Japanese Currency

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Exchange: 1 USD ≈ varies (check live rate before travel)

ATMs are widely available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and major train stations.
Japan is increasingly card-friendly, but cash is still commonly used at small shops, temples, and local restaurants.
Bring a debit/credit card with low foreign transaction fees and notify your bank before travel.

Visa & Entry

U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates.
You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and hotel information upon arrival.
Keep digital and printed passport copies and confirm entry rules with your airline before departure.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable, breathable clothing for warm July weather with light layers for air-conditioned trains and hotels.
Modest attire for temples and shrines (covered shoulders and knees recommended).
Comfortable walking shoes—Japan involves a lot of walking and train navigation.
Portable umbrella or light rain jacket (summer showers are common).
Travel adapter for Type A/B plugs (same as U.S.) and a portable phone charger for long sightseeing days.
Reusable water bottle—clean drinking water is widely available.

Health & Safety

Japan is extremely clean and safe, with world-class healthcare access.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Bring personal medications and a small first-aid kit for convenience.
Pharmacies are common in cities, though English assistance may vary.

Cultural Etiquette

A polite bow is the traditional greeting and sign of respect.
Remove shoes when entering homes, certain temples, and traditional spaces.
Speaking quietly on public transportation is expected.
Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be refused—excellent service is standard.
Be mindful of public cleanliness—carry small trash until you find a bin.

Stay Connected

Pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM/eSIM is highly recommended for maps, trains, and translation.
Ensure your phone is unlocked before departure.
Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, train stations, and cafés, though speeds may vary.

🗺️ On the Ground

Sightseeing Smartly

Japan’s train system is fast, efficient, and punctual—arrive early and follow station signage.
Start sightseeing early to enjoy popular temples and districts before crowds.
Carry coins or an IC transit card for trains, vending machines, and lockers.

Cultural Respect

Form orderly lines when boarding trains or elevators—it’s part of daily life.
Avoid eating while walking in crowded areas unless in designated spaces.
Photography is usually allowed, but follow posted signs at temples and shrines.

Safety Tips

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, even at night.
Still, keep passports and valuables secure in crowded stations and tourist zones.
If lost, local police boxes (kōban) are safe places to ask for help.

DDT CONTRACTING SERVICES, INC, (DDTCSI) A.K.A. Dancin’ Doug Travel (DDT) was founded in November of 2006 by Douglas Colón.  In August of 2007, he incorporated “Dancin’ Doug Travel” (DDT).  In 2013 Dancin’ Doug Travel (DDT) was certified as a Vendor for the U.S. Government. In 2015 DDT became an Independent Host Agency. He officially changed the name of the company to DDT CONTRACTING SERVICES, INC (DDT CSI).  Douglas is a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) under the auspices of the Travel Institute and DDT CSI is affiliated with IATA, CLIA, and ARC. He also is renowned as the Largest Group Organizer at the annual Travel Forum where he speaks each year.

DDT initially specialized in hosting “Travel Parties” throughout the Caribbean: Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands. DDT expanded and initiated a “Bucket List” series of Tours/Trips that have taken the DDT Family all over the world with stops in Egypt, Bora Bora, Italy, Paris, Brussels, Brazil, Hawaii, Aruba, Turks and Caicos, Spain, Amsterdam, Greece, Tahiti, Brussels, London, Dubai, China, Costa Rica, South Africa, Barbados, Morocco, Maldives, and Alaska.

DDT employs a cadre of professionally trained Dance Instructors, renowned DJs, Comedians, and LIVE Acts.  They all work in conjunction to provide consistently superior entertainment. We offer Fun Games, a Sunday Sermon on the Beach, and Theme Parties.  Many new, life-long friendships are formed at our events. DDT offers Laughter, Camaraderie, Fun, Fellowship, and the Trust that you will travel to great places with great people! We ‘work hard’ just so you can ‘play harder’.

The Best thing about all of this is our “Layaway” Payment plans. This allows the DDT Family members to pay for trips over a period of time that were heretofore unreachable or too expensive. We also have a great pricing plan. Due to our larger than normal group sizes, our agency affiliations allow us to offer the best (lowest) prices possible for all our excursions and events.

DDT has a professional staff that focuses on the needs of the Traveler.  DDT also does an annual Charity Drive for the “SAVE THE GIRLS” Ministry for Women victimized by Human Sex Trafficking.  A Free Trip to “Summer Madness” is given to the Winner. DDT also has a School Supply/Toiletry drive for the area where we visit each year with our “DDT LOVE GIVEBACK” Program. Besides the trips and items donated, we raise Thousands of Dollars for each.   Our motto is, “We start with prayer and we finish with prayer–and we have a whole lot of fun in between!- It’s a Love Thang!”

ABOUT DOUG

Douglas was one of the very FIRST Original “B-Boy” Break Dancers at the very start of the Hip Hop Era at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. With his unique break dance style, Douglas was named “Dancin’ Doug” by “DJ Kool Herc” and MC Coke La Rock, the Original Founders of Hip-Hop. He, along with the other Creators of Break Dancing, was officially recognized for creating Break Dancing or BBoy/Breakin’ by the City and State of New York in November of 2021.

Douglas became a Special Agent/Criminal Investigator with the U.S. Federal Government’s Office of Labor Racketeering (OLR) in New York. He moved up to become Special Agent-in-Charge and Regional Inspector General of the Philadelphia and Atlanta Regions. He retired after 25 years of service. With his background, Douglas/DDT puts an emphasis on providing Safe and Secure travel with Fun and Fellowship.