Discover Japan Language & Culture Program

F.A.Q.

Who goes on the trip?

We send our Tour Leader, Language & Culture Class Instructor, and additional chaperones as required. Our pricing structure is based on a ratio of 10 students to 1 chaperone. There will always be at least one male and one female chaperone on the trip.

Can adults go on the trip as well?

It must be understood that the overseas component is designed as budget travel experience for student travelers. There is an additional cost for anyone over 20 years of age. We do allow parents/adult siblings of youth participants to join the tour with the expectation that they are willing to abide by the same expectations as the student travelers. Adults who volunteer on our board of directors may also have an opportunity to join us as chaperones on the trip.

Can I be a chaperone?

Are you good at herding cats? We get this question a lot and really do wish we could take everyone on as chaperones. Chaperoning a large group of teenagers is mentally and physically challenging. It's a lot of work, and it's not for everyone. The Tour Leader will consider multiple variables such as student & group needs, group travel experience, and Japanese proficiency in selecting chaperons.

When do we travel?

We have typically travelled over the school Easter break but are looking at travelling in July 2026 for the upcoming program. The exact dates are determined approximately 45 days before the tour.

What type of I.D. do I need?

Three pieces of government issued I.D. are required. This includes a Passport, Birth Certificate, and a Photo ID (SGI Driver's License/ID Card, Permanent Residence Card, or Status Card). The Tour Leader will also need to carry a copy of pages 1-2 of your passport with the barcode showing.

How do I get a passport?

Canadian passports are issued by the Government of Canada. Please reference their website for more detailed information on passport applications & requirements. Please also note:

Persons 16 years or over should apply for an adult passport.
Existing passport holders must ensure that the passport expiry date is good for 6 months beyond the return date.
Processing times in Regina are generally 10-20 business days.

Do I need a Travel VISA?

If you are a Canadian Citizen, or are traveling on a passport issued by one of the sixty-six other countries who are exempted, then you don't need a travel visa. Visit Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a detailed list of exempted countries as well as VISA application forms for counties that do need a VISA.

Can I earn travel points?

It may not always be possible to earn airline rewards for group travel but with AirCanada you can give your Aeroplan number at check-in at the airport or to submit a claim for points upon return. You can usually earn enough points to cash in for something like a $25 iTunes card, so we recommend each person sign up for a free card. If you are interested in signing up you can visit: https://www.aeroplan.com/

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Japan?

There are no vaccination requirements to enter Japan, however, we do recommend that travelers have up-to-date Canadian vaccinations. You may consult the Travel Health Clinic for more information.

What are our hotels & flights?

Flight numbers, dates & times and hotel locations are shared with trip participants once they become available, usually around 45 days before the tour.

How does rooming work?

Students are roomed in same-sex groups generally of 3 or 4 (depending on the hotel). The Tour Leader takes multiple variables into consideration when forming these groups - student compatibility, maturity, student needs, etc. Students often worry about the groupings in advance of the tour, but once we are over there and busy all day - it's not a huge concern. They just need a place to recharge before the next day of activities come!

What do I need to bring?

Most of this is covered in the What to Pack document.

Mr. B's favourite tip is to bring some of his older clothes and dispose of them on tour so that he gains space for souvenirs in his suitcase.

WHAT TO PACK.pdf

How much spending money do I need to bring?

We recommend bringing $30-60 per day for spending money. This will cover optional tour experiences, free time activities, souvenirs, beverages, lunches, and snacks. We recommend ordering at least $150 worth of Yen to cover your first few days in Japan.

How do I get Japanese Yen?

We recommend that you order Japanese Yen from your bank to minimize time spent changing money in Japan or paying high exchange rates. Many banks now offer a service where you can order foreign currency online and have it delivered to your bank. Check with your bank to determine their specific procedure and processing time.

Will my debit/credit card work in Japan?

Despite being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, cash is still king in Japan. Many retailers do not accept debit or credit cards so it is important to carry cash with you. Debit/Credit Cards can be used at some ATMs to withdrawal cash in Japanese Yen. You need to check with your specific bank to see if your card will work overseas. (In fact, you should inform them of your travel plans anyway so that your card isn't declined overseas.)

7-11 Bank ATMs are found at approximately 20,000 7-Eleven convenience stores and other locations across Japan. JP Postal ATMs are found at the over 20,000 post offices in all parts of the country. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards, and provide an English user menu.

7-Bank ATMs are available 24 hours per day year round. In case of postal ATMs, however, only the ones in the central offices of major cities offer a 24 hour/7 day service, including the ones at the Tokyo Central Office, Shinjuku Office, Shibuya Office and at the central offices of Osaka, Kyoto and a few other major cities (note that even these ATMs are unavailable on Sundays and public holidays between 20:00 and midnight).

Postal ATM operating hours then decrease proportionally to the size of the post office, from major post offices (typically 7:00 to 23:00, shorter hours on weekends) to medium sized offices (typically 8:00 to 20:00, shorter hours on weekends, possibly closed on Sundays) to minor offices (typically 9:00 and 16:00, closed on weekends).

In addition to the postal and 7-Bank ATMs, international ATMs can be found at thousands of Family Mart and Lawson convenience stores (but not all of them), international airports, in major department stores, and at Shinsei Bank branches. ATMs by Aeon Bank, found at Aeon malls and selected other locations, also accept cards issued outside of Japan.

In order to use international ATMs, ensure the following at home before leaving for Japan:

Make sure that your credit or debit card can be used abroad.
Inquire what fees and daily and/or monthly limits are associated with international withdrawals. It is often better to make fewer larger withdrawals than frequent smaller withdrawals.
Remember your card's secret 4-digit PIN.
Notify your bank that you are going to use your card overseas, since many banks will block a card which is suddenly used abroad, suspecting a fraud.

What kind of electrical plugs are used in Japan?

Japanese power outlets are identical to ungrounded (2-prong) North American outlets. While most Japanese outlets these days are polarized (one slot is slightly wider than the other), it is possible to encounter non-polarized outlets in some places.

Many electronic products are manufactured with the voltage difference in mind - so most North American equipment will work fine in Japan without an adapter and vice versa, however, certain devices such as those that involve heating (e.g. hair dryers/straighteners), may not work properly. It's best to check your device to make sure.

Since many of our devices have 3-prongs, it may be necessary to carry a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter. Alternately, many cheap extension cords have a 3-prong female end, and a 2-prong male end.

What is expected of the students while in Japan?

We don't like having to lay-down the law so we want all travelers and their guardians to be aware of expectations while we travel.

Students and guardians will go through the Be Safe Abroad and Student Contract documents. The majority of these rules & expectations are in place to ensure the safety and protection of the travelers.

The rest are primarily to ensure that we follow proper cultural protocols, that we keep to our schedule, and to ensure that the group has the best overall experience in Japan!

Student Contract.pdf

Be Safe Abroad.pdf

The Japan Tourism Agency created this series of quirky tutorials featuring iconic Japanese figures such as geisha, sumo, ninja, and samurai. These are a few of our favourite "Responsible Traveler" videos which explain a variety of cultural protocols and help travelers avoid making any embarrassing faux pas while visiting Japan.

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】TAKING PICTURES SCENE#01.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】TAKING PICTURES SCENE#02.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】WALKING ON THE STREETS SCENE#03.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SCENE#04.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS SCENE#05.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】RESTAURANTS SCENE#07.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】RESTAURANTS SCENE#08.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】PUBLIC SPACES SCENE#09.mp4

【THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER】PUBLIC SPACES SCENE#10.mp4

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