Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse some of the FAQs before using the form below to get in touch.
Each tour is a little different!
Our walking tours usually run for around 2 to 2.5 hours and cover roughly 2 to 3 kilometres at a relaxed pace. We keep things easy-going with plenty of stops for stories, photos, toilet breaks, and a little free time along the way.
Our Tsukiji Food Tour runs for approximately 3 hours and involves light walking around the market with lots of food stops throughout.
Private tours are completely flexible and can range from a half-day experience (around 5 hours) through to a full-day experience (up to 10 hours), depending on your interests and itinerary.
You definitely don't need to be an athlete to enjoy any of our tours!
Comfort is key!
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather. Bring a bottle of water, sun protection for warmer days, and an umbrella or raincoat if the forecast looks wet.
A small backpack for personal items is totally fine too.
If you're joining a private tour, it's also a good idea to bring your Suica, Pasmo, IC card, or cash for transportation and any personal purchases.
Yes, absolutely!
Our tours run rain or shine. A little rain is all part of the adventure and daily life in Japan.
If the weather turns truly extreme and we need to cancel for safety reasons, we'll refund your tour in full (minus any processing fees) or help you rebook for another day.
If we decide to cancel due to unsafe weather or conditions beyond our control, we'll let you know as soon as possible and offer a full refund (minus processing fees) or the chance to reschedule.
Where severe weather is forecast, Welcome to Japan will always do its best to contact guests in advance rather than cancelling at the last minute. We'll proactively monitor conditions, discuss available options with you, and, where possible, arrange an alternative date or suitable solution before considering cancellation.
If it's simply raining, the tour will still go ahead, so please come prepared.
We totally understand that travel plans can get hectic, but unfortunately we can't hold up the group once the tour begins.
If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, we'll need to start without you out of respect for the other guests and the tour schedule.
Alex will always do his best to wait where possible, but there will come a point where he needs to get the tour underway so that everyone can enjoy the experience as planned.
As missed tours cannot be refunded, we strongly recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays.
No problem - life happens!
If you cancel:
7+ days before your tour, you'll get a full refund (minus processing fees).
3 to 6 days before, you'll receive a 50% refund.
Within 48 hours, unfortunately no refund can be given.
If you'd like to reschedule, please email us at info@welcometojpn.com at least 7 days before your tour and we'll do our best to move you to a new date depending on availability.
Our tours are relaxed, friendly, and we welcome guests of all ages.
However, please note that some tours involve walking, stairs, uneven pathways, crowded areas, public transportation, or standing for extended periods.
If you or someone in your group has limited mobility, please contact us before booking so we can help determine whether a particular tour is suitable.
We intentionally keep our tours small and personal.
Walking tours can have a maximum group size of 15 guests, although most tours are significantly smaller.
The Tsukiji Food Tour can have a maximum of 8 guests to keep the experience intimate and enjoyable. Again, most tours are significantly smaller in size :)
Private tours are exclusively for your own group.
Every tour is a little different.
Our Tsukiji Food Tour includes all scheduled food tastings.
Walking tours generally do not include food, drinks, transportation, or personal purchases unless specifically stated. Alex, however, is known to buy snacks and treats for the group.
Private tours vary depending on the package and itinerary you've selected. Any inclusions will be clearly explained before booking.
All payments are made securely online at the time of booking.
Once payment is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email right away. There's no need to print anything - simply arrive at the meeting point and we'll be ready to welcome you.
Absolutely!
Private tours are one of the best ways to experience Tokyo if you'd like something more personalised.
We can build an experience around your interests, whether that's food, history, culture, architecture, photography, traditional neighbourhoods, hidden local spots, hiking, or a combination of several interests.
Private tours can range from half-day experiences to full-day adventures and may include areas outside central Tokyo depending on the itinerary.
All of our tours are conducted in English.
We may occasionally offer bilingual or Japanese-language experiences in the future, so keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!
Of course!
You're welcome (and encouraged) to take photos and videos throughout the experience.
If you'd prefer not to appear in any photos or videos taken by Welcome to Japan, simply let your guide know before we start.
Absolutely!
I'm always happy to take photos throughout the tour using your phone or camera.
Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, I know how important it is to actually be in your travel photos rather than always being the one taking them.
Consider me your unofficial tour guide, storyteller, and personal photographer for the day!
Tips aren't included, but they're always appreciated if you enjoyed your experience.
The best tip you can give is a smile and a kind review afterward!
Absolutely, yes.
The Tsukiji Food Tour includes all scheduled tastings and food stops listed as part of the experience.
Come hungry. Most guests leave feeling very full by the end of the tour!
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergies or dietary requirements.
The Tsukiji Food Tour includes food prepared by third-party vendors, and ingredients, preparation methods, and allergen exposure are outside of our control.
Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions participate at their own risk.
Generally speaking, no.
The tour is heavily focused on seafood and traditional Japanese market foods, many of which contain fish, shellfish, egg, dairy, soy, or other animal products.
While you're welcome to join, we don't recommend this particular tour for strict vegetarians or vegans.
Please carefully consider whether the Tsukiji Food Tour is suitable for you before booking.
The tour takes place in one of the world's most famous seafood markets and includes significant exposure to seafood products.
While you're welcome to inform us of your allergy, participation remains entirely at your own risk and we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Nobody will force you to eat anything you're uncomfortable trying.
That said, the tour is designed around experiencing Tsukiji's seafood culture, and many of the featured tastings include raw seafood.
Guests are welcome to skip individual items if they prefer.
Yes.
Children are welcome to join the tour.
Young children who are not participating in the food tastings may not require their own ticket, while older children who will be eating the included food should generally purchase a ticket.
If you're unsure, feel free to contact us before booking!
Transportation costs are generally not included in private tours.
Guests are responsible for their own train, bus, or transportation expenses during the experience.
We recommend carrying a Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card for convenience.
Private tours are quoted individually based on the duration, group size, location, and overall itinerary.
Once we understand what you'd like to do, we'll provide a personalised quote :)
Absolutely.
Private tours are designed to be flexible and personalised.
While it's helpful to plan an itinerary beforehand, we're generally able to adapt the experience throughout the day depending on your interests, energy levels, weather conditions, and preferences.
Absolutely.
Solo travellers are welcome on all of our walking tours, food tours, and private tours.
Many guests join on their own and end up meeting other travellers and making friends along the way.
Bookings generally remain available until two hours before the tour start time, subject to availability.
If you're making a last-minute booking, we recommend securing your spot as early as possible!
We collect a small amount of anonymous demographic information to help us better understand the types of travellers joining our tours.
Questions such as age range, travel style, interests, country of residence, budget category, and how you discovered Welcome to Japan help us improve our tours, create better content, and ensure we're providing experiences that travellers genuinely enjoy.
This information is used for research and business improvement purposes and is not used to personally identify you.
That's easy.
Welcome to Japan isn't about rushing between landmarks or memorising dates from a history book.
It's about stories, culture, food, conversations, local insights, and helping you feel comfortable exploring Tokyo with someone who genuinely loves Japan and enjoys sharing it with others.
Whether we're walking through Yanaka, exploring Asakusa, eating our way through Tsukiji, or building a custom private experience together, the goal is always the same: To help you experience Tokyo in a way that feels personal, authentic, relaxed, and memorable.
Think of it less like joining a tour and more like exploring Tokyo with a knowledgeable local friend :)
You can reach us anytime through the contact form on our website or via email at info@welcometojpn.com.
Whether it's a quick question, a change in your plans, or feedback after your experience, we're always happy to hear from you.
