We do realize our prices seem high.   However, when compared to many other tours to the region, we are actually comparatively priced when you take into account that our trips include all meals (and vegan to boot!) and drinks, all the tips for drivers and local guides, and many other extras like a amenities/essentials bag, a free laundry day, the support of 2 full time tour leaders (most tours have only one), and, finally, the chance to travel with author and animal advocate Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

It’s also worth noting that this may very well be the first and only VEGAN group tour to Japan, and the work done behind the scenes cannot be understated.  Our trip cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and local partners in educating and preparing them for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.  This work begins several months before the trip, and approaches full-time hours around 2-3 months prior to the trip’s start date.

We also realize that for many, these types of trips are something they’ve dreamed about for many years.  As such, we’ve constructed an itinerary that will make this trip truly memorable in regards to our accommodation, meals, and choice of activities.   

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and World Vegan Travel work closely together to create JOYFUL VEGAN TRIPS, which are specifically curated by Colleen to ensure the high quality that she has come to be known for.  All trips include activities and dedicated time with Colleen, such as Q&A session, round-table discussions, sharing, and more.

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own transportation — whether it be flights, train, bus, car, etc. — to our starting city, and your return transportation from our departure city. 

For your arrival, we ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be around noon.  This exact time and place will be confirmed at a later date, but do plan ahead adequately to leave you enough time to get to our meeting place by that time.  Even better is arriving one or more days before.  This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town.

Please note that your transportation to our first meeting point is not included.  

VISAS
For citizens of western countries (ie USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc), no visas are necessary to enter Japan.  For other nationalities, please check to make sure what you need to enter Japan. 

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical travel insurance is mandatory on our trip.    We need to have assurances that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation.  You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip’s start date.

Trip Insurance (trip cancellation, lost baggage, etc.), on the other hand, is entirely up to you, though we highly recommend purchasing it.  It often comes packaged along with medical travel insurance, or you may get coverage simply by paying for the trip using a credit card (inquire with your card supplier). 

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

In general, May is an excellent time of year to visit Japan as it is still relatively cool and before the heat and humidity sets in.  

Early May is actually the busiest time of year with Golden Week, one of the main Japanese holiday when seemingly the entire population is traveling around the country, but thankfully we will be going right after! 

You should expect day-time temperatures of around 18.5-23 degrees Celsius (65°F-74°F).

While we don’t have a luggage restriction on this trip, we recommend you not to bring more than 1 suitcase per person as will be traveling to 4 cities and hotels.

We do have one free laundry included on the trip, so hopefully this can help in not over-packing. Laundry will also be available on other days at a fee.

In terms of clothing, it’s a good idea to bring a mix of early-summer garb, such as light cotton pants, t-shirts, etc. and some cooler weather garb such as light sweaters & jackets. 

A rain jacket or a small umbrella could prove useful at this time of year.

Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, as we will be doing a lot of walking. 

Other essentials should include:

• sunglasses
• Cameras and plenty of batteries and storage cards is a must.
• sunscreen lotion

We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.

Yes, your mobile phone should work, but do check with your carrier to make sure. It is highly recommended to turn off global roaming unless you carrier can offer you a package for your stay in Japan. Otherwise you risk being charged exorbitant fees upon you return home!

If your phone is unlocked (please check with your carrier directly) you can also purchase a local Japanese  SIM Card before you arrive in the country (mailed to your address or hotel) or at the airport when you arrive.  Do note that SIM cards for foreigners are usually DATA only and you won’t be able to make local calls unless you use something like Skype, etc. 

More information will be provided in the Trip Information Document we send you once you book the trip. 

Yes, our hotels have WIFI, and we will also have internet connection on-board our trains and coaches.

We provide all accommodation, transportation and meals. All expenses during our included activities are taken care of, including tips for guides and drivers.

You will then only need cash for extra purchases such as souvenirs, extra drinks outside of what’s included, extra snacks, etc. There are ATMs in every town and credit cards are now being accepted in more and more places. This mostly means Visa and MasterCard, with American Express having quite a lower acceptance rate outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants.

Having said that, Japan is still a bit cash-oriented so you should take out some cash in Japan (not before arrival) for snacks, souvenirs, etc. 

The tour leaders will be carrying extra cash. If you decide to go on an optional activity at the last minute but don’t have enough money, we will be able to help you out and you can simply pay us back when we find an ATM.

This is generally not a problem, but we do need to be informed at the time of booking so we may prepare the meals accordingly. Please be as precise and detailed as possible. Once on the trip, it is difficult and/or not possible to change our meal plans.

Colleen (and her husband David) is very much another traveler in our group and will be taking the same vehicles and participating in the same activities as the rest of us. You can approach and talk to her at any time, just like anyone else. Having said that, do remember that she will be as tired as everyone after a long day of travel or sightseeing, so we should just be respectful of that as we are of anyone else. ​​

We do have quite a lot of walking activities on this trip so you should be able to walk for a few hours. 

There is no hiking or other physical activities (ie hiking, etc.) as planned activities. 

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

We will provide water, juice, coffee, tea, some cocktails and wine/beer during lunches and all dinners and some activities. We will make it clear what’s included and what’s not. Premium alcoholic drinks (ie expensive cognac, whiskey, champagne, etc) are not included. You can pay for those on the spot or sign it to the room and pay when checking out.

World Vegan Travel and Joyful Vegan Trips aim to be a safe place for all LGBTQ+ travelers. We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort.

​Generally speaking, Japan is considered perfectly safe for the community though conservative values towards queer sexuality are common.  Same-sex mariage is not yet legal in Japan, though there are no laws againstsame-sex relationships, etc. 

Public display of affection are not common in Japan, regardless of sex, gender presentation or sexual orientation.  As such our LGBTQ+ travelers should feel safe and at east in Japan.