Discover a side of Japan that few travellers reach. Our brand-new nine-day Kyushu adventure takes you to the country's third-largest island, where dramatic landscapes, bubbling hot springs and rich culture await. Explore the vibrant cities of Fukuoka and Nagasaki, enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan, and sample the region's famous tonkotsu ramen. There's even a chance to see one of the world's largest volcanic caldera - an awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Breakfast: 8
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 1
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Local Guide(s)
Ferry
Minibus
Public Bus
Train
7 nights comfortable hotel
1 nights comfortable ryokan
Full on
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our tour starts today in Fukuoka on Kyushu Island, Japan's third-largest island and the historic gateway to Asia. This southernmost island of the mainland is influenced by a long history of contact with the rest of Asia and the West.
Fukuoka is the largest city and a hotspot of culture, art, history and food. This is a great place to start our exploration of northern Kyushu, through a landscape of dramatic mountains, volcanic terrain, varied hot springs and peaceful beaches. Fukuoka is known as one of the top destinations in Japan for delicious food. While the seafood and vegetables are excellent, the city is also famous for its chicken dishes. Local specialties include mizutaki (a hot pot made with chicken) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). The city also has a great street food scene, and one dish that has gone global is tonkotsu ramen - a local variation on a famous noodle dish. If you are arriving early, you may choose to visit the Kyushu National Museum or Fukuoka Tower.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting, with the chance to go out afterwards with the rest of the group for dinner. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
We don't provide arrival transfers on this tour, but information on how to reach the hotel will be provided in your final documentation. Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is around 20 minutes away from the hotel by metro or slightly longer by a relatively inexpensive taxi, depending on traffic.
If you're joining this trip after participating in one of our other trips that end on Honshu Island, such as Simply Japan, you can either make your own way to Fukuoka or contact us to put you in touch with our local partners who will help arrange your train ticket.
Hakata Tokyu EXCEL Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Our adventure kicks off after breakfast this morning. First, we take the train out of town to the peaceful grounds of the Shinto shrine of Dazaifu Tenmangu. Hundreds of Tenmangu shrines exist across Japan, dedicated to the exiled scholar Michizane and, among these, two reign supreme - one in Kyoto and this one in Fukuoka, which is built atop his grave. Thousands of plum trees are planted here, adding to the natural beauty.
After heading back into town, we explore Ohori, a scenic city park with a large pond, which was once part of the moat system of a castle. After an included tonkotsu ramen lunch, we continue to Tochoji Temple, home to Japan's largest seated Buddha, and Jotenji Temple - the birthplace of udon and soba noodles. We end today's tour with a glimpse into traditional life, crafts and culture in the Meiji and Taisho eras at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, which focuses on the houses from that period.
Fukuoka is well known for its open-air food stalls (Yatai), and tonight we recommend trying some of them out. They're not suitable for a group meal as they can only seat a few people, so we suggest splitting up into mini groups or exploring on your own. There are dozens across town, your tour leader will be able to advise you on which ones you should visit - there are several which are centrally located, as well as some situated along the water on the southern end of Nakasu Island. Depending on how many of the group arrive in time for the day 1 meeting, your Tour Leader may arrange a group meal tonight and advise Yatai stalls for the first night.
We have a busy day ahead today as we set off on our travels around Kyushu. First, we take the bullet train to Nagasaki - a journey of around one hour and a half. Nagasaki is an important deep harbour city with an eventful history and was, of course, the target of the second atomic bomb attack on Japan. Our first visit is to the poignant and moving Peace Park and Museum, a memorial site dedicated to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing, which symbolises the hope for world peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The city was, for long periods in its history, Japan's main contact with the outside world. In the 16th century, it was established as the main trade point with the Portuguese. As well as providing wealth from trade, the Portuguese introduced Christianity. After almost a century of turmoil, the religion was banned, foreign traders were expelled, and Japan closed its doors to the West. The one exception was the artificial island in Nagasaki harbour, Dejima. This small, closely guarded enclave was the site of the Dutch Trading Mission, which remained Japan's only contact with the outside world for almost 200 years. During our visit here and to the residential quarters of Glover Gardens this afternoon, we'll see that some of the original features remain, as well as some excellent reconstructions of the 18th-century buildings. We also plan to visit Oura Cathedral, Japan's oldest standing Christian church and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our hotel isn't located in this area, so we'll stop for a group dinner in Dejima, for those who want to join, straight after our tour. This evening, you have the optional opportunity to catch one of the 'three greatest nighttime views in Japan' from Mount Inasa - wait until night falls and then take the cable car, which is just a few minutes' walk from our hotel.
Please note, our main luggage will be forwarded to our hotel in Kumamoto today, and we'll be travelling with just our overnight bags. Depending on local arrangements, you might need to leave your luggage in reception the night of Day 2 or before breakfast this morning - your tour leader will advise you on the time. For more information, please refer to the Budgeting & packing section of the Trip Information.
Inasayama Kanko Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we make our way to Shimabara Port by local train (a two hour journey), where we ride the ferry (a one-hour journey), then a local bus bound for Kumamoto, a major city rich in samurai history located on the west coast of Kyushu Island.
After some free time for lunch, our first visit is to the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-born American writer who ended up living here and helped introduce the culture and literature of Japan to the West. Panoramic views await us from the City Hall Observation Deck. Kumamoto Castle is considered to be one of the three most impressive in Japan, and after our visit, we have some free time at Sakura-no-baba Josaien - a complex of shops selling crafts, souvenirs and local produce designed to look like a traditional walled castle town.
Koko Hotel Premier Kumamoto (or similar)
Over the next two days, we'll traverse the dramatic volcanic landscapes of northern Kyushu by charter bus. At times, we'll be travelling through Aso-Kuju National Park - a dynamic landscape with volcanic peaks, hot springs, virgin forests and vast grasslands. The southern part of the park is dominated by Mount Aso, one of the world's largest calderas with five peaks within it that are said to resemble a sleeping Buddha. This morning, we plan to visit Aso Sanjo Shrine, located high up Mt Aso, enshrining a volcanic crater. Kamishikimi Kumanomimasu shrine offers a contrasting setting amid the forest, and we access it on a stone staircase through sacred torii gates.
For over a millennium, the park's grasslands have been seared away in a controlled burn from mid-February to March. This helps preserve the grasslands for cattle and horses. Parts of the caldera and national park are 'regular sections' where inhabitants farm and graze the rich soils, and we plan to stop at the Aso Milk factory, famous in Japan for its high-quality milk and cheese products. Our journey continues this afternoon with a stop at the Daikanbo Lookout for commanding views over the caldera. Our final stop is at the ancient and revered Aso Shrine before we continue to our nightstop in the attractive hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen. This resort town has managed to maintain a pleasant, traditional atmosphere, and we recommend a walk through town in yukata and geta sandals to explore the lanes lined with wooden buildings, ryokan, onsen (public bath houses), shops and cafes.
In Kurokawa Onsen we stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodation. The rooms are twin-share or single with traditional tatami-mat (woven soft 'igusa' straw) flooring and futons to sleep on. Generally, the rooms are simply decorated with a low 'kotatsu' table to sit around and a scroll or picture in an alcove. Shoes are removed at the entrance and are not permitted anywhere within the accommodation. There are shared toilets and traditional baths. The shower in the bathing area is used to cleanse before a relaxing soak. Please note that, due to the small size of each accommodation here, the group will be spread out over several Ryokan. In cases of limited availability this overnight stay may be in another location in the wider Aso-Kuju area, or alternatively in a hotel accommodation in Kurakawa Onsen.
Please also note that occasional volcanic activity may cause changes to our planned itinerary - our tour leader will inform you of any necessary changes.
Senomoto Kogen Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Ryokan
Continuing our journey across Kyushu today, we'll make several stops at places of interest along the way. Our first visit is along a 1-kilometre/0.6-mile trail that leads us to Nabegataki Falls, a 10-metre/33-foot high waterfall with access to the cavern behind the falls. Next up we'll make a stop at Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi - a dramatic footbridge that traverses the panoramic scenery of a remote forested valley.
The taiko drum has been part of the Japanese culture for centuries, used at different times in communication, military and religious ceremonies. This afternoon, if the weather allows, we plan to see a taiko drum performance on an open-air stage against a dramatic backdrop. Please note that this will not always be possible from January to March as the group performs only occasionally through these months. The order of visits today may vary according to local conditions and daylight hours.
Tadewara is one of two protected marshes at the edge of the Kuju mountain range, which runs through the centre of the National Park. It is home to a variety of rare plants as well as birdlife, and we will spend some time walking the elevated cedar boardwalks to explore these marshlands.
Finally, we reach our hotel in Beppu, where we'll spend the next two nights. With over 2,000 hot springs, Beppu is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, and only Yosemite produces more. Despite being heavily geared up for tourism, Beppu is still a place of interest and worthy of inclusion in the itinerary.
Please note, our main luggage will be forwarded to our hotel in Fukuoka for our arrival on Day 8, and we'll be travelling with just our bags for the next couple of nights. Depending on local arrangements, you might need to leave your luggage in reception the night of Day 5 or before breakfast this morning - your tour leader will advise you on the time. For more information, please refer to the Budgeting & packing section of the Trip Information.
Kamenoi Hotel Beppu (or similar)
Beppu is Japan's hot spring capital with eight major springs and some 3,000 vents - you'll be able to see and smell the sulphurous steam rising across this resort city. This morning we will visit some of the popular and colourful hot springs in what is locally known as a hell tour - including Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku), Cooking Pot (Kamado Jigoku), Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku) and depending on the time of your visit you may be lucky enough to see a Geyser erupting.
For lunch today, we've planned jigoku-mushi or 'hell steaming'. With the help of a local guide, we'll source our ingredients from the local market and shops before cooking over the natural geothermal steam. Then, this afternoon, we'll visit Myoban Yunosato, a hot spring with views over Beppu. The yu-no-hana thatch-roof huts here continue to make bathing salts in the traditional method, maintaining 300 years of Edo-period craftsmanship.
The rest of the late afternoon is free for you to explore solo. Takegawara Onsen was built in 1879 and is one of the oldest and most famous, so you may wish to visit to see the distinctive architecture and perhaps even have a communal hot bath or a sand bath.
This morning, we leave Beppu and take the local express train to the former castle town of Kitsuki - a hidden gem in Oita, which is known by locals but more rarely touched by foreign tourists.
We've planned a short walking tour with a local guide to explore the samurai townscape, seaside castle setting and streets infused with the Edo-era and four historic artisan shops - accessible only with a local guide. The tour includes a rare magewappa (woodcraft) workshop run by one of only two remaining craftsmen in Kyushu, a miso brewery founded in 1900, a traditional tea shop from the mid-Edo period, and a sake brewery established in 1874 with multiple awards. Enjoy tastings of miso, matcha and sake. This is a rare opportunity to experience over a century of craftsmanship and tradition. After some free time for lunch here, we'll return to Fukuoka by express train (a journey of around two hours).
We'll check into our hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before our final supper and a chance to reflect on the holiday.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Fukuoka.
There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Fukuoka at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Fukuoka Airport (FUK), which is around 20 minutes away from the hotel. The transfer will be by metro, and our tour leader will give you your ticket and clear instructions so you can travel unescorted.
Japan's climate is mostly temperate, with five distinct seasons. Summer is from June to September with temperatures reaching 30°c, although it can vary from warm to very hot after mid-July with temperatures in the mid-30s. July and August can be very hot and humid. Spring and Autumn are mild throughout Japan. Winter, October to April, is cold with snowfall. The main rainy season is June. Japan can be prone to short, tropical cyclones in August to October. October / November although cooler is a great time to see the Autumn colours. For trips that visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen, you're very likely to see them all year around, aside from in October/November when there is enough food in the forest to prevent them coming down to the baths. You may still see some at this time but not in the numbers found during the rest of the year.
+9
2 Pin Flat
Buddhism, Christian and Shinto
Japanese
Nagasaki - Cable Car to Mount Inasa The ropeway operates from 9:00 to 22:00, with gondolas departing every 15-20 minutes. A round trip costs 1,250 yen for adults (approx. 7GBP). Beppu Takegawara Onsen - one of the oldest and most famous public hot baths built in 1879. A regular bath costs 300 yen for adults. The sand bath experience, which includes access to the regular bath, costs 1,500 yen (approx. 10GBP). Towels and yukata (for the sand bath) may be extra, or included in the sand bath price. The sand bath needs pre-booking so please speak with your Tour Leader to help with this.
Rain gear is essential all year. In fact, in Japan it is the norm to carry an umbrella, which is much preferred over wearing a wet rain jacket which can carry water indoors. You will need warmer clothing from October through until April when temperatures drop, especially at night. From December to February the temperature is around 5 to 10 degrees in the day, and can approach freezing on some nights so bring extra layers if you are travelling at this time. The summers are hot and humid.
Comfortable shoes, and sandals for relaxing. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off are recommended for visiting temples and for your stay in a ryokan. To avoid single use plastic bags, we advise you bring a reusable bag to put your shoes in when visiting temples and other sites where you are required to remove your shoes and carry them around with you.
20Kg
You should take one main piece of baggage and an overnight bag with space for 2 nights/3 days of clothes and things you will need when separated from your main bags. Your main luggage won't always accompany you, being forwarded on day 3 from Fukuoka to Kumamoto and on day 6 from Kurokawa Onsen to Fukuoka. Your overnight bag should therefore have sufficient space for 1 night in Nagasaki and 2 consecutive nights in Beppu. The reason we include this luggage forwarding service is to avoid being encumbered on the train journeys, where you will be responsible for your luggage, and aside from limited space on the train itself, this will involve train connections where you will need to change platforms in stations where there are no lifts or escalators and with a limited connection time. On arrival into a new location we normally head to the hotel to drop off the overnight bag or use local storage near the station. Therefore you may find it useful to bring a smaller daypack for essential things, as you may not wish to carry your overnight bag around with you. It is not obligatory; should you wish to keep your main bag with you throughout the trip please let the Tour Leader know upon arrival or at time of booking, and in this case we strongly recommend either a compact suitcase with wheels or a good quality rucksack, as well as packing relatively light so you can easily move your luggage from point to point and up and down stairs. Hotels in Japan frequently have excellent self-service laundry facilities with convenient washer driers that dispense detergent and softener so it is easy to travel light and wash your clothes as you go along. Japan's rail network has a policy that requires passengers with oversized baggage to reserve a specific seat in an oversized baggage area. This relates to baggage with overall dimensions of over 160cm (taken by adding the height+width+depth measurements). These overall dimensions are around the same for which oversized baggage fees are charged on international airlines, so it's unlikely that you will be bringing a suitcase of this size. However, it is worth checking the dimensions and then repacking with a smaller case if necessary. Due to the complexities of booking these seats, if you arrive with an oversized bag and wish to travel with this throughout the trip, our team in Japan will be required to ship the luggage from one place to the next from the beginning to the end of the tour, at an additional cost that you will be required to pay on tour.
While not essential, you may find it very useful to have constant access to the internet on your smartphone. This would be to use translation and navigation apps while on the go each day, as well as staying in touch with the group using WhatsApp. Therefore you may consider to get an eSIM either before travel or on arrival. Bring a water bottle to save on purchase of plastic bottles and a small torch. Hairdryers are provided at all the hotels. Kettles are provided in most hotel rooms. You may find insect repellant useful particularly for hotter and more humid times of the year. It is possible to consult the Tour Leader at the start of your trip and buy some locally before leaving Fukuoka. To avoid single use plastic bags, we advise you bring a reusable bag. You will find it useful to have a bag with you when out and about to store any rubbish in as bins are not frequently found as in other countries. Over the counter medication - please note that getting a top up or replacement prescription can be very difficult in Japan and will require a medical appointment. Even then the medication you normally use may have restricted use in Japan and it is not guaranteed you will get the same prescription. For this reason you should always take it with you in your hand luggage and not checked in.
Ferry, Minibus, Public Bus, Train
During this tour, we stay in comfortable-graded hotels. Each one has been chosen with location in mind and is just a short walk from the nearest metro or train station. While clean and comfortable, hotel rooms and ensuite bathrooms in Japan are often much smaller than in other destinations. This is due to the pressure on space in high-density urban areas coupled with Japanese expectations about the size of living spaces. It's unlikely that you'll be able to keep your suitcase open at all times, especially when sharing the room. For this reason, and the fact we use a lot of public transport, we recommend packing light. Please see our luggage information for more information. Many hotels in Japan have self-service laundry facilities with washer driers that dispense detergent and softener, so it's perfectly possible to travel light and clean your clothes as you go. In Nagasaki we will be staying in a hotel that is located around twenty minutes walking away from the centre of town, on a hill with easy access to the cable car that goes up Mount Inasa. To save time today, on arrival we plan to make use of the train station lockers for anybody that prefers to store their overnight bag and not carry it around with them for the whole day, rather than spending time heading to drop them off at the hotel. In Kurokawa Onsen we stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodation. The rooms are twin-share with traditional tatami-mat (woven soft 'igusa' straw) flooring and futons to sleep on. Generally, the rooms are simply decorated with a low 'kotatsu' table to sit around and a scroll or picture in an alcove. Shoes are removed at the entrance and are not permitted anywhere within the accommodation. There are shared toilets and traditional baths. The shower in the bathing area is used to cleanse before a relaxing soak. Please note that, due to the small size of each accommodation here, the group will be spread out over several Ryokan. In cases of limited availability this overnight stay may be in another location in the wider Aso-Kuju area, or alternatively in a hotel accommodation in Kurakawa Onsen. Most hotels in Japan are in large multi-story blocks and have locked staircases which can only be accessed in the event of an emergency, and there is a seal that is broken to access the staircases. At all other times it is expected that guests will use the lifts to move between floors, even if just one or two floors. If this is an issue for you please raise at time of booking to discuss.
Food in Japan is of paramount importance culturally and is often a highlight for those visitors interested in different cuisines. Options for vegetarians are limited as fish and seafood plays an important part in local cuisine and many vegetable dishes are cooked in fish broth. Options for vegans are extremely limited in general and especially outside of the main cities. In Kurokawa Onsen, if we are staying in the Ryokan, we include a traditional dinner. For people with severe allergies please note that it will be impossible to cater without risk of cross contamination, depending on the specific allergy, as the meal is prepared by one chef in a limited kitchen for all guests staying at the guesthouse. You should always advise us of any allergies but in this case please enquire at time of booking or prior to travel to see what will be possible. For others with allergies and preferences in their diet please note that we will try to accommodate but, while the meal will be plentiful, you may be offered slightly less choice than others. If the accommodation is unable to cater for our evening meal then it will be served in a local restaurant instead.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form in advance. By filling out this form online you will recieve a QR code which can then be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This will help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 \ul \ulnone
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.