Family Japan highlights tour on a Shoestring

Planet

Our aim is to contribute to a sustainable society and to sustainable tourism. Any activity we undertake endeavors to tread lightly on the planet; empowering travelers and local communities to leave a positive impact on the surrounding environments in which they visit or live. We will always strive to manage our resources so economic and social needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity and biological diversity – therefore preserving the elements that make our destinations such desirable places to visit. We also work closely with our suppliers to deliver higher sustainability standards and motivate them towards more sustainable travel behaviour.

Much of this tour is conducted on Japan’s superb public transport system. You will travel on local trains and buses with a guide or cross country on the shinkansen – Japan’s famous bullet trains, reported to cut CO2 emissions by 97% compared to air travel. They used recycled aluminium in their manufacture and regenerative braking converts kinetic energy back to electricity.

Whilst some of the trip is designed to be self-guided where you can choose to eat in local restaurants and pay directly into the community, you will be escorted through some of your journey by local guides, speaking English and Japanese. Visiting Nakimise will give you an opportunity to support artisan craftsmen and local business owners. The Peace Museum in Hiroshima, whilst sometimes an uncomfortable moment, is a wonderful opportunity to reflect and admire the country’s dedication to driving global peace and preventing future military nuclear use. The surrounding Peace Park, with trees donated from across Japan, symbolizes renewal, bringing nature back to a devastated area and representing hope and rebirth. You will see this theme in several of the parks and gardens you visit across Japan as they work to preserve natural heritage and increase urban green spaces.

Wildlife conservation aims to ensure those species of animal most endangered or at threat are secured and able to recover in the wild. Conservation and regulation are essential for the preservation of certain animal species. Unfortunately, not all animal attractions and wildlife excursions operate legally or in accordance with local and national legal requirements. We will only work with those suppliers, animal attractions or wildlife-related excursions that hold a valid license to operate.

People

Our suppliers in Japan have partnered with the ChildSafe Movement to help protect children at risk of crimes against them. They are promoting ways of keeping children safe as sadly many children today are victims of sex tourism. Tourism is not the cause of these crimes, but many offenders travel to commit abuse. As part of the agreement with ChildSafe, they are onboarding staff and guides through dedicated training programs.

Our group operators hold a current Travelife certificate - Strengthening our commitment to sustainability management and delivering consistent sustainable business practices, they joined the Travelife Sustainability in Tourism Scheme in 2017 to steer its practices along a more responsible path.

We are jointly committed to respecting all individuals, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, political ideology, creed, gender, national origin, family background, or disability. Our policy ensures that every member of our team and all stakeholders are treated with fairness and respect.