Before Your Journey
Arrive in Baku knowing the important details have already been considered.
Whether you are travelling from Japan or elsewhere, we want the journey to Baku to feel as considered as the days that follow. From arrival timing and airport greeting to practical details during your stay, here is what is useful to know before you travel.
A gentler beginning
For guests travelling long-haul, we recommend arriving in Baku the day before Day One where convenient.
The additional evening gives you time to settle in, rest after your flight and begin the Merci Baku journey comfortably the following morning.
An additional pre-night at Four Seasons Baku Hotel can be arranged separately.
This is a recommendation, not a requirement.
Your formal Merci Baku program begins on Day One with your arrival, private transfer and the first dinner. The six signature caviar breakfasts are served at Merci Baku from Day Two to Day Seven.
From the moment you arrive in Baku for your journey, you are already our guest. If you arrive before the formal programme begins, regular breakfast or dinner at Merci Baku can be arranged as part of your arrival hospitality. These are in addition to the six signature caviar breakfasts and six programme dinners included in your journey.
From Baku airport to the city
Private airport greeting and transfer are included regardless of when you arrive.
Once we have your confirmed flight details, the Merci Baku team coordinates your airport pickup around your actual arrival.
If you arrive the day before Day One, we will meet that flight.
If your flight brings you to Baku later on Day One, there is no difficulty. We will meet you on arrival, arrange your private transfer and help you join the journey from the next scheduled experience.
If your flight changes
International schedules sometimes change. If your airline changes your arrival time or flight number, simply send us the updated details as soon as they are available. We will adjust the airport greeting accordingly.
Travelling from Japan to Baku
Most journeys from Japan to Baku involve one international connection. Routings and schedules vary, so please confirm current options with your airline. International airfare is not included in the Merci Baku journey.
The standard Merci Baku journey is seven days and six nights. Including travel days, many guests from Japan plan around nine days in total.
Once you have selected your departure, our team can help you consider sensible arrival timing so that your flight, optional pre-night and airport transfer fit comfortably around the program.
Japanese-language support
Japanese-language guest support is available and arranged according to the needs of each departure.
If dedicated Japanese-speaking assistance is important to you or your group, please let us know when requesting your journey. The appropriate arrangements will be confirmed with you before payment.
While you are in Baku
Before departure, we provide the Merci Baku contact details you should use throughout your stay.
From your airport arrival through the final transfer, our team coordinates the elements of your journey and remains available to assist with the arrangements we are managing for you.
Your hotel in Baku
Four Seasons Baku Hotel is the standard accommodation for Merci Baku journeys.
Your six-night stay at Four Seasons Baku Hotel is included in your Merci Baku journey. We arrange each stay directly with the hotel, and your final accommodation and stay details are provided in your Hotel & Stay Confirmation after payment.
Included as standard. Final stay details follow your journey confirmation.
Located just a short walk from Merci Baku, the hotel allows the stay and the journey to feel naturally connected — mornings begin around our table at Merci Baku, while Four Seasons Baku Hotel remains your home in the city.
Entry to Azerbaijan
Japanese citizens holding ordinary passports may currently enter Azerbaijan without a visa for short visits.
The temporary visa-free arrangement applies from 1 July 2026 through 1 July 2027, allowing up to 3 entries, with stays of up to 30 days per entry.
Entry requirements can change. Please check the current official requirements before departure.
Safety in Azerbaijan and Baku
Conditions and official travel advice can change. Please review the latest official information, including your own government's guidance, before departure.
As in any city abroad, ordinary travel precautions remain appropriate.
For practical arrangements connected with your stay, you are welcome to contact Merci Baku at any time.
When to visit Baku
Each season in Baku has its own character. Spring and autumn are often comfortable for walking and time outdoors.
Summer is warmer and brighter, while cooler months can be windy, particularly along the Caspian.
The right season depends on the kind of days you would like. We are happy to discuss the departure you are considering.
What the journey costs
The Merci Baku program price is US$7,250 per adult guest for two adults sharing. It covers the stay, six breakfasts, six dinners, airport transfers and everything else listed in the journey.
International airfare is not included. Total travel expenditure is the program price plus flights, any optional pre-night, lunches, personal purchases and optional experiences outside the program.
The itinerary, and your own dates
The standard journey is seven days and six nights, built around six mornings and six restaurants.
Practical Baku
Useful to know
Time difference
Baku is 5 hours behind Japan.
Currency
The local currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN).
International cards are commonly accepted at major hotels, restaurants and larger shops. A small amount of local currency can be useful for personal purchases.
Staying connected
Premium Internet is included during your stay at Four Seasons Baku Hotel.
Guests who want mobile data while away from the hotel may use a compatible eSIM or arrange local mobile service for personal use.
Electricity
Azerbaijan uses 220–240V electricity and European-style Type C/F plugs.
Most modern phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240V, but guests should check their individual device before travel. A plug adapter may be required for Japanese devices.
What to wear
Baku can be breezy, particularly along the Caspian waterfront. Layers are useful during cooler-season departures.
Comfortable shoes are recommended during the day, while smart-casual clothing is appropriate for most hosted dinners.
Pace of the journey
The journey is designed at a comfortable pace, with free time deliberately built into the program. Some experiences involve walking through central Baku and the Old City, where stone and uneven surfaces are common.
If walking, stairs or mobility may be a concern, please tell us when requesting your journey so that we can discuss the arrangements personally.
Your preferences matter
Please tell us about allergies, dietary requirements, mobility considerations or other important personal needs when requesting your journey.
We review these individually and will discuss any arrangements requiring special attention before your booking is confirmed.
A little room in the day
Lunches are not part of the standard Merci Baku program.
This is intentional. The journey leaves meaningful time during the day to explore, rest or choose something spontaneously between the hosted breakfast and evening dinner.
Already taken care of
Airport greeting
Coordinated around your confirmed flight.
Private airport transfers
Arrival and departure included.
Four Seasons Baku Hotel
Six nights are included in your journey. Final stay details are provided in your Hotel & Stay Confirmation after payment.
Six mornings at Merci Baku
Breakfast and Caspian caviar.
Six hosted dinners
Reserved and arranged in advance.
Selected Baku experiences
Coordinated by the Merci Baku team.
Guest coordination
Contact details provided before departure.
What remains yours
- International airfare
- Personal travel documents
- Personal purchases
- Lunches
- Optional experiences outside the confirmed journey
- Any optional hotel nights outside the confirmed stay
Official travel information
As with any international journey, guests should review the latest official travel information issued by their own government before departure. Japanese guests may wish to consult the latest overseas travel information from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Japan MOFA overseas travel information ↗When you are ready
Tell us which departure you are considering and anything that would make the journey more comfortable for you. We will review the details personally before anything is confirmed.
US$0 charged when you submit your request.