Experience Japan intimately with over 80 small group tours (max 16 travelers). Enjoy personal attention from guides, flexibility in itineraries, and deeper cultural connections, rated by more than 800 small group travelers.
Duration
1 day23 days
Departures
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Destinations
Guide Types
Start & End Location
Price
USD 168USD 12,609
Showing 1 - 10 of 78 results
Page 2 of 78 Small Group Trips in Japan with 844 Reviews
We had a truly special trip, during which we experienced so many firsts. The whole trip felt unique and off the beaten tourist track. Our time in Tokyo, surrounded by tourists, really highlighted just how special and intimate the time on the Okinawa and Ishigaki islands was. Our cultural excursions were of such a high quality compared with anything you can book yourself online. Having our CEO open the door into this amazing culture was invaluable to us and allowed us to access many experiences that would not have been available without a guide.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Yanbaru National P
Kyoto, Tokyo, Yanbaru National Park, Ishigaki, Taketomi
I would say that this was the trip of a lifetime! So much was packed into 11days. You are truly immersed in the culture of Japan. I felt emotional when I left because I had just shared this amazing adventure with all these people that I didn’t know, but then got to know. Noriko, again was absolutely exceptional.!!
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Japan- an incredibly fascinating country with a culture like no other. The 2 week bike trip was a wonderful way to start to get to know Japan. Of course cycling is the best way to travel anywhere but having guides that explain their beloved country, teach you some of its culture, try to teach you the social skills that the Japanese excel at, getting you to test all the interesting food, giving history lessons and nature lessons, explaining the Shinto or Buddhist religion all the while giving you a great cycling experience makes the entire experience beyond memorable. The choice of the route gave us a good variety places to see. Staying in the Japanese inns ( ryokans) was amazing and definitely a must on any Japan trip. The food is an experience all on its own and if you are a fish lover than you will be in paradise. I really felt that the trip was complete and didn't just focus on one element of Japan so I never felt that I had too much of any one thing which was great. The description of the tour corresponded to what the trip really was and that is always appreciated. In the end, I didn't have too many preconceived notions of what I would be seeing and I can tell you that I was constantly amazed and ended up having enormous respect for the Japanese and their way of life. I thought my own country of Switzerland was well run but Japan wins on that respect. Kudos to the people of Japan and their being so courteous towards us tourists. Weeks later I am still feeling the effects of this trip and it is wonderful. Oh and thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with the cherry blossoms.
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trip was a very positive experience that provided an excellent overview of Japan. The guides were excellent, the activities were great and safe, and the hotels were air conditioned and comfortable. I appreciated the washing machines and dryers in every hotel.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Shiretoko Peninsula, Kyot
Tokyo, Shiretoko Peninsula, Kyoto, Yanbaru National Park, Ishigaki, Taketomi, Akanko Onsen, Asahikawa, Sapporo
I have just completed the 17 day Japan tour and it has been an incredible trip. The itinerary is packed with a wide variety of experiences from an origami class, staying in a 1000 year old temple, seeing snow monkeys (if you are lucky!) and a Samurai class to name a few. There is also plenty of free time throughout the trip to shop and explore which I appreciated as there were a few things I wanted to do which weren’t part of the itinerary.
My group leader Dan is an absolute legend!! It is my second tour with him and he always goes above and beyond to ensure we all have the best experience possible. He truly cares about each individual in the group and ensures everyone feels included. When we had free time Dan gave us plenty of recommendations of things to see and do and took us to additional places. He has an extensive cultural knowledge of Japan and I learnt a lot about Japan which I didn’t know about prior to the trip. It was also my birthday on the second day of the trip and it will definitely be a birthday that I will always remember!
I highly recommend doing this tour, you will not be disappointed!
Thank you so much Dan! 😊
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Hostel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiros
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Nagano, Hakone
The tour guide was great. I enjoyed the rural aspects of the tour. There wasn't enough of it, though. Shiretoku NP is a gem. There wasn't enough of it, though. Six nights in cities was five nights too many. I'm done. You get my drift.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Sapporo, Shiretoko Nation
Tokyo, Sapporo, Shiretoko National Park, Shiretoko Peninsula, Akanko Onsen, Asahikawa
Step into a world where tradition and technology harmoniously intertwine on the "Premium Japan" tour package. Crafted for experienced travelers and seniors, this 12-day, easy-paced journey begins in Tokyo, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old shrines. With an expert local leader guiding the way, you’ll discover the tranquility of Hakone’s hot springs, the Edo-era charm of Takayama, and the rural beauty of Shirakawa-go’s thatched villages.
In Kyoto, immerse yourself in the city’s intricate tapestry of temples, gardens, and geisha culture. Along the way, find peace in Hiroshima’s memorial parks and deepen your appreciation of Japanese cuisine with a sushi-making class led by a local expert. Soak in the rejuvenating waters of an onsen, and let each day reveal new facets of Japanese life—from bustling urban centers to serene mountain retreats.
This guided small group tour includes thoughtfully selected accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless transportation, allowing you to relax and soak in every moment. The unique selling point of this trip is its balanced immersion in both Japan’s ancient customs and its dynamic modernity. Whether you’re captivated by castles, holy mountains, or culinary artistry, this tour offers a comprehensive and comfortable introduction to Japan’s diverse wonders—perfect for those who appreciate both depth and ease in their travels.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
