Escorted & Package Tours

Packages for the Independent Traveler

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as airport transfers and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source for package deals is the airlines, which often package their flights with accommodations. Japan Airlines, Japan's flagship carrier, operates JALPAK (www.jalpak.com), with airfare and hotel packages to Japan, plus optional escorted day trips. American Airlines (tel. 800/949-3556; www.aa.com) offers hotels in Tokyo in addition to its flights. Northwest Airlines World Vacations (tel. 800/800-1504; www.nwaworldvacations.com) also offers flight-and-hotel packages to Tokyo.

Companies offering independent packages to Japan include JTB USA (tel. 800/235-3523; www.jtbusa.com). Many more are listed at www.japantravelinfo.com, the North American website for JNTO, and www.seejapan.co.uk, JNTO's website in the U.K.

Travel packages may also be listed in the travel sections of major Sunday newspapers. Or check ads in national travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Conde Nast Traveler.

Escorted General-Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.

Despite the fact that escorted tours require big deposits and predetermine hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, many people derive security and peace of mind from the structure they offer. Escorted tours -- whether they're navigated by bus, motor coach, train, or boat -- let travelers sit back and enjoy the trip without having to drive or worry about details. They take you to the maximum number of sights in the minimum amount of time with the least amount of hassle. They're particularly convenient for people with limited mobility and they can be a great way to make new friends.

On the downside, you'll have little opportunity for serendipitous interactions with locals. The tours can be jam-packed with activities, leaving little room for individual sightseeing, whim, or adventure -- plus they often focus on the heavily touristed sites, so you miss out on many a lesser-known gem.

That said, lots of tour companies offer group trips that include a stop in Tokyo, including General Tours (tel. 800/221-2216; www.generaltours.com), which offers tours to major tourist destinations in Japan. JTB USA (tel. 800/235-3523; www.jtbusa.com) offers tours that may highlight anything from Japanese cuisine to art. Esprit Travel & Tours (tel. 800/377-7481; www.esprittravel.com) specializes in small-group walking trips, hiking trips, and cultural trips that cover such interests as textile arts, Japanese gardens, and the old Tokaido Road. If you want someone else to take care of logistics but don't like group tours, Artisans of Leisure (tel. 800/214-8144; www.artisansofleisure.com) provides luxury tours with private guides that are tailored to your interests. For more information on escorted tours departing from North America, go to www.japantravelinfo.com; for tours departing from England, go to www.seejapan.co.uk.

Ask Before You Go

Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour:

• Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required?

• Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.

• Request a complete schedule. (Escorted tours only)

• Ask about the size and demographics of the group. (Escorted tours only)

• Discuss what is included in the price (transportation, meals, tips, airport transfers, etc.). (Escorted tours only)

• Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.