Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Here are answers to the questions we're asked most often. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.

Getting Started

After you submit an Express Interest form, you'll receive a personalized acknowledgement email within two calendar days confirming that your interest has been received. Once the published interest period closes, invitations to reserve are sent in the order Express Interest forms were received. If you're not among the first guests invited, you'll remain on the waitlist and may be contacted if a space becomes available.
No. Submitting an Express Interest form lets us know you'd like to learn more about a journey, but it does not reserve a spot or require payment. Reservations are offered only after the published interest period closes and are secured only after all required documents have been signed and your required deposit has been received.
You'll receive a personalized acknowledgement email within two calendar days confirming that your Express Interest form has been received. If the journey moves forward after the published interest period closes, invitations to reserve are sent in the order Express Interest forms were received.
Each SHIGEYOSHI journey has its own activity level, which is described on the specific Journey page. Guests should be comfortable with the physical requirements of the specific journey, which may include walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods, spending several hours in a vehicle throughout the day, and participating in outdoor activities. Please review the journey details carefully before expressing interest.
Possibly. Each journey has different physical requirements, and some may be more suitable than others. If you have mobility limitations, a medical condition, or other health considerations that could affect your participation, we encourage you to contact SHIGEYOSHI before expressing interest. Guests will also be asked to complete a Health Disclosure during the reservation process to help determine whether a journey is an appropriate fit.
Each SHIGEYOSHI journey includes a SHIGEYOSHI Companion, a thoughtfully curated itinerary, trip coordination, and the inclusions specifically listed on the individual journey page. Because every journey is unique, we encourage you to review the journey details carefully to see what's included.
Unless otherwise stated on the individual journey page, guests are responsible for their own lodging, meals/snacks, transportation to and from the designated meeting location, attraction admission fees, personal purchases, and any optional activities they choose to participate in.
Each SHIGEYOSHI journey is designed with a specific destination, pace, activity level, and experience in mind. We encourage you to carefully review the journey description, itinerary, physical requirements, and what's included before expressing interest. If you're unsure whether a journey is a good fit, we're happy to answer your questions before you decide.

Reservation Process

After the published interest period closes, invitations to reserve are sent in the order Express Interest forms were received. The first guests invited have the opportunity to reserve their place by completing the required documents and submitting the required deposit by the stated deadline. If an invited guest declines the invitation, doesn't respond by the stated deadline, or doesn't complete the reservation process, the opportunity to reserve may be offered to the next guest on the waitlist.
Invitations to reserve include a response deadline. If we don't receive your signed documents and required deposit by the stated deadline, your invitation may expire and your opportunity to reserve that journey may be offered to the next guest on the waitlist.
If you're placed on the waitlist, you'll be notified if a reservation becomes available before the journey begins. Waitlisted guests are contacted in the order Express Interest forms were received. While being placed on the waitlist does not guarantee a reservation, it does provide an opportunity to reserve your place if space becomes available.
No. Reservations are non-transferable and may not be assigned to another person. Each guest must complete the reservation process, including all required documents, before participating in a SHIGEYOSHI journey.

Payments

Your required deposit is due by the deadline stated in your invitation to reserve. Your reservation is not secured until all required documents have been signed and your required deposit has been received.
Your final payment due date will be provided during the reservation process and included in your reservation confirmation. Final payment must be received by the stated deadline.
We currently accept major credit and debit cards through Stripe, as well as PayPal. Payment instructions will be provided during the reservation process.
No. At this time, SHIGEYOSHI does not offer payment plans. Guests are responsible for making all payments by the stated deadlines.

Preparing for the Journey

Please wait until your reservation has been confirmed before booking any lodging or making other non-refundable travel arrangements. Once your reservation is secured, you'll receive hotel recommendations and other information to help you prepare for your journey.
A recommended packing list will be provided before departure and may vary depending on the destination, season, and planned activities. Guests are also encouraged to review the What to Pack section on the individual journey page for destination-specific recommendations.
Before departure, you'll receive information to help you prepare for your journey, including hotel recommendations, a packing list, meeting location and time, emergency contact information, and any other important pre-departure updates.
Guests are responsible for obtaining any outdoor or photography equipment they wish to use during the journey. We recommend purchasing or renting equipment near your home before departure, as rental availability at the destination cannot be guaranteed. Where applicable, camera rental recommendations are provided in the What to Pack section on the individual Journey page. SHIGEYOSHI does not provide or arrange rental equipment.
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance may help protect you against unexpected events such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, travel delays, lost baggage, or other unforeseen circumstances. Guests are responsible for obtaining any travel insurance they choose to purchase.

During the Journey

Your SHIGEYOSHI Companion provides transportation throughout the journey as part of the overall excursion experience. For insurance and liability reasons, guests are not permitted to drive the vehicle during the journey.
To provide a comfortable experience for everyone, smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco or cannabis products are not permitted in the vehicle or while participating in SHIGEYOSHI group activities. Guests who wish to smoke or vape may do so only during designated personal time and away from the group, where permitted by law.
Responsible alcohol consumption during meals is permitted. However, alcohol is not permitted in the vehicle, and guests are expected to participate in the journey free from impairment. Recreational drugs are prohibited at all times. If a guest's behavior creates a safety concern or significantly disrupts the group experience, SHIGEYOSHI reserves the right to remove the guest from the journey at the guest's own expense and without refund.
Guests with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special dietary preferences are encouraged to let SHIGEYOSHI know before departure. While we'll make reasonable efforts to select restaurants offering a variety of options whenever practical, we cannot guarantee that every dietary need can be accommodated at every location. Guests are ultimately responsible for selecting meals that meet their individual dietary needs.
Yes. Most SHIGEYOSHI journeys include opportunities for guests to relax, explore, shop, dine, photograph, or enjoy personal time. The amount of free time varies by journey and is reflected in the itinerary. We encourage guests to be mindful of the group's schedule and to return at the agreed-upon time so everyone can continue the journey together.
Yes, provided it fits within the journey itinerary. Independent exploration opportunities vary by destination and itinerary. Guests who choose to explore on their own should let their SHIGEYOSHI Companion know where they'll be and when they plan to return. Guests are responsible for returning to the agreed-upon meeting location on time so the journey can continue as scheduled.
Yes, whenever practical. Participation in most activities is optional. However, some activities take place in remote locations or where alternative options may be limited. If you choose not to participate in a scheduled activity, please discuss it with your SHIGEYOSHI Companion in advance so we can determine whether there is a practical alternative that doesn't disrupt the journey or the group experience.
While we strive to follow the published itinerary, weather, road conditions, closures, or other unforeseen circumstances may require changes to the route, schedule, or planned activities. Any adjustments will be made with careful consideration for the overall journey experience. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for additional information.
If you become ill or injured during the journey, please notify your SHIGEYOSHI Companion immediately. Depending on the situation, we may assist you in obtaining appropriate medical care or adjusting the itinerary when practical. Guests are responsible for their own medical expenses and related costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your journey.
If you need to leave the journey early due to illness, injury, a family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstance, please notify your SHIGEYOSHI Companion as soon as possible. Guests are responsible for making and paying for their own transportation, lodging, medical expenses, and any other related costs. Because unexpected events can occur, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your journey. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our complete cancellation and refund policy.

General

While cancellations are expected to be rare, they may occur if minimum participation requirements are not be met or due to circumstances beyond our control. If SHIGEYOSHI cancels a journey, you may choose to receive a full refund of all payments made to SHIGEYOSHI or transfer your reservation to a future journey. Because guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect against non-refundable travel expenses.
The best way to contact SHIGEYOSHI is through the Contact page on our website. If you've already submitted an Express Interest form, you're welcome to contact us using the email address included in your personalized acknowledgement email. We strive to respond to all inquiries within two business days.
No. SHIGEYOSHI journeys are designed exclusively for adult women (45 years of age or older) to provide a shared travel experience tailored to the interests and needs of our guests.
Pets are not permitted on SHIGEYOSHI journeys. Guests traveling with a trained service animal should contact SHIGEYOSHI before expressing interest or completing a reservation. Because our journeys take place in a small shared vehicle, advance communication is important so we can discuss the specific journey and any space, health, or safety considerations that may affect the group experience. However, trained service animals are fully welcome in compliance with the ADA.
SHIGEYOSHI journeys are intentionally limited to a small number of guests to create a more personal and enjoyable experience. Traveling together in a shared vehicle allows for meaningful conversations, greater flexibility, and the opportunity to explore at a comfortable pace while building genuine connections along the way.
A SHIGEYOSHI Companion accompanies guests throughout the journey, helping coordinate the itinerary, manage logistics, and provide support along the way. While you're encouraged to enjoy the experience at your own pace, your Companion is there to help keep the journey organized, answer questions, and create a welcoming group environment. A SHIGEYOSHI Companion is not a licensed tour guide, travel agent, or medical professional.
SHIGEYOSHI was created for women who enjoy discovering new places, sharing experiences, and building genuine connections through travel. By focusing exclusively on women, we strive to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where guests can explore with confidence and enjoy the journey together.

Key Definitions

For clarity, the following terms are used throughout the SHIGEYOSHI website and participant documents.

The SHIGEYOSHI host who accompanies guests throughout the journey, providing guidance, coordination, and support. A companion is not a licensed tour guide, travel agent, or medical professional.
The initial payment required to secure a reservation. The deposit amount and refund eligibility are outlined in the Cancellation Policy.
Submitting an Express Interest form lets us know you'd like to learn more about a journey. It does not reserve a spot or require payment.
The remaining balance due after the deposit has been paid. Final payment must be received by the published due date before departure.
An individual who has completed the reservation process and is participating in a SHIGEYOSHI journey.
An email inviting you to begin the reservation process after the published interest period closes.
A curated SHIGEYOSHI travel experience.
Your reservation is secured only after all required documents have been been signed and your required deposit has been received.
Guests who expressed interest but were not initially invited to reserve remain on the waitlist and may be contacted if a space becomes available.