Page 58 - Japan’s Cultural Treasures

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS

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During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Leaders. All
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an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Leaders
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wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability
to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Leaders ensure that your experience
with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Culture & Points to Know

Dietary Restrictions

Our meals will be based on the local cuisine. Western foods will be available at breakfast and
some lunches, but otherwise we will experience the foods of Japan—many of them containing
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dietary restrictions or allergies, but this is not always guaranteed; if you have any allergies or
special requests please let your Trip Leader know. If you are sensitive to MSG, please keep in
mind that this is a very common ingredient in Japan, and that it may not be possible to avoid
it entirely.

Language Barrier

You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if
you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be
a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a
few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive
toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball rolling. Keep in mind, however, that it is always
good form to know at least a few words in the local language.

Taking Photographs
The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about
the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a
close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older
woman. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject, try to have a
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Leader can help.

Visiting a Home

During your trip, you will visit to a local home for tea and a glimpse of daily Japanese life.
Therefore we want to inform you that, in Japan it is customary—though not compulsory— for
guests to bring a small gift from their home country to present to their hosts. It could be

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