FAQs

Q: What can I expect from a Japan Ikigai Trip?

A: A Japan Ikigai Trip offers dynamic and thrilling adventures to unique destinations. You won’t know where you go until the first day of your trip. 

We handle booking your flights, accommodation, select activities, and some dining options based on the information you provide in the mystery trip questionnaire. Depending on your preferences, there may be opportunities to join guided tours, but typically you’ll navigate independently, utilizing public transportation and walking.

Japan’s extensive public transport network and English signage make it conducive to self-guided exploration. The essence of your experience lies in the locations and activities you choose to immerse yourself in. Rest assured, you’ll encounter genuine local experiences that will leave a lasting impression!

Q: How do you decide on my destination?

A: To determine your destination, we begin by having you fill out the mystery trip questionnaire. This questionnaire covers various aspects such as your budget, preferred travel dates, past travel experiences, and any specific preferences or constraints you may have. Based on the details you provide, along with any additional insights gathered through follow-up discussions, we meticulously research a range of destinations and options tailored to your requirements. Your input is crucial in this process, so please ensure to provide comprehensive information to guide us effectively in planning your ideal trip!

Q: How will I know where in Japan to go?

A: On the day of your departure, you’ll receive an electronic itinerary (e-itinerary) that encompasses all essential details for your trip. This comprehensive document includes a destination guide, flight specifics, accommodation details, as well as any pre-booked activities or meal reservations. We advise you to access the file at the airport to ensure you have all the necessary information for your journey.

Q: How can I be assured that your choices for accommodations, activities, and restaurants are of high quality?

A: We meticulously select accommodations, activities, and restaurants based on personal experiences. At least one member of our team has stayed at or experienced each establishment firsthand and was sufficiently satisfied as a customer. This firsthand knowledge allows us to confidently curate selections that meet our high standards of quality and satisfaction.

Q: Is it possible to exclude certain destinations in Japan from my trip?

A: Absolutely. In your Japan Ikigai Trip Questionnaire, you have the flexibility to list any places you wish to exclude from consideration. Simply provide us with the details, and we’ll ensure your itinerary reflects your preferences accordingly.

Q: Can we specify a “must-visit” location?

A: Absolutely! We understand some of you have a must-visit place in mind and don’t want to miss that as much as you want to enjoy our mystery trip! Within the mystery trip questionnaire, you’ll find a dedicated section where you can highlight any places(up to one place) you’re eager to visit. We’ll do our best to accommodate your requests, either by incorporating a visit to that location into your itinerary or by arranging bookings if necessary. 

Q: I am concerned you might choose a destination I won’t enjoy…

A: Allow us to reassure you—we’ve never selected a destination we wouldn’t personally find appealing! Our utmost priority is to pick a destination that aligns with your travel preferences. When completing the mystery trip questionnaire, feel free to mention any places you’d rather avoid. For instance, if you’ve recently visited bustling cities like New York, prefer to steer clear of remote areas like the wilderness, or have no interest in revisiting a place you’ve already explored extensively, just let us know. We encourage you to embrace the adventure, as we’ve meticulously chosen your destination with the belief that you’ll find it captivating and enjoyable!

Q: How far in advance can I book a trip?

A: Customizing a mystery trip requires careful planning, but we strive to accommodate your schedule. You have the flexibility to select a departure date ranging from approximately 30 days to 10 months in advance when making your payment. Once you’ve submitted your questionnaire, we’ll promptly provide you with a Trip Proposal within approximately 48 hours, offering dates within the window you’ve specified.

However, considering factors such as visa requirements, necessary preparations, potential fluctuations in airfare and accommodation prices, as well as potential limitations on available destinations, we recommend booking at least three months prior to your desired departure date to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Q: What should I pack?

A: Approximately a week before your departure, you’ll receive a pre-departure update via email. This update will contain essential information such as a weather forecast for your destination and a recommended packing list. We’ll ensure to highlight any specific items you’ll need to bring along. Rest assured, we’ll provide you with all the necessary guidance to ensure you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

Q: Will I need a visa?

A: Japan offers visa exemption arrangements for citizens of over 70 countries/regions. To determine if you need a visa for your intended length of stay, please refer to the list provided in the following link:

Exemption of Visa List (Short-Term Stay): https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

For detailed visa application procedures, kindly visit

Visa Application Procedures: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

Q: Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

A: To safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as changes, cancellations, or COVID-related complications, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. While insurance is not included in your budget, it’s a valuable investment for peace of mind during your trip.

We suggest considering the following travel insurance services, which cover not only sickness and injury but also unexpected trip cancellations or changes:

World Nomads (Available for Non-US Residents): https://www.worldnomads.com/

Safety Wing (Available for Non-US Residents): https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance

Allianz Travel (Available for US Residents): https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

Coverwise (Available for UK Residents): https://www.coverwise.co.uk/

There are other insurance companies available, so please thoroughly research and choose one that best suits your needs.

For guidance on finding the best travel insurance, you can refer to resources such as:

NerdWallet’s article on how to find the best travel insurance: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/travel-insurance/travel-insurance

Q: Do I need to purchase a SIM card?

A: For smooth communication during your trip, we highly recommend bringing a mobile phone compatible with networks in Japan or purchasing a SIM card. We suggest considering Airalo for convenient E-SIM options based on our experience, although there are several other services offering E-SIMs for Japan. Here are the details below.

Airalo Website: https://www.airalo.com
You can use the referral discount code “YURIKO5744” to receive a US$3 discount.

Additionally, you can find a comparison article about E-SIM companies at the following link:  https://abrokenbackpack.com/airalo-alternatives/#:~:text=As%20you%20can%20see%2C%20there,find%20a%20great%20eSIM%20deal

Q: When do I make payment, and what payment methods are accepted?

A: Once we receive your completed questionnaire and confirm your readiness to proceed, we’ll send you an invoice for the full payment of your trip (total budget). It’s essential to remit the entire amount upfront, as this allows us to promptly book and secure your flights, accommodations, and other arrangements once your trip plan is finalized. We accept payments through credit card or Apple Pay. 

Q: How can I be sure your payment system is secure?

A: We prioritize the security of your payments by utilizing two trusted and secure systems: Stripe and Plaid. These platforms facilitate the acceptance of both credit card and ACH payments. It’s important to note that Magical Mystery Tours never accesses or stores your login information, passwords, or banking/credit card details.

Both Stripe and Plaid employ stringent security measures, and their systems are designed to detect and prevent any potential vulnerabilities. They will not process transactions if there are any concerns regarding the security of your connection.

For further assurance, you can review the privacy policies of these platforms and gain insight into their operational processes. Rest assured, your financial information is handled with the utmost care and protection.

Q: Can I utilize my frequent flyer miles or other travel rewards?

A: Regrettably, we’re unable to accommodate the use of frequent flyer miles or other travel rewards connected to your personal account. Doing so poses challenges in maintaining the secrecy of your destination, as well as limitations on available dates and destination options.

Q: How much does this cost?

A: Our mystery trips start at $3,900 per person for a one-week trip, $5,900 per person for a two-week trip, and $7,900 per person for a three-week trip. If you fill out the minimum budget, we’ll try to ,make a proposal for you with the minimum budget!

If your best match ends up being less expensive due to lower airfare or accommodations, we’ll allocate the remaining budget toward either enhancing your experiences or make discount your total cost. You can specify in the mystery trip questionnaire.

If the final price exceeds the minimum budget slightly, we’ll inform you in your proposal, and you can decide whether you still want to take the trip with us 🙂

(This may occur primarily due to fluctuations in airfare prices based on your chosen travel dates.)

Additionally, if you desire a larger budget for your trip, you can specify your budget preferences in the mystery trip questionnaire, and we’ll tailor your trip accordingly.

Q: What expenses are included in my budget?

A: Your budget covers the following expenses:

1. Flights: Round-trip airfare to your destination.

2. Accommodation: Lodging arrangements throughout your trip.

3. Internal Travel: Any transportation necessary beyond walking or public transit, such as long distance bus, bullet train, or other special transfers, depending on your destination.

4. Authentic Experiences and Restaurants: We’ll curate memorable experiences and dining options based on your preferences outlined in your Questionnaire. The number of experiences and restaurants booked correlates with the duration of your trip. Please check out the below package chart.

5. Customized Packing List: Receive a tailored packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

6. 24-Hour Customer Support: Access assistance and guidance via WhatsApp throughout your trip.

Additional Expenses: You’ll need to budget for personal expenses such as food, drinks, and local public transportation fees. Please note that transportation costs within Japan are typically minimal, totaling no more than $30/week for your entire trip. Please be aware that airport transfers are not included in the budget.

Q: I’m traveling with friends. Can we pay separately?

A: Absolutely! We understand the convenience of individual payments. Simply inform us, and we’ll arrange separate invoices accordingly. All we require is an email address for each person to proceed with invoicing. 

Q. Can I get a breakdown of the pricing for each component of my trip?

A. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide detailed breakdowns of the pricing for each component of your trip. As a package holiday provider, we are unable to offer granular breakdowns of expenses due to factors such as currency fluctuations, cumulative discounts with our trusted local partners, and other cost considerations. Instead, we offer a comprehensive price outlined in your trip proposal. While our trips may cost slightly more than if you were to plan and manage them yourself, we have negotiated exclusive prices for accommodations and experiences to ensure you receive a valuable and memorable travel experience.

Q: What occurs if I need to cancel the trip?

A: We empathize with the potential for unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation or rescheduling, we’ll make every effort to cancel any bookings we’ve already made and pursue refunds wherever possible. However, we cannot assure a complete refund.

Additionally, please note that we will impose a cancel service fee equivalent to 30% of the total amount you paid.

Q: I’ve already booked my trip, but I need to change my dates. What should I do?

A: If you need to adjust your travel dates, we’re here to assist you every step of the way! Simply reach out to us via email, and we’ll work diligently to accommodate your request.

When contacting us, please have alternative dates in mind. We kindly ask that you provide new dates within 7 days of requesting the change, and these dates should fall within the next 6 months.

Please note that changing your trip may necessitate booking new flights, as existing flights cannot be modified. Consequently, you’ll be required to cover at least the cost of your current flights when making changes. Additionally, any additional costs associated with date changes will be your responsibility, although we strive to minimize these costs whenever possible.

We do levy a modest administrative fee for processing changes, as adjusting all bookings entails a considerable amount of time and effort. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Q: Am I entitled to compensation if my flight is delayed, disrupted, or cancelled?

A: The process for seeking compensation depends on when your flight was disrupted. Please refer to the relevant sections below:

Flight cancelled or disrupted before departure:
If your flight is cancelled or disrupted before your scheduled departure, arranging alternative flights can be challenging as you’re unaware of your destination. In such cases, we’ll promptly contact you with the best available options.

If your flight is cancelled at the last minute without any alternative options provided by your airline, we’ll take the initiative to find suitable alternatives and communicate them to you. However, please note that travelers are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the cancellation. While you may be eligible to claim compensation or reimbursement from your airline, it’s often challenging for us to assist in this process. Therefore, we may provide up to $100 per person to help ease the immediate financial burden of booking replacement flights.

Flight cancelled or disrupted while you’re away:
Once you’ve disclosed your destination, managing flight disruptions becomes more straightforward for travelers themselves. However, we’re always available to offer assistance if needed.

After addressing any flight issues and related expenses, you can proceed to claim expenses or apply for compensation directly through your airline’s website. Details on how to do so can usually be found on their compensation pages. If you encounter any difficulties, please feel free to contact us at info@jit.com for assistance.

Applying for compensation:
To apply for compensation, you typically need to provide your booking reference (found on your digital itinerary), your name, and the email address associated with your booking. If you encounter any issues during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support. Each airline may have specific criteria and policies regarding compensation claims, so we recommend visiting their respective compensation pages for detailed information.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

Q: What happens if my flight is cancelled or changed before my trip?

A: Dealing with unexpected flight changes and cancellations is an unfortunate part of travel, but we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

If your flight is cancelled or changed before your departure, our primary goal is to swiftly secure replacement flights for you. Many airlines offer alternative flights at no additional cost or automatically rebook passengers on similar flights. Regardless of the circumstances, we’ll promptly communicate with you to provide alternative options. It’s important to act promptly as replacement options tend to fill up quickly.

In the event that your flight is cancelled last-minute without any alternative options provided by your airline, we’ll take the initiative to find the best available alternatives and present them to you. While travelers are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the cancellation, you may be eligible to claim compensation or reimbursement from your airline. Unfortunately, it’s often challenging for us to facilitate claims or apply for compensation on your behalf. However, we may offer a contribution of up to £100 per person to help mitigate the immediate financial impact of booking replacement flights.

Please note that purchasing travel insurance is the most effective way to protect yourself in these situations.

Please be aware that this information applies only to flight changes and cancellations that occur before your departure.

Q: What happens to my trip if my destination becomes unsafe due to Force Majeure/Acts of God?

A: In the unfortunate event of cancellations or disruptions arising from Force Majeure/Acts of God, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide compensation or full refunds, as these circumstances are deemed unforeseeable and beyond our control. However, we will make every effort to secure refunds for as many of your bookings as possible. It’s worth noting that airlines frequently cancel flights to affected areas in advance, allowing us to potentially refund that portion of your trip.

We strongly advise reviewing your travel insurance policy for details regarding coverage in such situations. Your travel insurance may offer protection and assistance in navigating unexpected events like these.

r trip proposal. While our trips may cost slightly more than if you were to plan and manage them yourself, we have negotiated exclusive prices for accommodations and experiences to ensure you receive a valuable and memorable travel experience.