
Citizens from the UK, Ireland, and certain other European countries can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa, and this stay can be extended for an extra three months. Citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can also stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but this stay is not extendable and you must have a return air ticket.
Overall, Japan is a very safe country for travellers. Crime levels in Japan are low and it’s generally safe to walk around at night and take public transport, although you should take the same precautions you would in your home country.
Tokyo’s entertainment districts, including Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, are regarded as higher risk areas for crime (especially at night) and there have been reports of foreign nationals being targets of drink-spiking, credit card fraud, robbery, and assault. While incidences of sexual assault are rare, women are advised to be cautious and exercise the same caution about being alone with a man as they would anywhere.
The best time to visit Japan really depends on what you want to do during your trip. During summer (June-August), most of the country is generally humid and warm, making it a great time for trekking. Summer is also a great time to enjoy Japan’s colourful matsuri (festivals).
To experience the beautiful cherry blossom season, time your visit between March and early April. The equally glorious but lesser-known plum blossoms can be seen during February. Arrive in autumn (October-late November) to see the forests explode with dazzling colours. In winter (December-February), visiting Japan can be a magical experience with the potential for snow and the attraction of warming up with a steamy onsen.
Name:
ALASTAIR SMITH
EDUCATION:
Ongoing.
LANGUAGE:
English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, German, Arabic and Turkish.
TOURS LED:
Over 25 years of tour leading through over 100 countries!
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Madagascar—the wildlife; Greenland—white nights; Brazil—nothing taken too seriously when one is on Brazilian time; Easter Island—far-flung; and Greece—everything!
Name:
COLETTE STUBBINGS
EDUCATION:
BFA in Visual Arts / Tourism and Business Management Diploma
COUNTRIES VISITED:
Just under 40 countries on six continents
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
The beauty and remoteness of isolated, untouched nature make Mongolia and Iceland two of my favourite locations. To feel as small as humanly possible and swallowed by a dramatic landscape is one of the best feelings in the world. From the alien, multicoloured rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar in Iceland’s Highlands to painting-like orange/yellow pines that dot Terelj National Park in Mongolia during autumn - both are dear to my heart.
ABOUT:
Living a transitory lifestyle whenever I’ve had the means to do so has become a source of personal inspiration, mindfulness, growth and exchange. Convinced there is beauty in all things / people / places, I’m always anticipating the sights and sounds of any place I drift to next!
Name:
Pam Schewe
LANGUAGE:
Pam speaks English and can get by in both French and Spanish. Pam is also rather proud of the fact that she can say “thank you” in at least 40 languages.
COUNTRIES VISITED:
The scratch-off map on her wall now has more than 70 countries revealed. Personal trips have ranged from active adventures in the Himalayas and Andes to cultural escapes in India and Asia. Of course there’s also the quest to find the best beach in the South Pacific and quietly enjoy a hammock there. Life goals include visiting more than 100 of the nations on our planet.
TOURS LED:
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Central & Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Caucasus, Iceland, Caribbean Islands, the Guyana's, "The Five Stan's" & Southern Africa.
ABOUT:
Pam spent many years working in radio broadcasting in Vancouver but decided that instead of working in order to travel, she would be much happier traveling for work. The only real difference between the two careers is that now she can tell immediately when her jokes are not funny. “Is this mic on…??”
Name:
Martin Charlton
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Geography; further studies in Archaeology & Anthropology. Life's real education happens outside the classroom.
LANGUAGE:
English and some French & Spanish.
TOURS LED:
Having led tours for Adventures Abroad for almost 25 years, there are few corners of the globe where Martin’s left a stone unturned: everywhere from North Korea to Nauru, Saudi Arabia to Sudan, Guinea-Bissau to French Guiana. With over 200 tours through over 125 countries under his belt, it might be faster to list the regions where he hasn’t led a tour.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
"My love of travel and infectious enthusiasm for different cultures has taken me to over 155 countries. The further off the beaten path, the better. For a favourite place: perhaps South Georgia Island, the Canadian Arctic, or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. World's best city = Istanbul!"
ABOUT:
"Don't pack anything that you would be upset to lose, that needs to be ironed, or is encased in glass." - words to live by.