FAQs & Rain Policy

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Important: For Bike Tours, Riding in the rain is neither fun nor safe (trust us). Please help us by keeping an eye on email when the skies are grey. We will always do our best to get out on the bikes and we will always refund you in case of cancellation, but please make sure you are contactable.

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IMPORTANT: All our tours need a minimum of two guest bookings to be a "GO".

If only one guest books a tour, we will inform the guest of the situation within 24hrs after the booking is made.

Any tour with one guest only can be canceled by Japan Tour Adventure, by 20:00 the day before the tour, as the minimum guest requirement cannot be met. In this situation, the guest will get a full refund.

We apologize if it happens, and we thank you very much for your understanding.

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1. In case of rain, how do you decide whether to run the tour? How can you inform me?

The activity will be canceled if the previous day’s weather forecast (Japan Meteorological Agency) says the chance of rain is more than 60%. We will inform you by email by 8 pm the evening before departure so please be sure to check your emails the night before the tour. If you have any questions, please get in touch! Rain does NOT change anything with a walking tour, so be sure to bring something like an umbrella or a Raincoat.

 

2. What if it’s raining on the day of the tour?

In the event of surprise rain, please get in touch by email and we discuss case-by-case.

 

3. Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes. Prior reservation is required. Booking 2 days in advance is highly recommended, especially in spring and autumn for guided tours. Eigo Tours are easier to fill in as we can set a bigger capacity.

 

4. What should I bring?

FOR GUIDED TOURS: Be sure to wear something comfortable, jeans are not recommended for biking in Nara, especially in summer. If you have anything to carry, bring a knapsack or backpack. For bike tours, our bikes are equipped with bottle holders but no baskets, so we recommend carrying a small backpack with you.

FOR EIGO TOURS: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Please, bring a pen/pencil with, eventually, an eraser if needed, as you will have to write down information to complete the activity.

 

5. Is there an age limit?

FOR GUIDED TOURS: There is no set age limit, but all under 18s must be physically capable of riding and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If your kids are under 145cm or you are traveling with small children, please check our private family tour as we will be able to tailor more to your needs, including child seats if required.

FOR EIGO TOURS: children must be accompanied by an adult for legal responsibility. We accept up to five minors per adult attending the event for junior high school and high school students. College students can join by themselves, with a minimum of 3 people per group. An ID is required and must be shown to our staff before departure.

 

6. How fit should I be?

FOR GUIDED TOURS: There are a couple of hills in Nara and the "Heart of Nature" Bike Tour can be over 7 hours of continuous (if light) exercise. If you are really worried about fitness, you could try a shorter course, or send us an email so we can design a private course as easily as you like!

FOR EIGO TOURS: those activities are based on the fact that each team goes at its own pace, so there is no time limit nor rush. Even wheelchairs can do the tours, with a little help for uphills.

 

7. How and whom should I contact if I need to cancel the tour?

We often have riders on a waiting list, so please send us an e-mail in advance if you need to cancel. A full refund is available to guests who cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This is not available for no-shows or those guests who cancel with less than 24 hours' notice.

 

8. What kind of lunch do you provide?

This can change depending on the season and the tastes of that day’s riders, but we usually go with one of our selected local Japanese restaurants, for a more authentic experience. If you have a specific diet (vegetarian, vegan,...) please inform us in advance.

 

9. Do I need to bring extra money?

We always recommend that you take some money with you, for extra food, souvenirs,..... Please be aware that many places in Japan still work with Cash only policy. Also, if you really had a great time, our guides surely appreciate a "thank you" gesture, but it is not an obligation.

 

10. Do you ride in winter?

We sure do! Some tours such as "Heart of Nature", Guided Bike Tour in Nara might have some sessions off because of the cold. In that case, please apply for a private tour.

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11. Are deers dangerous in Nara?

No, they are not. Deers are very nice and not afraid of people.

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12. Can we feed the deers in Nara?

You can feed them with some specific crackers you can buy at many locations. As there are a lot of people visiting Nara during spring and autumn, deers might not accept crackers as they already had too many. During summer and winter, fewer people come to Nara so the deers can be hungry and come to you ask for crackers. Nothing dangerous though.

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13. Do you have toilets?

We do not. We do have convenience stores or train stations close to our bike bases, and they have toilets. We will also have some bathroom breaks during the tours.