We're now accepting travelers for personalized mystery trips to Japan, departing between April 2026 and January 2027.

Planning to travel later? Join the waitlist and we'll let you know as soon as new travel dates open!

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our mystery trips

About Destinations

What can I expect from a Japan Ikigai Trip?
A Japan Ikigai Trip offers dynamic and thrilling adventures to unique destinations. You won’t know where you’re going until the first day of your trip. We handle booking your accommodation, selected activities, and some dining options based on the information you provide in the mystery trip questionnaire. We can also handle booking your international flights if needed. Depending on your preferences, there may be opportunities to join guided tours, but typically you'll navigate independently using public transportation and walking. Japan's extensive public transport network and English signage make it easy for 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.
How do you decide on my destination?
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, we meticulously decide 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!
How will I know where in Japan to go?
Only two days before your departure, you’ll receive an electronic itinerary (e-itinerary) that includes all essential details for your trip: a destination guide, logistics, 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. You’ll also receive an envelope at the reception of the accommodation where you’ll stay on your first night in Japan. Inside, you’ll find additional trip information to help you enjoy your experience even more.
How can I be assured that your choices for accommodations, activities, and restaurants are of high quality?
We 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.
Is it possible to exclude certain destinations in Japan from my trip?
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.
Can we specify a "must-visit" location?
Absolutely! We understand some travelers have a must-visit place in mind and don’t want to miss that while enjoying our mystery trip. Within the mystery trip questionnaire, you'll find a section where you can highlight any place (up to one) you're eager to visit. We'll do our best to accommodate your request, either by incorporating a visit to that location into your itinerary or by arranging bookings if necessary.
I am concerned you might choose a destination I won't enjoy...
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 questionnaire, feel free to mention any places you'd rather avoid. For example, if you've recently visited busy cities and prefer to steer clear of remote areas, 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!

About Booking & Preparation

How far in advance can I book a trip?
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 12 months in advance when making your payment. Once you've submitted your questionnaire, we'll provide you with a personalized trip proposal within 7 days, 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.
What should I pack?
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.
Do I need to / Can I book my international flights on my own?

International flights between your home country and Japan are not included in the trip price. You can either book your flights independently, or ask us to help arrange them.

If you prefer our help, we can connect you with our trusted partner travel agency who will handle your international flight booking. They will also support you directly in the event of delays, cancellations, or other flight-related issues. Please note that while we connect you with our partner, all responsibility for the booking lies with them.

We do not take any margin or profit from this service. Our partner typically charges a service fee of around 10% on the flight booking, which is paid directly to them. We offer this option simply for travelers who prefer a more effortless mystery trip preparation, without needing to arrange their own flights.

Will I need a visa?
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 Exemption of Visa List (Short-Term Stay) . For detailed visa application procedures, kindly visit the Visa Application Procedures . Please be sure to confirm your visa requirements in advance, as we’re unable to provide refunds if a visa is required but not obtained.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
To safeguard against unexpected situations such as changes, cancellations, or COVID-related complications, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. While insurance isn’t included in your trip budget, it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind during your journey.
Do I need to purchase a SIM card?
For a smooth trip, we recommend having a mobile plan or E-SIM that works in Japan. You’ll receive up-to-date information on SIM and mobile options before your departure to help you decide what’s best for you.

About Payment

How does payment work?

You can choose one of two payment options when booking your trip:

  • Option 1: Full Payment
    • Pay the full amount upfront within 7 days of receiving your proposal.
    • Since we can start the booking process immediately, this allows us to secure limited-time deals on accommodations, restaurants, and unique experiences for your trip.
  • Option 2: Deposit
    • Pay a €10 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot.
    • Extends your proposal’s expiration by 14 days, giving you extra time to confirm — whether you need to finalize your decision or secure your flights first.
    • If you complete the purchase within 14 days, you will need to pay the full trip price plus the €10 deposit. Once we confirm your payment, the €10 deposit will be refunded to you separately.
    • The €10 proposal deposit is separate from your trip payment. It is non-refundable if you decide not to proceed with booking. The cancellation policy below applies only after you have paid your initial or full trip payment.

Payment methods accepted: Credit card and Apple Pay.

Important Notes:

  • If your questionnaire is submitted less than 75 days before departure, the deposit option will not be available — full payment is required to book your trip.
  • Once your trip purchase is made, 30% of the total amount becomes non-refundable.
  • This covers the planning, coordination, and reservation work we begin right away, plus any non-refundable fees or cancellation penalties charged by our partners (accommodations, activities, transport, etc.).

Cancellation Policy:

  • More than 90 days before departure → 30% of trip budget charged
  • 61–90 days before departure → 50% of trip budget charged
  • Within 60 days of departure → 100% of trip budget charged

Note: “Departure date” refers to the day you leave your home country, based on Japan Standard Time (JST).

How can I be sure your payment system is secure?
We prioritize the security of your payments by utilizing Stripe, a trusted and secure payments platform. Stripe facilitates both credit card and Apple Pay transactions without ever storing your login credentials, passwords, or banking/credit card details. Stripe’s system employs stringent security measures to detect and prevent vulnerabilities, and it will block any transaction if there are concerns about your connection’s security. For further assurance, you can review Stripe’s Privacy Policy.
Can I utilize my frequent flyer miles or other travel rewards?
Regrettably, we’re unable to accommodate the use of frequent flyer miles or other travel rewards linked to your personal account. Allowing this would compromise the secrecy of your destination and limit the potential dates and locations we can offer.
How much does this cost?
Our mystery trips start from €2,500 per person for 5 nights, €3,500 per person for 8 nights, and €4,800 per person for 12 nights, excluding international flights. You can enter your budget in the   mystery trip questionnaire , and we’ll do our best to create a proposal within that range. You can also indicate a higher budget in the questionnaire if you’d like to upgrade your experience.
What expenses are included in my budget?
Your budget covers:
  1. Japan Domestic & Long-Distance Transport: Domestic flight tickets in Japan or tickets for long-distance transportation such as bullet train, if it’s in your itinerary.
  2. Accommodation: Lodging throughout your trip, depending on your preference.
  3. Activities: One to three Japanese authentic booking-needed experiences, depending on your trip length and budget.
  4. Taste-Local experiences: One to three special restaurants to enjoy the taste and vibe, depending on your trip length and budget.
  5. Complete Travel Guide for Your Destination: Everything you need for your destination — from a custom packing list to essential travel tips, plus suggestions for SIM cards, emergency info, and useful apps.
  6. Customer Support: 24/7 Customer Service with WhatsApp and emergency phone support during your trip.
Additional Expenses:
  1. International Flights: lights between your home country and Japan.
  2. Personal Expenses:Snacks, meals outside of the “Taste-Local Experiences,” and souvenirs. Local transportation (such as trains and buses) is also excluded, though these costs rarely exceed €50 per week in Japan.
  3. Other Fees & Optional Extras:Entrance tickets or optional experiences that cannot be pre-booked. Private transfers and airport transfers to/from your home are also excluded.
  4. Travel Insurance:Not included in the package. You are required to arrange your own travel insurance, which must include flight coverage.
I’m traveling with friends. Can we pay separately?
Absolutely! For group convenience, we can send separate invoices to each traveler — all we need is an email address for each person.

Note:　The non-refundable €10 deposit cannot be split. If any member of the group — or the whole group — cancels the trip, the cancellation policy will apply to everyone based on the total trip budget.

Can I get a breakdown of the pricing for each component of my trip?
Unfortunately, we can’t provide a granular breakdown of individual costs. Our proposals are quoted as a complete package; factors like currency fluctuations and exclusive partner discounts make line-by-line pricing impractical. While our trips may cost slightly more than DIY planning, these bulk rates ensure you get the best value for unique experiences.

About Cancellation & Change

What occurs if I need to cancel the trip?(Cancellation Policy)

We understand that unexpected things can happen, so we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. Once you make your initial payment, 30% of your total trip cost becomes immediately non-refundable.

You may cancel your trip at any time, but the cancellation fees depend on when you cancel:

  • More than 90 days before departure: 30% of the trip budget charged
  • 61–90 days before departure: 50% of the trip budget charged
  • Within 60 days of departure: 100% of the trip budget charged

All applicable refunds will be processed within 14 calendar days of your cancellation being confirmed.

Note: “Departure date” refers to the day you leave your home country to begin your Japan trip. The €10 proposal deposit is separate from your trip payment. It is non-refundable if you decide not to proceed with booking. The cancellation policy above applies only after you have paid your initial or full trip payment.

What happens if someone in my group can’t join anymore?

If one person cancels, their spot will be treated as an individual cancellation, and our standard cancellation policy will apply. Please note that if your group size changes, room arrangements or transport may also change, which can affect the total cost for the remaining travelers.

Can I replace one group member with another person?

Yes, you can change the name of a participant up to 31 days before departure, and a modification fee will apply. The modification fee is 10% of the original total trip cost (not per person). However, please note that certain bookings — especially transportation services such as trains, domestic flights, or buses — may not allow name changes at all. In those cases, the original ticket may become non-refundable, and an additional ticket may need to be purchased for the new participant. Within 30 days of departure, changes may not be possible due to restrictions from our accommodation, transportation, and activity partners.

Can I change the length of the trip, for example from 5 days to 4 days or 7 days?

Our mystery trips are carefully designed as personalized, balanced, and complete packages. Each itinerary is crafted so that the timing, activities, and experiences fit together seamlessly. Because of this, we cannot simply add or remove days while maintaining the quality of the experience. Once your trip is confirmed, the number of days cannot be shortened or extended.

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

You may reschedule your trip once, as long as your new travel dates fall within 6 months of your original departure date. To request a date change, please email us with your proposed new travel dates. If you don’t provide new dates within 3 days of your request, your trip will be treated as a cancellation and our standard cancellation policy will apply.

Rescheduling will involve preparing a new trip budget that reflects any price differences (for transportation, accommodations, or activities) and a modification fee equal to 10% of your original trip cost. Depending on how close your request is to your original departure date, additional costs may apply, as many of our partners in Japan treat bookings as fully non-refundable once inside a certain period. In some cases, we may also need to design a new itinerary from the beginning — for example, if your new dates fall in a different season or if our previously booked partners are unavailable.

Please note that we provide the updated trip total only; we do not disclose a detailed cost breakdown of individual services or bookings.

Once your trip has been rescheduled and the updated full amount has been paid, your booking becomes 100% non-refundable, regardless of how far in advance you cancel.

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

In the unfortunate event of cancellations or disruptions arising from Force Majeure/Acts of God, we are unable to provide compensation or full refunds, as these circumstances are unforeseeable and beyond our control. However, we will make every effort to secure refunds for as many of your bookings as possible. 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.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
  • If you booked your international flights through our partner: They will handle your flight changes directly, and you will need to coordinate with them for rebooking or compensation.
  • If you booked your flights yourself: You will need to contact your airline or booking provider directly for any changes, rebookings, or claims.

Regarding your mystery trip in Japan: we cannot provide compensation or refunds for missed portions of your trip caused by international flight delays or cancellations. However, please contact us as soon as possible if your plans are affected — we will do our best to adjust your itinerary in Japan where possible, depending on availability and partner flexibility.

You Choose Japan.
We Choose the Journey.

DESIGN MY MYSTERY TRIP — FREE PLAN OVER A CALL