TOURS INCLUDE:

• A detailed custom-made itinerary with an engaging combination of stadiums, teams, visits, targeted sightseeing and outings, the result of which will give you a cost-effective and in-depth personal tour of Japan like no other. 

• Business class hotels with modern facilities.  Your choice of single or twin rooms.  Modest additional charge for a single.

• All in-country travel to planned events (including taxi, subway and high-speed bullet train).

• Best available game seats.  

• Many additional sightseeing outings and gatherings at little or no cost to you.  We never have you at a loss for things to do.  

• Visits with local baseball and Japanese friends. 

• Airport transfer for those Main Tour guests who arrive and depart on the scheduled Main Tour arrival and departure dates as specified on itinerary.  Transfer is via business class high speed train.  No buses.

• A supply of personalized business cards with your name translated to Japanese to share with people you meet at the games and elsewhere.

• Services of professional tour guides...that's us!  (Some of you may want to come early or stay later.  We can help you plan that.)

• Translation and travel desk services.

• Detailed pre-departure information.

• A truly remarkable time.

Not included: Airfare and meals (see below)

TRIP DETAILS

Optional Tokyo Disney Resort  On the final day of the Main Tour the group splits.  Some stay and do last minute shopping or touring before departing for the airport.  Others who've chosen the Disney Option come with us to Tokyo Disney Resort on the outskirts of Tokyo.

We offer this option by popular request.  We've discovered that those who go are struck by how the Japanese have taken something uniquely American and put their own twist on it in a way that Western visitors have found delightful.

At Tokyo Disney Resort you have your choice to visit one of the two parks on the grounds.

Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park outside the United States opening in 1983. It was built by Walt Disney Imagineering and is owned by The Oriental Land Company. It, along with its companion park, Tokyo Disney Sea, are the only Disney parks not owned by The Walt Disney Company.

Tokyo Disneyland has seven distinct themed areas: the World Bazaar, Critter Country, and Mickey's Toontown, along with the four classic Disney locations of Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Tokyo Disney Sea has quickly become one of the most popular Disney Parks in the world.  It's also the most expensive theme park ever built at over $4 billion.

Tokyo Disney Sea can be traced to a proposal to build a theme park in Long Beach, California. That thought was scrapped after Disney had financial trouble with EuroDisney. The idea was then passed on to the Oriental Land Company to expand their resort. 

The intention was to create a more adult-themed park with rides and shows designed for an older audience. By the time Tokyo Disney Sea opened in 2001, its concepts and designs had been in development at Disney Imagineering for well over 20 years.

The following day we see you off to the airport or to your extra days in Japan or elsewhere.  

Air Travel  In the past we included airfare in the trip price, but have discontinued that practice.  We found that guests often want to use their own air miles or are going to other places before or after the trip.  In addition, some guests found better deals than we had arranged since air rates tend to be quite fluid.  

It's easy to check the travel web sites and the airlines for the best air fare.  We have gotten good results with www.SideStep.com that checks all airline sites. 

NRT is the airport code for Tokyo Narita Airport, the airport you fly in and out of.  

You may also want to investigate the services of our Japan air  specialist who strives to get the most cost-efficient airfare.  Contact Katsumi Mamiya at 425-373-5626 for a no-obligation quote and information.  He is available from 9 to 5 Pacific Time. 

Don't be concerned about calling Katsumi and then not using his services.  He is absolutely no-pressure and he'll be the first to tell you if you can do better somewhere else.  We receive nothing from recommending Katsumi except the satisfaction of knowing you'll be well-served.

We suggest getting your air ticket as soon as you can.  If you buy the ticket and can't go the airlines will generally give you a credit on that ticket for at least a year.  If you get the ticket with your air miles, the miles simply go back into your account with little, if any, penalty.  

Meals  We've never included meals in the tour price.  The combination of each participant's unique tastes as well as the overwhelming variety of dining options make a fixed selection impractical.   

Japan has every food you can imagine, and some you can't.  I promise that even the most finicky eater will find pleasure with the countless places to eat at reasonable prices.  

We familiarize you with each town so you can go out by yourself, or with some of the group, to eat on your own terms.  We do schedule occasional meal gatherings where we can all get together as a group.

Payment/Cancellation/Refund  Payment is not due until 25 days before departure.

We have a very liberal cancellation policy.  If you pay early and cancel more than 25 days before trip departure, you receive a full refund of your trip payment.

If you cancel less than 25 days before trip departure, you receive a full refund of your trip payment, if your space can be filled from a waiting list. If your space cannot be filled from a waiting list, you'll receive an 80% refund.

Our refund policy among travel trips has no equal.  We've tried to craft this so the risk to you is minimal if you're unable to go at the last minute.  We're not interested in profiting from travelers who find they cannot go.

Money  Japanese currency is the yen. Credit cards are accepted in Japan, though cash is king for meals and small purchases.  Guests tend to budget around $40 to $50 per day for meals, small personal souvenirs and the like. 

We recommend you exchange your cash or travelers checks at the airport upon arrival and get all you think you'll need. You can always exchange remaining yen back to dollars at the airport upon your departure.

There are ATM's around, but not all take our cards. There are banks but, since we are generally always on the move, it will be pain for you to stop during the trip to find a bank to do an exchange. 

So the watchword is to try and get what you need upon arrival at the airport.  

Passports  For citizens of most countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia, a valid passport is all that's required for entry into Japan.  No visa is needed.  If you have a passport, please see that it's valid for six months after your return date.  

For further details about U.S. passports see http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html  

For Canadian passports visit http://www.ppt.gc.ca/

Deductibility  Baseball personnel or those in related businesses may want to check with their tax advisors as to the deductibility of this trip as a business expense.

Hotels  We stay in modern, business class hotels within a five-minute walk of subway and rail lines.  All hotels have in-room bathrooms, televisions, tea service, air conditioning, hair dryers and the like.  Also included daily is a fresh yukata, a light robe-like garment, meant to be worn in place of pajamas, so you can save the packing of night clothes if you wish.  

Health  This trip requires a moderate amount of physical exertion.  

You should be able to navigate a Major League Baseball style stadium and be ready to climb up and down usual stadium stairways, all without handrails.

I doubt we've ever walked more than a mile at any one time.  But you'll need sufficient stamina to keep pace with an reasonably active group of travelers on days of touring.   

The weather can be hot and humid during our time there.  

Japan is not ADA accessible.  Sometimes the urban terrain is uneven with a step or drop-off that we would not  expect at home, so you must be aware of where you walk.  

They also drive on the left side of the road, so for those of you unfamiliar with that you really must keep a watchful eye crossing streets.   

No shots are needed to enter Japan, which has a modern medical infrastructure.  

If you have any questions about your ability to participate in the trip, please feel free to call or write.

Free time  We leave plenty of time for you to explore, poke, dig and mine Japan.  We have lots of optional touring and suggested things for you to do, all for little, if any, additional cost.  We'll run you ragged if you let us or you can wander off by yourself.  It's up to you.  The hallmark of our trip is flexibility.

Dress Code  Dress is casual.

Your dress throughout the trip is what you'd wear to a Major League Baseball game on a warm evening.

See what previous guests wore by taking a quick look through the Trip Photo Gallery at:

Click here for TRIP PHOTO GALLERY

Phone, Fax and Internet  It's easy to keep in touch.  You can direct dial, use phone cards with a set amount of time on them, or use most any telephone credit card, all from your hotel room.

I simply direct-dial from my hotel room since the rates are so inexpensive.  

Cell phones from other countries most often fail to work in Japan because of the proprietary Japanese cell system, but you can easily rent a phone upon arrival at Narita Airport if immediate communication is important.

Internet access is also available through cafes or your own laptop.  Most all hotels have at least wired internet.  If you bring a laptop you may want to bring your own ethernet cord rather than having to borrow one from the front desk.

Jet Lag  While coming from the U.S. or Canada to Japan I’ve never suffered jet lag nor am I personally aware of anyone who has.  Coming over appears to be a snap.  Going home is another story. Most everyone I know suffers it at home.  To combat it, I try not to schedule anything major during my first day or two back home.

Those of you from Australia do fine both ways because of the similar time zones.  I haven't yet figured out how those of you from Europe do.

Staying Longer

If you're interested in spending more time in Japan, then I might suggest you do so at the end of the tour.  At that point you'll really know a lot about Japan and getting around.  We can help you plan your extra days.

During the trip we travel through Japan using public transportation.  You become familiar with how to get around and thus can make better use of your time after the tour.  We don't stuff people into a tour bus.  You traverse the county in the most open way possible - with everyone else.

Some have wondered about arriving early to "get my bearings."  We suggest you not do that since we understand what we need to do to introduce you to Japan in the proper way and, as I mentioned, most of you won't have jet lag to contend with on the way over.

Personal Security  Japan is reputed to be one of the safest countries in the world and we've never experienced anything on our trips to make us think otherwise.  Common sense is in order, of course.

Stories abound as to the honesty of the Japanese.  Margaret, my wife, experienced this first hand when she accidentally dropped over $200 worth of yen in a parking lot as she hurried to a lunch appointment.  Three members of a Japanese construction crew working nearby saw this, rounded up all the bills, and ran her down to return the cash.

I don't mean to suggest there's no crime in Japan, but I personally feel much safer in Japan than I do in the U.S.  And I have reason to feel this way.  The U.S. Department of State confirms, "The general crime rate in Japan is at levels well below the U.S. national average."  

Smoking  All flights to Japan are nonsmoking, as are the train cars we reserve and the cabs we take. Nonsmoking and smoking hotel accommodations are available according to your preference.  We reserve non-smoking rooms, unless you request otherwise.

Packing and Luggage -- Very Important!  Please pack a rolling suitcase.  The type that fits into the overhead luggage compartment of an airplane. You can accompany that with a backpack or briefcase.

Since you won’t need clothes for a variety of different settings and since the hotels have laundry service, previous guests have found themselves able to easily work within this luggage arrangement.  And those who brought more regretted it.

A rolling suitcase accompanied by a backpack or briefcase enables you to breeze through train stations and get on and off trains with ease. Luggage with built-in rollers is an absolute must.

Small rolling luggage, the size that fits in an overhead, is preferable since it fits on trains easier. Luggage in Japan has to accompany you in the bullet train seating cars. There are no baggage cars. The seating cars resemble a much roomier version of a commercial airliner with far more spacious overhead luggage racks.

Another reason we recommend that your luggage be small, the size that fits in an overhead, is so that you can, in fact, put it in the overhead on your flight over thereby eliminating the risk of your air carrier losing anything.

By their own admission, airlines are getting worse at getting bags to the right place at the right time.  So we hope for you to keep as much on board with you as you can. 

Language  Many Japanese speak English and for those who don't you can get by with smiling and pointing without worrying about getting lost, going hungry or being unable to find a restroom.  We won't, however, rely on that.  Our cultural attaché, Mayumi Smith, is a native Japanese and is an integral part of the tour.    

Electricity  Electrical devices made for use in North America have no problems with the Japanese electrical system. But the wall outlets are different.

The Japanese wall outlets are for two-pronged plugs, with both prongs being the same size.  Some of our plugs have a prong that is slightly larger and others have three prongs, thus, they will not fit in a Japanese plug.  You will want to bring an adapter to make such differing sizes into what will fit a two prong outlet with holes of the same size.

Tipping  There's no tipping.  Anywhere.  You pay the price indicated.  Tax is also generally included.  Sometimes, at more expensive restaurants, there might be a service charge included in the bill.  So while prices may sometimes seem higher, they do include the service charge and tax.

Bowing  Visitors are not expected to know the complexities of the bow.  Bow as you like, but a handshake is just fine.

Gifts  The Japanese are gift-givers.  To the extent that we need to present gifts on behalf of the group, I will take care of that.  So you need not be concerned with formal gifts.

Some guests find it fun to bring baseball trinkets like baseball cards, pins or the like to give to people they meet at games.  That is always a hit to whomever you give them.  

When giving to children, first ask the parents for permission.  The parents and children will be delighted.

Game Tickets  We obtain the best available reserved seat tickets for each game. The ballpark, day of the week, and opponent determine available seat locations.

Business Cards  We'll have business cards printed for you with your name in Japanese.  The exchange of business cards is common in Japan and the cards are treated with some reverence.  People you meet at the games and elsewhere will be be impressed when you give them one of your Japanese cards.  It's fun.

Pre-Departure Information   As part of the tour you'll receive a wealth of pre-departure information to thoroughly prepare you for your visit and the people you'll meet.  We invite you to contact us with any questions you may have.

Health Insurance  Most private health insurance is not place specific, meaning it will cover you anywhere, including Japan, which has modern health care services..  

However, you may have to pay by credit card for such medical services and be reimbursed by your insurance company upon your return home.  Check with your insurance provider.  

Disabled Tour Members  Japan is not ADA accessible and, therefore, we cannot be held responsible for denial of service by transportation carriers, hotels, restaurants or other suppliers.  

We are not equipped to give individual help for walking, dining, getting on or off transportation, or other needs.  

A qualified companion must accompany those travelers needing such assistance and we would want to talk with both the traveler and companion to be certain that the type of travel we do in Japan is clearly understood and accepted.

Limits on Responsibility and Liability Disclaimers 

Okay, here's the usual travel fine print:

By embarking upon travel you voluntarily assume the risks of such travel and we advise you to obtain insurance coverage as may be available against such risks.

You acknowledge that there are many risks and uncertainties inherent in travel including, but not limited to, the hazards of various modes of transportation, forces of nature, acts or omissions of foreign governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness and damage to person or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of tour operators and other third parties.

We at JapanBall.com are independent contractors who purchase hotel, restaurant and transportation services, event tickets and other products from independent suppliers who are not subject to our control.  Therefore, we cannot be liable for any injuries, damages or losses that may occur due to any action or omission of such suppliers, their agents, employees or suppliers, or by any event over which we have no control.

We shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages or losses caused by social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction difficulties, criminal activities, disease or sickness, local laws, climatic conditions, or any other action, omissions or conditions outside our control.

In case of a postponement of an event there shall be no refund except to the extent such may be available to us.

Dates, schedules, program details and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the time of publication are subject to change and revision.  Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned, but alterations may occur without penalty to us.  We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the itinerary whenever, in our sole judgment, conditions warrant.

We also reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw a tour announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time when such action is determined by us to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant, subject only to the requirement that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any, and only to the extent that such may be refunded or otherwise available to us.

We accept no liability for the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

You acknowledge that this particular tour includes attendance at professional baseball games and exposure to risks inherent in that venue including, specifically but not exclusively, the risks of bats and balls leaving the field of play and striking you wherever you may be in the stadium and the risks of fall or other injury as you traverse the stadium, its stairs, aisles, and other areas.

---

Bob Bavasi

JapanBall.com

Seattle, Washington

    Phone:  425-423-9655    

E-mail:  Info@JapanBall.com or Click here to use a form to reach us, being sure to include your e-mail address if you wish a response.