Clear and flexible policies to help you book with confidence
Flexible policies designed to make booking your Japan shore excursion simple and stress-free.
Your shore excursion can be reserved with 50% of the total price. The other 50% must be paid 30 days before your embarkation.
For our private shore excursions in major ports of Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka (Kyoto), and Kobe, your deposit is fully refundable up to 15 days before your trip begins - provided you've booked 30 days or more before your final payment due date. Between 15 and 10 days before your departure, 50% of your deposit is refundable. Shorter than 10 days, 0% is refundable.
In other ports with basic English-speaking tour guides, your deposit will be fully refunded up to 30 days before your trip begins, if you booked 45 days or more in advance. Between 30 and 15 days before your departure, 50% of your deposit is refundable. Shorter than 15 days, 0% is refundable.
Group Size Adjustment
Tour prices are based on the number of participants confirmed at the time of booking. If one or more members of the group cancel, the price per person for the remaining guests may be adjusted according to the revised group size.
Private tours involve fixed costs such as vehicles, drivers, and guides, which are shared by the group.
If the group size decreases, the per-person rate may increase.
Remaining guests may accept the adjusted price, or
Cancel the entire excursion according to the cancellation policy above.
Shore Excursion Modification
The shore excursion itinerary displayed on our website has been carefully crafted based on your available time off the ship, ensuring you experience the port's premier attractions while guaranteeing timely return to your vessel. Any destination modifications must be requested prior to embarkation, as subsequent changes cannot be accommodated. If schedule flexibility permits alterations, please note the excursion price will likely increase to cover additional transportation costs, entrance fees, and compensation for guides or drivers—expenses not included in the original package price.
Port Cancellations
We understand that unexpected changes in travel plans can be inconvenient. To ensure transparency, the following policy outlines the terms for booking cancellations due to port cancellations by your cruise line.
Port Cancellations Before Departure
If your cruise ship cancels a scheduled port stop before the voyage begins—typically one to two months in advance—we will cancel your booking for that port and issue a full refund without any penalties.
Port Cancellations After Departure
If your cruise ship cancels a port stop after the voyage has commenced, our refund policy is as follows:
Cancellation at least 48 hours before arrival – You will receive a 100% refund of your booking cost.
Cancellation less than 48 hours before arrival – Unfortunately, no refund will be provided.
Reasoning for the Refund Policy
Our ability to offer refunds is limited by contractual obligations with local car rental companies in Japan. When securing rental vehicles—especially larger ones—we must pay a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. As a result, last-minute cancellations directly impact our ability to recover these costs.
Unforeseen Circumstances & Proactive Measures
Most port cancellations occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as typhoons, severe weather conditions, or other operational decisions made by the cruise line. These cancellations are beyond our control and are often determined on short notice.
To mitigate potential disruptions and provide the best possible service, we proactively communicate with Port Authorities at each destination in the days leading up to your scheduled arrival. Since we receive updates directly from the ports, we are often among the first to learn of any cancellations. This allows us to take swift action to adjust reservations and minimize costs for our customers whenever possible.
Insurance Claim Support
You may seek compensation from the cruise line or your travel insurance provider. We are happy to support you and provide your booking confirmation as evidence of your claim. We also strongly recommend you purchase a travel insurance to protect your travel. You can find more information of our preferred insurance provider AIG Travel Guard on our site.
If your cruise line informs you that your trip is canceled due to the pandemic, earthquake, or war, you'll also receive a 100% refund for your booking.
The Best Travel Protection
You can get a Travel Guard quote online immediately and shop different products that may fit you.
For American travelers, you may call 1.800.826.5248 to speak with an agent (Please do bring Japan Adventure Club account Number 348460) for the best price.