* The answers are given from Enna's perspective.
 

Answer: Absolutely not.  Japan has the opportunity to eat raw fish but you will always have the option to choose Western style food and cooked Japanese cuisine.

Question 4:  What happens if I get lost in Japan?

 

Answer: When you arrive in Japan we will be conducting an orientation seminar along with key items to keep in your possession.  This includes a phone card, expense money, maps, phone numbers of our guides, and locations and addresses of our hotels. This is not something of too much concern; we have never lost anyone on the tour and plan not to in the future.

Question 5:  The tour that is outlined does not tour companies in my industry.  What will the benefit be for me, if any?
 

Answer: The tour will focus on how to manage people and how managers and executives are creating the right improvement environment.  This underlying structure of success is common across any business. 

Question 6:  Should I bring a suit?
 

Answer:  Yes, please bring a suit. Also, you can bring two sport jacket for the trip.  You are a business professional touring businesses that are opening their doors to you.  A great way to show respect to them is to dress professional.  Japan has not adopted business casual.  Please wear a white long-sleeved shirt, tie, with good dress pants and a sports jacket.  Open collar shirt with long-sleeves is not recommended.  Conservative tops and slacks are what we would ask of our women participants.  A key item will be good walking dress shoes.

Question 7:  Can I stay longer in Japan to tour the country and/or conduct business?
 

Answer: Yes. We have additional tour package add-ons for just this type of request.  Japan is a wonderful and easily tourable country and we are more than willing to help you with the rest of your travels by providing all arrangements prior to your departing to Japan. 

Question 8:  How do I make sure I don't offend someone at a host company?
 

Answer: Don’t worry about this.  During our Sunday orientation we cover all aspects of business etiquette and Japanese business culture.  As long as you are respectful and polite the Japanese people realize you are a foreigner and provide you forgiveness.  As well, the tour host will teach you key aspects to remember when meeting business people while in Japan.

Question 9:  When will we be able to buy gifts for friends and family?
 

Answer: You will have some formal time on Friday afternoon to purchase gifts.  This is first and foremost a business and educational trip.  If you require time to do some serious shopping in Japan we encourage you to stay longer after the tour to do your shopping.  On Friday afternoon we tour Kyoto and provide plenty of time to gift shop and get that right gift for you to take home.

Question 10:  Will we stay in Western style hotels?

 

Answer: Absolutely, all our accommodations will be at the best hotels and we will make sure you are comfortable.  We need to ensure you are well rested and a good comfortable night sleep is most important.

Question 11:  Can I use my laptop to check e-mail from my hotel room?

 

Answer: Yes.  Japanese hotels are very modern and most likely have high-speed internet available for you to use.  If a hotel does not have internet we can always direct you to an internet café or a local Kinko’s.

Question 12:  What travel documents do I need in order to go to Japan?

 

Answer: There may be a need to have travel visas provided prior to your travel to Japan.  For visa requirements, please check with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/.  You will need a valid passport as well.  The US Passport Office recommends that you renew your passport 9 months before it expires.  For passport information, please check with the passport office of your country.

Question 13:  Do I have to learn Japanese?

 

Answer: Absolutely not.  Enna’s employees and tour guides are fluent in Japanese and English and will be your ambassadors to Japan.  They understand the proper rituals and customs in Japan so please depend on them. We are also able to provide interpreters in many languages as well for the tour so if you speak another language other than English we will provide a translator as long as the contingent is large enough.

Question 14:  How much luggage should I bring on the trip?

 

Answer: We suggest small/medium luggage with a smaller backpack/fanny-pack.  However, pack as light as possible.  Remember that you will be able to pick up some essentials in Japan if you run out.  As well, you will have a passport and other key travel documents so a fanny-pack is usually a great idea to keep important items close to you during your travels.  Most of the time we will have a secure place to store your belongings when you are on the tours so you will not have to carry the items all the time.

Question 15:  Do I need to bring Japanese money?

 

Answer: Many stores accept major credit cards so don’t worry too much about money.  I would recommend that you do change some money into the Japanese Yen but you can do that at the airport upon landing or at an ATM machine too.  Please inform your credit card company your travel dates ahead of time as to make sure the transactions go through and your credit card is not flagged due to the abnormal location.

Question 16:  Is the water safe to drink?

 

Answer: Japan has an excellent infrastructure including the drinking water system.  So please feel safe as the water is safe to drink.

Question 17:  Will my cell phone work while in Japan?

 

Answer:  Probably not.  Unless it is an international model do not count on cell phones working.  However, if you need access to a cell phone we can rent a phone for you.

Question 18:  Should we bring gifts for companies I visit?

 

Answer:  It is not necessary to do so.  However, if you have something unique from your business and easy to carry please bring those for the companies.  We will provide them with gifts on behalf of our participants.  Please remember to bring your business cards as exchanging business cards upon meeting a Japanese employee is customary and it is the best way to exchange contact information.

Question 19:  Should we exchange US money in Japan or USA?
 

Answer:  We suggest that you exchange your money before you leave for Japan.  There are currency exchange booths available in Narita Airport.  However, you may have to wait in a long line or just don't have time to do so.

For current exchange rate information, please visit
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
http://www.x-rates.com/

Question 20:  Do they take credit cards in Japan?

Answer:  Major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, are accepted at major establishments.

Question 21:  Am I free to tour around by myself at night?

Answer:  It is possible, but not usually recommended.  We'd like to make sure that you can focus on learning and have a good rest before each day.

Question 22:  Do I have my own room or have to share a room with other participants?

 

Answer:  You will have your own room.  Your room will provide you with various amenities including high-speed internet if you wish.