Mornings and evenings can be chilly and the mid-day sun warm, so layers are always a great option.

Casual clothing and sturdier walking shoes are great for our active days, and there is always time to change for cocktail hour and dinner. Formal attire is not required, however we do recommend bringing clothes appropriate for our fine-dining experiences.

We’ll spend time on foot during this experience, so make sure to bring sturdy walking shoes. We will travel by private bus between destinations, so you might want to pack along a pair of headphones for the ride. 

Additionally, a bag that closes completely (such as a backpack) prevents personal items from falling out when stored, and is a better option than an open purse. Additional items that we recommend you to bring: 

• Hat (to protect yourself from the sun)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Sturdy walking shoes

• Bathing suit 

• Phone charger

• Headphones

• Travel pillow

• Ear plugs

Our Paragon experience is well-paced and packs in so many incredible experiences—yet it’s not without leisure time to explore the region yourself, or simply to unwind and relax. While our activities each day will vary, the cadence remains about the same, with most days starting between 8:30 and 9am, and finishing around 4pm, then reconvening for dinner around 7pm. 

You will have the following days and times at your leisure, where you can explore, dine where you wish, and enjoy Japan on your own. 

• Day 5, in the afternoon

• Day 7 in the morning

In Japan the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50-60 Hz. For guests traveling from the United States of America, some equipment will work fine (we use A and B sockets in the USA at 120v), however some devices may need an voltage adaptor, especially equipment involving heating (i.e., hair dryers). 

Our culinary experiences within each adventure are designed with a narrative to showcase the breadth of deliciousness of the region. 

All meals (except for those during your free time) are covered in the cost of your experience. Select beer, wine and spirits will be served with every group meal. If you’d prefer not to drink, that’s fine too!

Our accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, and we recommend using Wi-Fi supported apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype as an alternative to making calls from your mobile phone. For US travelers, many phone providers have temporary international travel plans. Check with your provider for options.

Our local guides are experts in all things related to our destinations. They are deeply knowledgeable with respect to Japan and local history, culture and customs, and are passionate about sharing that with all of us. They are our interpreter, local host and will introduce us to the local way of life.

Our Paragon trip leader has led travel experiences throughout the world for years, sharing their passion for the transformational power of travel and the art of a well-designed good time. They are your host, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone. They will be your go-to for any and all questions around our daily flow, meeting points, times, what to expect and any questions or concerns that may arise. 

The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), worth roughly 107 yen to 1 US dollar. There are numerous ATMs in Japan to access your bank back home. Many restaurants and shops in Japan accept credit cards; however you will want some yen notes when traveling outside of the main cities. 

We curate your Paragon experience to ensure all activities are immersive and included in your trip price. We recommend bringing enough money with you for a few meals on your own, as well as any souvenirs or local arts and crafts you might like to bring back with you.

Most gratuities and tips are included in our trip price. Tipping isn't customary in Japan and can be considered rude or insulting in many situations. Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress. Tipping also isn't required for cab or bus rides and many hotel services.

Please note, however, that tipping our Paragon guide is at your discretion; to show your appreciation for good service, we recommend tipping guides US$70 - $150 per guest.

The majority of this adventure requires a moderate amount of active participation, with light walking over short distances, often over uneven surfaces. It may be required to climb stairs to reach activity destinations or other locations. Although individual activities themselves are not heavily active or strenuous, some activities or locations may present challenges to persons with special needs or physical limitations. Neither our staff or suppliers may physically lift or assist travelers onto transportation or on daily activities. If you have questions or concerns about particular activities or trip aspects, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Traveling with dietary restrictions or allergies can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. Prior to your departure, we’ll send you a questionnaire where you can inform us of any special dietary needs you have. Depending on the information you give us, we will work with our in-country partners to adjust menus and be aware of allergies and restrictions on the trip. 

For solo travelers, there is a $10,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. If you would like us to pair you with a roommate, that option may be available upon checkout—these spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We offer 24/7 support for all trips from our headquarters in Portland, Oregon. While traveling, the Paragon Support Line is +1 (503) 374-9055. If you experience travel delays or if friends and family need to contact you urgently, this is the number to call.

Transfers are included for both your arrival and departure. We will reach out to you directly with details as we approach our departure date.

Group travel is an intimate, empowering and fun way to learn about yourself and others. Like any good relationship, it thrives with respect. We ask that every guest honors the key times in a day to ensure everyone's experience is the absolute best it can be. This is everyone's adventure! We also appreciate that time is precious. Every trip incorporates a mix of guided and free time for optimal exploration. But if you’re looking for more time on your own, please let your trip leader know and they can advise the best times to do this.

This departure is limited to 8 guests, plus our Paragon team. Group travel is a wonderful way to meet new people and have shared experiences together. Our experiences are fun and inclusive. You can expect to be joined by a diverse group of people in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. The common unifier of our guests is that they are curious, adventurous, and independent. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above. 

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. 

For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most 'Cancel For Any Reason' policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

While Modern Adventure does not recommend any policy specifically, we encourage you to compare benefits and options, a few of which are listed below. We recommend that any plan you select includes trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, at minimum.

• Allianz

• Travelex 

• IMG Global

• Squaremouth

Currently US citizens with a U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months). It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. Not a US citizen? Please check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

Thank you again for joining us! We can’t wait to explore Japan with you. Over the coming weeks, we will reach out to gather the information necessary for your departure. 

For questions or to speak with a Paragon travel concierge, please call or text +1 (503) 487-0363 or email paragon@modernadventure.com