FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT OFF THE EATEN TRACK

  • We specialise in taking you beyond the typical tourist trail in Japan and China. You won't find us in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Beijing, or Shanghai – these cities already have excellent tourism infrastructure that makes independent travel easy. Instead, we go one level deeper, exploring lesser-known destinations where authentic experiences await. Our tours also have a strong focus on food, featuring local specialties, farm visits, traditional producers, and unique culinary experiences you'd be unlikely to discover on your own.

  • Michael and Beth have been organising and guiding tours through word of mouth since way back in 2007, and finally decided to make it official by founding Off The Eaten Track in 2025 to take you on unique food-focused journeys. Our expertise comes from years of building relationships with local producers, farmers, and artisans in off-the-beaten-track destinations across Japan and China.

  • Our travellers are typically adventurous food lovers in their 30s and 40s (though we welcome anyone over 18) who are looking for authentic, deeper cultural experiences. Many are not first-time visitors to Japan or China – they've done the major cities and now want to explore what lies beyond. They're curious, open-minded, and excited to try new foods and experiences.

TOUR DETAILS

  • Our small group tours to Japan normally accommodate 4-6 people, and in China it’s normally 8-12. Some of our more unique offerings might be larger groups, so make sure to check the itinerary. This allows us to deliver personalised attention and authentic local interactions. We also offer private tours for couples, families, or friends who prefer a more customised experience.

  • We focus exclusively on lesser-known regions in Japan and China that offer authentic cultural and culinary experiences. Rather than visiting over-touristed cities, we explore rural areas, traditional towns, and regions where local food culture remains vibrant and unchanged. Specific destinations vary by itinerary – contact us for detailed information about our current offerings

  • Food is central to every Off The Eaten Track experience. Depending on the tour, you can expect:

    • Meals featuring regional specialties unavailable elsewhere

    • Visits to breweries, distilleries, and traditional producers (soy sauce, tea, etc.)

    • Market tours and cooking demonstrations

    • Opportunities to try unique local ingredients and dishes

    • Hands-on experiences making traditional foods

    • Visits to local farms and food production facilities

  • Our tours involve moderate walking and some hiking, as many of our destinations are in rural or mountainous areas. Most activities are accessible to people with reasonable fitness levels. Some of our tours go to high-altitude locations, so you should take proper precautions before joining them. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss accommodations.

  • We take dietary restrictions very seriously and handle them on a case-by-case basis. Please inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or food preferences when booking. Our local guides are well-versed in communicating dietary needs to restaurants and producers. However, given the food-focused nature of our tours, the rural locations we visit, and the local cultures, the experience may be somewhat limited for those with severe restrictions, and we’re unable to guarantee that allergens won’t be included in any dishes.

  • All trips are conducted in English by a bilingual guide who can communicate effectively in Japanese or Mandarin.

BOOKING & PAYMENTS

  • We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons (spring cherry blossom season in Japan, autumn harvest seasons). Our small group sizes and specialized accommodations require advance planning, so make sure to grab your spot early.

  • A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking on a small group tour, and 30% for a private tour, all in Australian Dollars (AUD). Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Bookings made within 60 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

  • Our tours normally include:

    • All accommodations (double occupancy)

    • All meals and food experiences as outlined in the itinerary

    • Professional bilingual guide

    • All ground transportation

    • Entrance fees and activity costs as noted in the itinerary

  • Our tours do not include:

    • International flights

    • Domestic flights (unless specified in the itinerary)

    • Travel insurance

    • Personal expenses

    • Alcoholic beverages (unless specified in the itinerary)

    • Visa fees

    • Any other items not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Cancellations must be made in writing via email. The following fees apply:

    Small Group Tours

    • 91+ days before departure: loss of deposit

    • 61–90 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost

    • 31–60 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost

    • 30 days or less before departure: 100% of total tour cost (no refund)

    Private Tours

    • 121+ days before departure: loss of deposit

    • 91–120 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost

    • 61–90 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost

    • 60 days or less before departure: 100% of total tour cost (no refund)

    We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

  • Japan: Most Western passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism.

    China: Most travelers require a tourist visa. We recommend applying 60 days before departure. We cannot obtain visas on your behalf.

    Please make sure to check with your local consulate or embassy in your country and confirm.

  • Please consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic for current vaccination requirements. The CDC and WHO websites provide up-to-date health recommendations for both countries.

  • We'll provide a detailed packing list before departure, but generally recommend:

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key depending on the season)

    • Any prescription medications

    • Passport

    • Credit and/or debit cards

  • In Japan, tap water is generally safe to drink. In China, we recommend avoiding tap water.

  • Since many meals and activities are included, personal spending is mainly for souvenirs, additional snacks, and alcoholic beverages. We'd suggest $50-100 AUD per day depending on your shopping habits.

  • Japan has excellent internet connectivity. In China, access to some Western social media and Google services may be restricted. We recommend checking with your mobile provider about international roaming rates or consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSim before departure.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Safety is our top priority. We work closely with our partners and the restaurants to accommodate allergies, but given the nature of local food preparation in rural areas, we cannot guarantee 100% allergen-free environments. Travelers with severe allergies should bring necessary medications (including epipens) and may be asked to sign a waiver.

  • We only work with trusted local producers, restaurants, and vendors. Our guides will accompany you to all dining experiences. The food can be quite different from what you’re normally used to, so even those with the strongest of stomachs may experience illness. If you’re concerned, we recommend bringing anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea medications, and taking travel supplements

  • Both Japan and China are generally very safe destinations for travelers. Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty crime like pickpocketing is uncommon, and you'll often see people leaving belongings unattended in public. China is also very safe for tourists, particularly in the rural areas we visit. As with any travel, we recommend basic precautions like keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, but both countries are considered safe for solo and group travel.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. In China, tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas but is not expected. We provide specific guidance for our destinations in your pre-departure information.

  • No problem! Your bilingual guide will handle all communication with locals. We encourage travelers to learn a few basic phrases, which locals always appreciate, but it's not necessary.

  • Photography is encouraged and we love seeing your experiences! We ask that you be respectful when photographing locals and always ask permission first. Some sacred sites or traditional production facilities may have photography restrictions, which your guide will explain.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you don't see your question answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us directly:

EMAIL: info@offtheeatentrack.co

We're here to help make your off the eaten track culinary adventure unforgettable!

Directories where you can find us

Australian Listings Travel Listings

World travel directory
Travel directory including quality travel links all over the world.
http://www.wd-traveldirectory.com

Directory Website Promote

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Whether you're curious about our upcoming tours, want to discuss a custom itinerary, or just have questions about traveling off the beaten path in Japan or China, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us what kind of adventure you're dreaming of.