeks of formal confirmation that the deposit has been received. Until that time, the Itinerary Outline provided serves as the definitive reference for the tour's content, for all guests, whether booked directly or through a travel concierge. A packing list and further preparatory guidance will be sent at the same time.

A: Personal travel insurance is a prerequisite of our own public liability cover and is required of all guests. Rural Japan does not provide travel insurance, nor are we able to recommend a specific provider. It is each guest's responsibility to ensure their policy is appropriate to their journey, with cover for matters such as medical expenses, personal accident, emergency repatriation, baggage, personal liability, and cancellation for personal reasons. We ask that you review your policy carefully in advance and carry the relevant documentation with you throughout the tour.

A: With the exception of designated smoking areas, our tours are, in principle, non-smoking — reflecting the increasing number of smoke-free areas across Japan.

A: Yes. While our standard tours are hosted in small groups, we can fully customize your itinerary as a private tour to include private accommodations. Private tour upgrades and applicable fees are detailed in the Terms & Conditions for each specific tour. Please contact us to discuss your preferred dates and travel style.

A: Following the authentic style of traditional Japanese architecture, the rooms are separated by beautiful fusuma (sliding paper doors) rather than solid, locking doors. While the rooms do not have individual door locks, your privacy is highly respected. For your complete peace of mind, each room is equipped with a private safety box in which to securely store your passport, cash and other small valuables.

Furthermore, our groups are limited to a maximum of six guests (this limit does not apply to private, exclusive-use tours), ensuring the atmosphere throughout the house remains intimate, secure and exceptionally safe.

A: Yes. The entire house is chartered exclusively for our small tour group (a maximum of six guests, other than for private, exclusive-use tours). While you will share the dining and communal areas with fellow travellers, each solo guest, couple, or family will have their own dedicated, private Japanese-style room for sleeping. It offers the perfect balance: the warmth of a shared home by day, and a peaceful, private space of your own by night.

A: Yes, we are delighted to accommodate food allergies, vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements. Please let us know your needs at the time of booking, and we will ensure every meal is thoughtfully prepared with you in mind.

A: With the exception of private, exclusive-use tours, participation is limited to guests aged 15 and above. For younger children, we recommend booking the tour as a private, exclusive-use departure.

A: Solo travellers are very welcome.

A: We offer both tours centred on walking itself, and tours where walking serves as a gateway to a wider cultural experience. Do let us know which style appeals to you, and we will recommend a tour to match. All our walking is designed to accommodate a range of paces.

A: No special training is required. However, if you have a medical condition or any restrictions on physical activity, please let us know in advance.

A: Rain is a possibility at any time of year in Japan, and our tours proceed as planned regardless. For tours that make use of a private car or taxi, we adapt flexibly should the weather turn.

A: Our tours are largely unaffected by Japanese public holidays, though certain destinations may be busier than usual during these periods.