This private and customizable tour for Aomori is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Aomori at your own pace on this fully customizable 4-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Aomori Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Aomori Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

This private and customizable tour for Aomori is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. 

Discover Aomori at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences.

With many options and attractions to choose from in the city, it may seem easier to just choose a set tour that’s already available out there, but after you book this Custom Tour, we’ll work closely with you on designing the perfect tour that is only for you. To make it easier for you, after the tour is booked, you’ll receive a Custom Tour form with various potential options and themes for you to easily choose from. We’ll also consider all your preferences: whether you are into Japanese culture, history, food, nature and scenery, seasonal experiences such as Winter Illuminations, or other, you’ll be able to easily make your selections and identify any spots on your wish-list before we start planning away for you.

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

 Included:

• 8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)
• Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)
• English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

Excluded:

• Meals, food and drinks not specified
• Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide
• Gratuities (optional)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Aomori Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Aomori Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Attire

The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour. Children that are age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What if I’ve visited this city before on a previous trip?

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences.

Baseball is Japan’s national sport and is so popular that it’s often difficult to snag tickets. Book your tickets in advance through Japan Awaits and enjoy the game with locals!

Baseball (commonly called yakyū in Japanese) was first introduced to Japan in 1872 with professional competitions starting in the 1920s. It is now the country’s most popular sport and the current league (Nippon Professional Baseball) consists of two leagues of 6 teams each.

Attending a baseball game in Tokyo is a great experience and introduction to modern Japanese culture. Many say that Japanese baseball culture is very different than other cultures, including that of America, where baseball is also a national sport. While the rallying and cheering in Japanese baseball is passionate and cheerful, it is also known to be respectful and organized–and is an absolute delight to be a part of.

In this Baseball Experience tour, enjoy a baseball game with a local tour guide who is also an expert and fan of Japanese baseball. Meet your tour guide at 5:30 PM at Kannai Station (South Exit) before going to Yokohama Station. The game starts at 6 PM and can last for about 2.5 – 3.5 hours (ending at 9 or 10 PM). While you’re there, you can learn about what makes Japanese baseball so interesting and fun, while learning the chants to support the Yokohama DeNA BayStars! The tour guide will take the guests back to Kannai Station and ending the tour.

Options for add-on of Yokohama Chinatown Tour (1 hr, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM), or add-on Yokohama Custom 6 Hour Tour (from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM) available at checkout.

Location: Yokohama Stadium, Yokohama

Price: 

• Small group (2+ people) with Seats S, A or B: ¥13,500 per person
• Small group (1 person only) with Seats S, A or B: ¥25,000 per person
• Private group (2+ people) with Seats S, A and B: ¥17,500 per person
• Private group (1 person only) with Seats S, A and B: ¥32,000 per person

Add-on Options (available at checkout):

• Yokohama Chinatown Tour (1 hour from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM): Additional 3000 JPY per person
  • The tour will provide insight to the history and culture of Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan. Guests will meet the tour guide at Ishikawacho Station (North Exit).
• Yokohama Custom 6 Hour Tour (from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM):
  • 2 or more people: Additional 16,500 JPY per person
  • 1 person only: Additional 33,000 JPY per person

  • The 6-Hour Private Custom Yokohama Tour will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted before the Yokohama Baseball Experience from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included. A custom tour form will be sent to you which will allow us to truly customize and tailor the tour just for you.

Included:

• Tour Guide Fees
• Baseball seat ticket (we will always try to reserve S Seats, A Seats, or B Seats, which are the best seats in the stadium)
• Service Fee and Tax

• The off-season for the national league is from the October until March.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Is food provided?

No, food is not provided, but snacks, drinks and merchandise are available for purchase at the stands in the stadium.

What is the difference between the seating?

S Seats: The seats are located right behind the batter, in the heart of the action
A Seats: The seats are located behind the first and the third base, with a good view of the entire field and the players on the bench.
B Seats: The seats are behind the foul pole, with a good view of the outfielder’s play.
Outfield A Seats: The seats are located on the second floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs.
Outfield B Seats: The seats are located on the third floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs.
Outfield Non-reserved Seats: The seats are located on the third floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs. These seats are non-reserved, but on the game day, you may be able to choose your seat. Depending on the game day, these seats might not be available.

Tokyo is a city with many hidden gems and is an ideal place for those who want a photoshoot to capture their memories here in the city. In this 1 hour photo session, walk around Tokyo with your English-speaking professional photographer as you pose and capture these special moments. 

• This photoshoot is ideal for 2 people who want to have memorable travel photos from Japan (supplementary cost available for 1 person only at booking).
• Choose between day-time or night-time photoshoot, and in the 1 hour, your photos will be taken between 1 to 2 locations in Tokyo which includes 30 – 40 shots. For longer photo sessions to visit more locations, we recommend choosing the 2 hour photoshoot which includes 60 – 80 shots.
• At least 10 photos will be edited and all photos will be added to a folder that will be available for you to download within 7 days of your photoshoot.
• Recommended Photoshoots:
  • Rustic Japan (Imperial Palace, shitamachi, temple/shrine)
  • Urban Japan (Shinjuku Station, yokocho, tunnel)
  • Scenic Japan (garden, panoramic overview of Tokyo)
  • Other routes may be available on request

Availability: Everyday except holidays (suggested start time is between 7:30 to 9:30 AM, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, or from 7:30 to 8:30 PM)

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Price: See pricing at check-out

Included:

• Private photoshoot by English-speaking professional photographer
• Edited photos (at least 10 or more) including unedited photos available for download within 7 days of photoshoot
• The photoshoot route is chosen based on customers’ interests and objective

Attire

Guests may like to switch into different outfits, but for the 1 hour photoshoot, there may not be enough time for a change of clothes. We recommend booking the 2 hour photoshoot to ensure there is adequate time for changing into different outfits while still being able to get multiple shots from multiple locations.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same, except for infant (0-1 years old).

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

If there is a group of people, can we still get individual shots?

Yes, the photographer can take individual shots of each person in your group. Please let us know of any requests ahead of time so that we can plan and schedule the photoshoot accordingly so there is enough time.

I want the shots to look a certain way. Is this possible?

Our photographers have a unique way of taking photos and editing them. If you would like a specific style, please send us some inspiration and we will try to achieve a similar look if possible; if it is not possible, we will also let you know ahead of time.

Nagano City is well-known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and while some of the former Olympic facilities can still be viewed in Nagano, the city has since evolved as a temple town revolving around the famous Zenkoji Temple, and is most visited during the Spring Season (for cherry blossoms), the Fall Season (for autumn foliage) and the Winter Season (for winter activities and for seeing the snow monkeys).

Highlights:

Cycle through farm villages, apple orchards, along the Chikuma River, and see the Nagano Olympic Area, Snow Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen and Obuse Town.

• On this tour, spend a half-day (about 4 hours) getting in touch with both the nature and city daily life of Nagano while cycling with your English-speaking tour guide and small group.
• Begin your journey at 9 AM, where the tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or at Nagano Train Station (if you are coming from Tokyo or another city).
• Start with cycling on high-quality bicycles along the Chikuma River. Journey through apple orchards, rice fields, rustic farming villages and charming ancient avenues, helping you to discover the true unique beauty of Japan.
• This tour will also take you to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you will find monkeys bathing in the hot spring and in their natural habitat. After observing the monkeys up close, we will visit Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen villages, which are located at the base of the Jigokudani mountains. These villages have a long history as hot spring resorts, with records of people visiting the onsen as far back as 1300 years ago. People come from far and wide to try the various 100% natural onsen made up of healing minerals. There are 9 outdoor baths that make up the famous hot spring area of Yamanouchi Town, and you can enjoy a regular bath or just a foot bath (optional) before continuing on the cycling tour to Obuse Town. Obuse Town is famous for its chestnuts, with many traditional shops offering delicious chestnut treats and delicacies, as well as being the hometown of famous Edo-period painter, Katsushika Hokusai (known for his various ukiyo-e artworks).
• This tour is ideal if you are looking for a short getaway from busy cities to immerse yourself in the Japanese countryside with stunning natural and rural scenery, and excellent local food. The tour course is approximately 25 km, and 70% of the course is downhill while the rest mainly consists of flat roads. It is a relatively easy course with no prior cycling experience necessary.

Seasonal Recommendations for This Tour:
Spring Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Viewing: Mid-April to Early-May
Autumn Foliage (Koyo) Viewing: Early-September to Late-November
Winter Festivities: Early-December to Late-March

This scenery is particularly lovely in the Spring, when nanohana (rapeseed blossoms) and sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom, and even in the Summer and Autumn.

• Inclusions:
  • A local tour guide for small group
  • A high-quality bicycle for cycling
  • Entrance fee to Zenko-ji Temple
  • Entrance fee to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (800 JPY for Adult over 18 years old, 400 JPY for Children under 18 years old and Free for Children under 6 years old.)
• Exclusions:
  • Round-trip bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (free for visitors with JR pass). Train tickets available as add-on at checkout.
  • Meals, snacks and drinks

  Availability:

• Recommended during Spring (for cherry blossoms), Summer (greenery), Fall (for autumn foliage). For a winter tour, cycling will be prohibited in the case of snow.
• The monkeys enter the onsen all year round, but sometimes the park wardens will encourage the monkeys by throwing food into the pool, especially during the warmer seasons of the year.

  Location: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

  Time: Start time is between 9 AM to 9:30 AM (may be earlier depending on availability).

  Requirements:

• Must provide names of all guests and birth dates
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Additional information:

• For this tour, if we provide train tickets: we will send train tickets to the guests’ hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Please provide: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo, 2) Guest Name who booked the hotel, 3) Confirmation Number, and 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
• In case, the weather is not good as it is rainy or cold even it might snow (in winter season). The tour will be changed to public transportation instead of riding bicycle (sightseeing tour will be conducted in place of cycling tour).

What You Should Bring

Clothes: 

Please wear clothes suitable for cycling. It’s important to be comfortable when cycling so we recommend wearing cycling shorts, jersey and gloves, windbreaker, backpack (to carry all your belongings), and comfortable cycling shoes.

Sunglasses: We recommend that you bring sunglasses to protect against sunshine and insects.

Helmet and Gloves: Wearing a helmet while cycling in Japan is mandatory. We only have a one-size helmet and one-size gloves; therefore, we recommend that you bring your own so you have a helmet and gloves that fits properly on you for your cycling tour.

Insurance Certificate: Having travel insurance that covers any injuries is necessary. We are not responsible for any injuries or mishaps on this tour.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

About Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is widely known as the home of the Japanese Alps and the host of the Winter Olympics in 1998. As Nagano City spans over a large area, many locations may be difficult to experience without a vehicle to drive from and to each destination. This tour includes a private tour guide and vehicle for your convenience in traveling around Nagano City.

How far in advance should I book?

Nagano City is a popular destination from Tokyo. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible and ideally, at least a month in advance.

When is it Peak Season and what does that mean for this tour?

There are many peak seasons in Nagano, but it is especially busy during the Autumn and Winter Seasons. During these peak seasons, there will be heavy traffic on the roads and may take two to three times the duration to travel between locations.

Other peak holidays include Golden Week (May 6th to 27th), the Obon Holidays (August 11th to 20th), and the New Year Holidays (December 28th – January 6th).

Baseball is Japan’s national sport and is so popular that it’s often difficult to snag tickets. Book your tickets in advance through Japan Awaits and enjoy the game with locals!

Baseball (commonly called yakyū in Japanese) was first introduced to Japan in 1872 with professional competitions starting in the 1920s. It is now the country’s most popular sport and the current league (Nippon Professional Baseball) consists of two leagues of 6 teams each.

Attending a baseball game in Tokyo is a great experience and introduction to modern Japanese culture. Many say that Japanese baseball culture is very different than other cultures, including that of America, where baseball is also a national sport. While the rallying and cheering in Japanese baseball is passionate and cheerful, it is also known to be respectful and organized–and is an absolute delight to be a part of.

In this Baseball Experience tour, enjoy a baseball game with a local tour guide who is also an expert and fan of Japanese baseball. Learn about what makes Japanese baseball so interesting and fun, while learning the chants to support the Yakult Swallows team!

Location: Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo

Price: 

• Small group with Seats S, A or B: ¥13,500 per person (minimum of 2 people)
• Small group with Seats S, A or B: ¥25,000 per person (for 1 person only)
• Private group with Seats S, A and B: ¥17,500 per person (minimum of 2 people)
• Private group with Seats S, A and B: ¥32,000 per person (for 1 person only)

Included:

• Tour Guide Fees
• Baseball seat ticket (we will always try to reserve S Seats, A Seats, or B Seats, which are the best seats in the stadium)
• Service Fee and Tax

Schedule (for 2023):

September

5 (Tue) Yakult vs. Giant – 16:00 PM

6 (Wed) Yakult vs. Giant – 16:00 PM

7 (Thu) Yakult vs. Giant – 16:00 PM

October

The off-season for the national league is from the November until the February.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same.

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Is food provided?

No, food is not provided, but snacks, drinks and merchandise are available for purchase at the stands in the stadium.

What is the difference between the seating?

• Jingu Stadium (Yakult Swallows):
  S Seats: The seats are located right behind the batter, in the heart of the action
  A Seats: The seats are located behind the first and the third base, with a good view of the entire field and the players on the bench.
  B Seats: The seats are behind the foul pole, with a good view of the outfielder’s play.
  Outfield A Seats: The seats are located on the second floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs.
  Outfield B Seats: The seats are located on the third floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs.
  Outfield Non-reserved Seats: The seats are located on the third floor, outside of S, A, and B seats, with a view of the entire field and can better see home-runs. These seats are non-reserved, but on the game day, you may be able to choose your seat. Depending on the game day, these seats might not be available.

What if Japan Awaits is not able to get tickets?

If on the off-chance that we cannot get the tickets for the date you booked, we will suggest other dates. If no baseball game tickets are available on the dates you’re in Tokyo, we will provide you with a full refund.