Answers to common questions about booking and traveling with Blaisian Journeys — across both The Untold Japan and A Kingdom's Celebration in Thailand.
Group size depends on the journey. The Untold Japan is a small cohort of 2–8 guests, scholar-led throughout. A Kingdom's Celebration in Thailand is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, with a minimum of 8 guests required to confirm a departure.
Solo travelers are welcome on every journey.
Please contact David directly at dwright@blaisian.com or through the inquiry form. You will receive a personal reply within 48 hours.
A deposit equal to 20% of the journey price is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure. Payment may be made by wire transfer or major credit card.
Travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage is strongly recommended for every journey, and is required for all Blaisian travelers.
The Untold Japan includes Hyatt properties throughout, a Hakone ryokan night, all shinkansen and ground transport, private scholar sessions in Tokyo and Hiroshima, David as Scholar-Host for all nine nights, and select dinners and cultural experiences.
A Kingdom's Celebration (Thailand) includes Grand Hyatt Erawan Club Level accommodations, the New Year's Eve Gala dinner, and all activities and excursions listed in the itinerary, including the Blue Elephant Cooking School, Health Land Spa, and Muay Thai at Lumpinee.
Not included on any journey:
Yes. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions or allergies when making your reservation. Our restaurant and hotel partners can accommodate most dietary requirements.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date is required for travel to Japan or Thailand. Many nationalities may enter both countries visa-free for tourism purposes. Guests should verify the requirements applicable to their nationality before departure.
Guests are encouraged to consult their physician prior to travel. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip interruption, and cancellation is required for all Blaisian travelers.
The Untold Japan involves walking through cities, navigating public transportation, and climbing stairs — please let us know about any mobility considerations when booking.
Currency and language vary by destination — your destination guide will note specifics for Japan or Thailand. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent are generally recommended for the Thailand journey. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at all hotels included in your program.
The Untold Japan is a scholar-led inaugural cohort departing February 2027, tracing the Black American intellectual relationship to Japan across Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima — 9 nights core, 13 with the Okinawa extension. Pricing starts at $8,500 per person for the inaugural cohort.
A Kingdom's Celebration is a set-date New Year's program in Bangkok, built around the Grand Hyatt Erawan's New Year's Eve Gala and the Black American culinary diaspora in the city, with an optional Pattaya extension. Pricing starts at $2,900 per person.
Not sure which fits? Tell David what you have in mind and he'll help you decide.
Email: dwright@blaisian.com
You will receive a personal reply within 48 hours.