Visiting Japan: Go On A Tour or Go On Your Own?

Above, the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I was asked whether it is better to go to Japan with a tour or go on one's own.

This isn't the first time this was asked of me. It probably won't be the last either. But, I will answer the question in general.

The decision on joining an organized tour involves a lot of "depends upon..." things that only you, the traveler can answer.

The first things to consider are how much time do you have available and how much can you afford for a trip to Japan. (Do you have a valid passport? If not, go get one. Otherwise, this whole exercise is moot.)

Are you uncomfortable about going to Japan on your own? If so, then an organized tour is probably best for you. If you feel fine going on your own, that's great! There are plenty of tools to help you along.

Above, a train station sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In regards to the language barrier, I was asked, "If I go clueless, with no knowledge of the language, will I be able to get around/survive?  Or will I be fair game for everyone?" The answer is yes, you can get around fine. And, no, you will not be fair game, the Japanese are well-known for their honesty. Most signs are in Japanese and English, or the Japanese words are written in readable Romanji (see photo above). There are plenty of guidebooks and maps in English available everywhere (including your hotel lobby). There are also tourist centers sprinkled around Tokyo and other cities who have staff able to speak English to answer your questions. The major train stations will have information centers, as do the airports.

Above, a tourist information center at the JR
Niigata Station.Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, the inevitable question came up: HOW MUCH? Again, that depends. There are so many tour companies available who specialize in Japan tours, all you have to do is look around and see what they have to offer. There are some with five-day, seven-day and ten-day and 14-day tours (and more). Each has their own pre-set itineraries. They tend to book their tour members into more upscale (around $150-200/night) hotels instead of budget hotels. The problem with tours, there's very little free time for people to do what they want. You may want to keep that in mind. On occasion, I post tour advertisements from JAPANiCAN. I would look into on what they have to offer.

I would recommend choosing one that will go to the places that are on your "must see" list and whose prices includes round-trip airfare and not set to the prevailing foreign exchange rate. Not all tours are created equal. You may want to talk to a travel agent. Try to find a 10-day or 12-day tour that's in the $3,000-4,000 price range that includes airfare.

Going on your own will always cost you less. Going during the off-season (spring or autumn) will cost you even lesser still. Figure that airfares will be around $500-800 per person (from Los Angeles). You can find budget hotels or ryokans (Japanese inns) for under $100/night (I've found ryokans for $30/night). If you plan to venture out of Tokyo to visit other cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc., get a JR Rail Pass. For around $265 (give or take), you can get a 7-day rail pass which will allow you unlimited use of JR trains (and shinkansens) at no extra cost. They even have 14-days passes. As far as food is concerned, Japan is like the U.S., there are expensive restaurants and then there's McDonalds, Yoshinoya, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Denny's. And plenty in-between. Budget for food like you do at home.

Another reason for avoiding summer in Japan: its high temperatures and humidity. Spring and autumn seasons have much milder weather.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has all the basics for Godzilla fans to plan their own Japan vacations. Other good sources are the Japan travel guides put out by Frommer's and Lonely Planet. Also, check your local public library's travel section.

Above, examples of maps from JNTO.

Online, one of the best sources for information (plus free maps and brochures) is the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

On my own, my 10-day Japan trips average around $2,600.

So, should you go on an organized tour or go on your own? That is really up to you, the individual. Would you feel comfortable going on your own or would you prefer joining a tour? Since you know your own personality, including likes and dislikes (can you stand being with other tour members you may find irritating for several days?), only you can decide for yourself. Personally, I feel right at home in Japan and have no problem in getting around (and, no, I don't speak Japanese).