HNT Tours during Coronavirus FAQ

Last updated on September 10th, 2021

Q1) Is hnt operating tours during this coronavirus period?

As long as local rates of virus transmission remain low, we are confident that private tours with us are not only safe, but also beneficial. Studies have shown that spending time in nature with fresh air and sunshine is an effective way to combat illness and promote health & well-being. We do not think that travelling on a private tour in Hokkaido is excessively dangerous in any way. We will continue to ensure that our tours maintain high standards of hygiene for the benefit of our guests, guides and local partners, including thorough disinfection of tour vehicles, free mask provisions and other standard health protocols. 

Q2) Are hotels, tourist destinations and activity operators open at this time?

The vast majority of hotels, tourist destinations and activity operators are open and excited to welcome guests. Each establishment is taking steps to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Other than masks and sanitizers, our guests will hardly notice any difference from pre-coronavirus conditions as Japan and Hokkaido remain open domestically for tourism.  

Q3) What steps will hnt take during my tour to ensure hygiene? 

We are committed to high standards of cleanliness including:

• Daily disinfection of tour vehicles
• Face masks & antibacterial wet wipes will be provided free of charge and for optional use
• Partnering with hotels & activity operators that maintain equally high standards of hygiene
• Basic health protocols such as temperature checks if desired

Q4) What will happen if I feel sick during my tour?

With years of experience in private tourism in Hokkaido, we have encountered a fair share of medical situations which our guides and admin staff have provided the highest level of service and care to our guests while ensuring that the overall tour is minimally affected.

For example, one of our guests cracked his tooth the night before starting a tour with us, and our guide expertly handled making the morning arrangements for the required dental surgery and was able to start the tour by midday, with only the morning activities missed! Needless to say our guests were grateful for the wonderful care received - including translation during the medical procedure - and were thrilled that their tour was hardly affected. In another instance, one of our guests rolled and fractured her ankle while on tour, and our guide arranged the entire visit to the hospital for treatment, including translation and medications, and the tour resumed the very next day. Please know that when you're on tour with us, you will treated like family, and your welfare & well being is truly our highest priority. 

Please note that while we provide emergency medical insurance for the most extreme accidents/treatments, other ailments or conditions may not be covered by our guest insurance. As such, we strongly recommend for all of our guests to arrange their own travel insurance prior to travel.

In the event that guests feel unwell prior to or during a tour with us, we will assist with taking temperature, arranging a doctor's visit, obtaining medication if necessary and any other issues that we may be of service. Please feel confident that we will do our best to assist you in every way we can. 

Q5) What are HNT policies regarding coronavirus or other travel restrictions that may affect our tour?

With the unpredictability of travel due to coronavirus, we understand the need for greater flexibility while planning your trip to Hokkaido. As such, we are offering free tour postponements for any tours affected by international or domestic travel restrictions which restrict access to Hokkaido. If that means we need to cancel and/or re-book any activities and/or accommodations, or redesign your custom-made itinerary to better match updated travel dates, we will do so free-of-charge. You can be assured that your tour deposit with us is safe, and we will await your arrival to Hokkaido for whenever conditions allow.  ​

Q6) Will I require a vaccine to travel on tour with HNT?

Absolutely not! We at Hokkaido Nature Tours are resolutely against any pressure or coercion regarding medical procedures including vaccination. You will not be asked about your vaccination status in any of your communications with us as we respect that all medical procedures are confidential and private between you and your doctor. Please come as you are - vaccinated or unvaccinated - for an unforgettable, private tour with us at Hokkaido Nature Tours!

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Enjoy Nature, Be Happy!!