Small Group Tours of Japan
旅
Journey
Our very popular extra small group tours will deliver a truly immersive experience of Japan
Join our small group tours of Japan and enjoy the best of both worlds: detailed planning, expert guidance, charming hotels, and the fun of accessing off-the-beaten-path adventures.
These trips are enjoyed by anyone who speaks English. You will meet like-minded travellers on these small group tours of Japan from Australia, USA, Canada, UK, NZ and many more places.
Each Small Group Tour of Japan is individually crafted around a specific theme. Pick a theme below and see our list of Japanese small group tours matched to the appropriate time of the year.
The benefits of our Japan Small Group Tours
Extra small group size of 6-10 people
All transport and activities are included
Lead by qualified expert local guides
Stay at locally owned boutique accommodation
Connect with the people of Japan in their local settings
Enjoy exclusive access to small top-notch local eateries, craftspeople’s studios & history
Carefully crafted itineraries to get you closer to Japan's people and culture
Visit regional cities and village well off the common tourist trails
Autumn Tours
Departs from mid October to late November
A 16 day visit to internationally renowned Japanese gardens and art museums during the blazing autumn colours. A cultural experience with a touch of luxury and an easy pace.
Next Departure 25th Nov, 2025
One of our most comprehensive and popular trips, this tour offers you the journey of a lifetime at one of the most magical times to visit Japan – autumn!
Next Departure 11th Nov, 2025
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
Staged in Japan’s northern region of Tohoku, much less visited by international tourists, this tour offers rural traditions and warm hospitality, intense autumn colours and stunning natural landscapes.
Next Departure 18th Oct, 2025
See some of the most remote and rugged areas of Japan in the National Parks and the Japan Alps including pristine Kamikochi in autumn. A tour to experience the dramatic landscapes of Japan from its tallest mountains to the deepest gorge.
Next Departure 21st Oct, 2025
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a higher level of comfort and easier pace. It offers comprehensive cultural insights, diverse landscapes and a variety of authentic experiences of Japan.
Next Departure 13th Nov, 2025
Cherry Blossom Tours
Departs from late February to April
Targeting the late-blooming cherry blossoms in mid to late-April, this tour features the less travelled rural heartland of Northern Japan and natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Next Departure 10th Apr, 2026
An exceptional 14-day Japan food tour across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – eat at a Michelin restaurant and street cart, take a cooking lesson from a chef, and visit centuries-old producers of sake, green tea and soy sauce.
Next Departure 26th Mar, 2026
A comprehensive Japan experience covering all major icons of Japan at cherry-blossom time. Great for the first time visitors of Japan and those who have not seen cherry blossoms.
Next Departure 23rd Mar, 2026
A cherry blossom tour with a special focus on high quality Japanese crafts. Staged in the much less travelled Sea of Japan Coast with spectacular cherry blossoms, unique immersive experiences, accommodation, and food.
Next Departure 28th Mar, 2026
The ultimate bucket-list tour of Japan at cherry blossom time for those who prefer a little comfort and slower pace
Next Departure 27th Mar, 2026
Winter Tours
Departs from late December to February
Want to experience a different White Christmas in Japan this year? With snow capped Mt Fuji and a farming village, gorgeously lit up cities, and unique winter activities at the gorgeous snow resort Tomamu in Hokkaido, this tour is for you!
Next Departure 12th Dec, 2025
This spectacular winter tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all; the Sapporo Snow Festival, drift ice, snowshoe walks, dancing red-crested cranes, local food and culture and more.
Next Departure 30th Jan, 2026
Garden & Art Tours
Departs all year round
An unforgettable 15-day journey to Japan’s most iconic destinations to see the nation’s top gardens and experience a stunning selection of Japanese art.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
Discover Japanese craftmanship at its finest on this fascinating tour of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu where you visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making
Next Departure 1st Dec, 2025
A once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the best of Japan’s traditional and contemporary architecture. Travel through spectacular landscapes of valleys and mountains, and stay in designer-styled accommodation in charming historic towns.
Next Departure 16th Nov, 2025
A 16 day visit to internationally renowned Japanese gardens and art museums during the blazing autumn colours. A cultural experience with a touch of luxury and an easy pace.
Next Departure 25th Nov, 2025
A cherry blossom tour with a special focus on high quality Japanese crafts. Staged in the much less travelled Sea of Japan Coast with spectacular cherry blossoms, unique immersive experiences, accommodation, and food.
Next Departure 28th Mar, 2026
Food Tours
Departs all year round
Seafood, dairy, wagyu beef, fruit and vegetables, sake and whiskey, from Michelin-starred restaurants to ramen and street food, the 2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all! The tour also includes many personal experiences such as cooking traditional dishes with fishermen’s wives. Definitely, the Hokkaido Tour to brag about!
Next Departure 1st Jun, 2025
A gastronomic adventure through the island of Kyushu, fast-becoming Japan’s foodie destination for its fresh produce and culinary tradition and innovation.
Next Departure 14th Nov, 2025
An exceptional 14-day Japan food tour across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – eat at a Michelin restaurant and street cart, take a cooking lesson from a chef, and visit centuries-old producers of sake, green tea and soy sauce.
Next Departure 26th Mar, 2026
Walking Tours
Departs in February and October
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
2025 Spiritual Walks of Northern Japan takes you through spiritual mountains, national parks ablaze in autumn colours and authentic onsen villages. An ideal opportunity to be stunned by the beautiful Japanese rural landscapes and the warm traditional hospitality of northern Japan.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
Walk along the pilgrims of Shikoku 88 Temples, ride scenic trains and travel through most remote parts of Japan
Next Departure 18th Nov, 2026
This walking tour takes you to some of Japan’s most pristine and stunning remote landscapes, with the Japanese Alps high above you and at the peak of autumn. The brilliant autumn colours will take your breath away on a variety of short walks (5 -10km) through the national parks and small villages.
Next Departure 11th Oct, 2025
Remote Tours
Departs all year round
Discover Japanese craftmanship at its finest on this fascinating tour of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu where you visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making
Next Departure 1st Dec, 2025
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
Staged in Japan’s northern region of Tohoku, much less visited by international tourists, this tour offers rural traditions and warm hospitality, intense autumn colours and stunning natural landscapes.
Next Departure 18th Oct, 2025
See some of the most remote and rugged areas of Japan in the National Parks and the Japan Alps including pristine Kamikochi in autumn. A tour to experience the dramatic landscapes of Japan from its tallest mountains to the deepest gorge.
Next Departure 21st Oct, 2025
2025 Spiritual Walks of Northern Japan takes you through spiritual mountains, national parks ablaze in autumn colours and authentic onsen villages. An ideal opportunity to be stunned by the beautiful Japanese rural landscapes and the warm traditional hospitality of northern Japan.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
Want to experience a different White Christmas in Japan this year? With snow capped Mt Fuji and a farming village, gorgeously lit up cities, and unique winter activities at the gorgeous snow resort Tomamu in Hokkaido, this tour is for you!
Next Departure 12th Dec, 2025
Looking for something custom fit to you?
Do you have a specific time for travel, a group you want to travel with, or special needs and wishes for your trip to Japan? We can create a unique Private Tour for you.
Or you can take one of our Model Itineraries as is, or combine or modify it to suit your needs. There are some great Extension Itineraries available too, and they can also be added before or after joining our Japan Small Group Tours.
I would highly recommend this company and this tour in particular. Our guides were professional , knowledgable and great company. The itinerary was well balanced and the scenery truly magnificent. The organisation was faultless and communication very easy.
Trip date: October 2023