Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Japan Bus Charter

Quotation and Reservation

Is requesting for a quotation free?

Yes, it’s free. Please feel free to contact us.

From where can I ask for a quotation?

You can ask for a quotation in this site by clicking the “Get a Quote” button. You can find the button on the upper right corner of the site. You can also request for a quotation by sending us an e-mail to (quote@japanbuscharter.com) / LINE.( ID : @japanbuscharter)

How long does it take to get a response after submitting a quotation request?

In general, we will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours. When you request a quote, please indicate if you are in a hurry.

How long in advance before departure do I have to make a reservation?

We recommend you to make a reservation soon after you decide your trip to some extent. Bus availability changes from day to day and is filled with reservation depending on the day.

What kind of vehicles does your service offer?

We have the following vehicle types which are available for reservation: Sedan (maximum of 3 people),  Hi-ace Van (maximum of 8 to 10 people),  Mini Bus (maximum of 23 people),  Small Size Bus (maximum of 21 people), Medium Size Bus (maximum 27 people) and Full Size Bus (maximum of 53 to 60 people). If you have suitcases or other luggages with you, let us know about the sizes, please.

Can I request a vehicle that is not listed on the site?

It depends on the area you’re visiting. Please ask us what kind of vehicle you are looking for.

In which locations is it possible to use your services?

Our services cover all areas of Japan.

What information is required to make a reservation?

To make a reservation, we will require the following details:

Pick-up and drop-off locations and times, the number of passengers, a phone number of the person in charge and preferred payment method.

Please inform us in advance if you require any additional services such as salon, a tour guide or wheelchair access.

What is your pricing process like?

The prices of bus and taxi is different. The rate of using the bus is determined by the day you travel, the traveling distance, the total amount of time it takes per day, and the type of vehicle.

When is the payment due date?

We usually charge 5,250 Japanese Yen as a deposit at booking time. Once the deposit is made, the reservation is confirmed with a receipt. The remaining balance will be paid by 15 days before the service. If the day of service is before 14 days or less than 14 days, full payment is charged at booking.

About Airport Transfer Services

Can I use airport meeting service?

Yes. You can separately reserve an option service. Our staff or a driver will meet you with a sign board.
But whether an English speaking driver can meet you or not depends on the area you take.

Is there an additional cost for requesting for a meeting service?

Yes. there will be a separate charge when requesting for a meeting service.
When you need an English speaking staff, please contact us.
For a non-English speaking staff (driver), it will be free of charge. However, a parking lot fee is required.

Which airport is available for transfer service?

Our airport transfer service is available at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, and New Chitose Airport.
For other airports, a driver who doesn’t speak English will be waiting at the arrival lobby.

What if a plane arrives at early or late?

We will confirm the flight time at booking, and we will be waiting for you at the airport. But when the arrival time would be much delayed, additional fees might be incurred.

How can I meet your driver or staff?

They will be waiting for you holding a sign board at the arrival lobby.

If I cannot find the driver or staff, what should I do?

When you use airport transfer service, we will tell you the telephone number,  in this case, please contact us as soon as possible.
After contacting us, please wait until our staff comes to meet you at our specified place.
If you leave the airport before our staff comes to meet you, we cannot refund the total fee for the transfer service.

About the Fees

What are not included in the fees?

Admission fees, your lunch and accommodation are not included in the fees.

Do I have to make a reservation of accommodations for a guide and a driver?

If you are accompanied by a guide and a driver during your trip, a reservation is required.
Our company can arrange the accommodations on your behalf.
In this case, reservation of two meals, breakfast and dinner is required. They will stay at the same accommodation or near the facility. Also, parking lot fees are separately required.

Payment Methods

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept credit cards as a payment method.
We accept VISA, MASTER, AMERICAN EXPRESS and Diners.
After reservation, a credit-card company will charge you.

Is it possible to make a payment by check?

Unfortunately, payment by check is not an available option.

Can you issue a bill and a receipt?

Yes. We can send you by mail. If you need them, please contact us.

Can I pay by American dollars and other foreign currencies?

No. Only Japanese yen is possible.

About the Vehicles

Can you prepare a child seat?

We may prepare it when you use a taxi. Please contact us. For buses, we cannot set a child seat.

Are all the vehicles air conditioned?

Yes, all the vehicles are air conditioned.

Do all vehicles have trunks?

Full-Size Buses, Mid-Size Buses,Vans and Sedans have trunks. Mini Buses don’t have it.
However, as vehicles with trunks have different capacities depending on vehicles, you may have to load your things into the vehicle when the trunk is full.

Can I smoke in the vehicle?

By principle, it is not allowed to smoke inside the vehicle.

Can I specify a non-smoking vehicle?

For a bus, you can specify a non-smoking vehicle.
You cannot specify a taxi, but we get rid of the smell in advance and we’ll tell your driver you prefer non-smoking car.  Please request at your booking.

Can I drink in the vehicle?

You can drink in most of vehicles.

However, all repair costs will be charged if a drunk customer damages the interior of a vehicle.

The glasses and beer server are not prepared. Some automobiles are equipped with refrigerators, it is advisable to confirm it beforehand.

Are the vehicles insured?

Yes, all the vehicles are insured.
Injuries on board: Unlimited
Property damage on board: Unlimited

About Tour Guide and Assistant

Can I make a reservation for an English speaking guide?

Yes. It’s possible. We can arrange a professional interpreter guide or an English speaking tour assistant suited for your interesting points (detailed explanation about prices and tour spots).

Can I make a reservation with someone who speaks our language?

Basically, English speakers are available.
However, you can make a reservation of other language speakers depending on the necessary area. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Bus Extending Policy

  • If you extended the bus for your own reason, we will charge an extension fee on the spot.
  • However, if the extension is possible due to the next reservation or the driver’s restraint time,
  • we will not be able to compensate for the extension.
  • In that case, you might have to leave the vehicle by the original booking time, please be forewarned.

About Cancellation

  • Please find our cancellation policy as below.
  • 15 days before your trip departure:  5,500 yen
  • From 14 to 8 days before your trip departure:  20%
  • From 7 days to the previous day before departure:  30%
  • On the day before departure:  100%
  • After departure or no contact, no participation:  100%

Others

Do I have to tip the driver?

No, tipping is not customary in Japan. We leave it to the goodwill of our customers.

Where can I meet a driver during my stay in hotel?

Please wait around the lobby of your hotel.
When the driver arrives at the hotel, the driver and the front desk person will guide you with a name board.

Can I change my itinerary?

Please contact us by telephone or e-mail before your departure as follows. After confirmation your changes, we will contact you whether it is possible.
Changes on your date of use: At least 14 days prior to use
Changes on your time of use: At least 3 business days prior to use
Change the places to visit: At least 7 days prior to use

For example, if I reserve 7 hours of use but actually use only 4 hours, will I be charged for the 7 hours?

Yes, you will be charged for 7 hours of use.
If you do not notify us 3 business days in advance of the change in usage time, you will be charged the first amount billed.

What should I do if I left something in the vehicle?

We are not responsible for items lost in the vehicle.
Please check with the driver before he leaves if nothing is left in the trunk or in the car .
We will try our best to locate your lost possessions.
If we find them, we will send them back to you at your expense.