33 Small group vacations in Japan found
Japan small group vacation, Japan unmasked
Whistlestop Japan highlights with an expert tour leader
From £2,475 to £2,795 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 2 Jul, 26 Jul, 20 Aug, 3 Sep, 21 Sep, 1 Oct, 10 Oct, 26 Nov
2019: 18 Feb, 4 Mar, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun
2019: 18 Feb, 4 Mar, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun
China and Japan vacation, Beijing to Tokyo
Incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures
From US $4,240 to US $5,399 18 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 22 Jul, 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 16 Sep, 14 Oct, 17 Oct, 21 Oct, 11 Nov, 18 Nov
2019: 11 Jan, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 17 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 4 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov
2019: 11 Jan, 22 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 17 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 4 Sep, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov
Japan cultural small group holiday
A journey along the ancient Tokaido highway
From £1,975 to £1,995 10 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 28 Jul, 17 Aug, 25 Aug, 2 Sep, 29 Sep, 27 Oct, 4 Nov, 10 Nov
2019: 9 Mar, 25 May, 15 Jun
2019: 9 Mar, 25 May, 15 Jun
Japan group vacation, a food adventure
Dive into Tokyo city’s incredible food scene
From US $4,820US $4,220 to US $5,465 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 19 Aug, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
Up to US $820 off. Late availability on these dates: 19 Aug, 09 Sep, 23 Sep, 30 Sep
Helpdesk
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Hiking tours to Japan
Explore the backroads of Japan
From US $4,490 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 24 Mar, 7 Apr, 21 Apr, 19 May, 2 Jun, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
2019: 10 Mar, 24 Mar, 7 Apr, 21 Apr, 19 May, 2 Jun, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov
Late availability on these dates: 16 Sep, 30 Sep
Kyoto to Tokyo small group vacation in Japan
Journey into the heart of Japan - Kyoto to Tokyo
From US $4,895US $4,161 to US $5,550US $5,140 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 16 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov
2019: 9 Mar, 16 Mar, 23 Mar, 30 Mar, 2 Apr, 6 Apr, 9 Apr, 13 Apr, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 20 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 6 Jul, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 15 Oct, 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov, 16 Nov
2019: 9 Mar, 16 Mar, 23 Mar, 30 Mar, 2 Apr, 6 Apr, 9 Apr, 13 Apr, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 20 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 25 May, 8 Jun, 6 Jul, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 15 Oct, 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov, 16 Nov
Up to US $800 off. Late availability on these dates: 07 Jul, 14 Jul, 01 Sep, 08 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep
Nakasendo Trail walking tour, Japan
Village-to-village walking on the historic Nakasendo trail
From US $4,140 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 16 Jul, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 7 Oct, 12 Oct, 14 Oct, 4 Nov, 8 Nov, 11 Nov
2019: 24 Mar, 1 Apr, 7 Apr, 9 Apr, 18 Apr, 5 May, 7 May, 13 May, 17 May, 20 May, 15 Jul, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 1 Oct, 11 Oct, 13 Oct, 4 Nov, 7 Nov, 10 Nov
2019: 24 Mar, 1 Apr, 7 Apr, 9 Apr, 18 Apr, 5 May, 7 May, 13 May, 17 May, 20 May, 15 Jul, 2 Sep, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 1 Oct, 11 Oct, 13 Oct, 4 Nov, 7 Nov, 10 Nov
Nakasendo Trail winter tour, Japan
The tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail
From US $2,775 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 26 Jan, 16 Feb
Japan small group tour, in the shadow of mountains
Western Honshu's coasts - Japan Sea and Inland Sea
From US $4,320 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 26 Sep
2019: 22 May, 25 Sep
2019: 22 May, 25 Sep
Japan culture tour, Shoguns & Samurai
Ultra-modern Tokyo to Imperial Kyoto
From US $4,500 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 15 Jul, 14 Oct, 3 Nov
2019: 3 Apr, 12 Apr, 8 May, 20 May, 17 Jul, 16 Oct, 6 Nov
2019: 3 Apr, 12 Apr, 8 May, 20 May, 17 Jul, 16 Oct, 6 Nov
Last minute availability to take a scenic journey through Japan's cultural highlights. Stay at a hot-spring ryokan, bathe in natural thermal waters, see the snow monkeys of Yudanaka Onsen and the exquisitely-preserved villages of Tsumago and Magome.
Southern Japan small group vacation
Off the beaten track in Kyoto, Nara & Kyushu
From US $4,640 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 8 Oct, 31 Oct
2019: 6 May, 23 May, 23 Sep, 19 Oct
2019: 6 May, 23 May, 23 Sep, 19 Oct
Japan vacation, ancient and modern
Explore the attractions of this vibrant nation
From US $5,735 to US $5,965 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 21 Sep, 28 Sep
2019: 15 Mar, 20 Mar, 3 Apr, 5 Apr, 10 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 10 May, 17 May
2019: 15 Mar, 20 Mar, 3 Apr, 5 Apr, 10 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 10 May, 17 May
Late availability on these dates: 21 Sep, 28 Sep
Japan small group vacation by bullet train
Japan's must-see cities and beautiful, rural countryside
From £3,495 to £3,775 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 14 Jul, 25 Aug
2019: 18 May, 1 Jun
2019: 18 May, 1 Jun
Kumano Kodo trekking vacation, Japan
Village to village walking in the sacred Kii Peninsula
From US $3,165 9 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 8 Oct, 5 Nov, 10 Nov
2019: 23 Apr, 7 May, 24 May, 7 Oct, 22 Nov
2019: 23 Apr, 7 May, 24 May, 7 Oct, 22 Nov
Helpdesk
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Japan small group vacation North to South
North to South 20 Day Epic Journey of the truly unique Japan
From £9,495 to £9,795 20 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 21 Oct
2019: 12 May, 20 Oct
2019: 12 May, 20 Oct
Southern Japan small group tour
Experience a different side to Japan on its southern islands
From £4,144 to £5,325 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 19 Jul, 9 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 1 Nov
2019: 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 16 May, 23 May, 13 Jun, 18 Jul, 8 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 31 Oct
2019: 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 16 May, 23 May, 13 Jun, 18 Jul, 8 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 31 Oct
Up to US $760 off. Late availability on these dates: 19 Jul, 09 Aug, 06 Sep, 13 Sep
Japan activity vacation, bike, hike and kayak
Multi activity holiday in Japan
From US $4,255US $3,617 to US $4,465 12 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 8 Jul, 23 Sep
2019: 17 Mar, 31 Mar, 12 May, 7 Jul, 22 Sep, 20 Oct
2019: 17 Mar, 31 Mar, 12 May, 7 Jul, 22 Sep, 20 Oct
Up to US $650 off. Late availability on these dates: 08 Jul, 23 Sep
Central Japan vacation, small group
Explore Japan- the land of the Samurai
From £6,495 to £6,795 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 14 Nov
2019: 10 Apr, 13 Nov
2019: 10 Apr, 13 Nov
Biking vacation in Japan
Sociable cycling tour of Japan's culture and nature
From US $5,815 to US $6,585 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 16 Nov
2019: 23 Mar, 4 May, 1 Jun, 5 Oct
2019: 23 Mar, 4 May, 1 Jun, 5 Oct
Japan family vacation
Throw yourself into the whirl of Japan
From US $4,180US $3,553 to US $4,390 11 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 1 Jul, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 21 Oct
2019: 6 Apr, 7 Apr, 13 Apr, 14 Apr, 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 22 Sep, 29 Sep
2019: 6 Apr, 7 Apr, 13 Apr, 14 Apr, 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 22 Sep, 29 Sep
Up to US $620 off. Late availability on these dates: 01 Jul, 12 Aug, 19 Aug
Japan culinary heritage tour
Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture.
From US $4,410 11 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 28 Sep
2019: 10 May, 27 Sep
2019: 10 May, 27 Sep
Japan family tour, rural adventure
A family trip with amazing insights into Japan’s traditions
From US $2,685 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 22 Jul, 25 Sep
2019: 21 Jul, 24 Sep
2019: 21 Jul, 24 Sep
Last minute availability for guaranteed July departure to meet free-roaming Japanese deer and macaques, make pottery at one of the ancient kilns in the rural community, try a thrilling Taiko drumming lesson with a famous professional team
Japan walking tour of Shikoku
Beautiful Shikoku Island and the 88 Pilgrimage trail
From US $4,410 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 14 Oct
2019: 12 May, 20 Oct
2019: 12 May, 20 Oct
Japan tour, winter festivals
An adventure of natural, cultural and artistic delights.
From US $3,430 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 5 Feb, 8 Feb, 10 Feb
Japan small group tour
Bold cities, beautiful lakes and spectacular Mount Fuji
From US $3,019 to US $3,139 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 22 Sep, 6 Oct, 8 Dec, 22 Dec
2019: 5 Jan, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 7 Dec, 21 Dec
2019: 5 Jan, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 7 Dec, 21 Dec
Japan walking vacation, Mt Fuji and the Japanese Alps
Kyoto, Tokyo and the Japanese Matterhorn
From US $4,495 to US $4,915 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 22 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug
2019: 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 18 Aug
2019: 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 18 Aug
Late availability on these dates: 22 Jul, 05 Aug, 19 Aug
Hidden Japan vacation
Get beneath the surface into the heart of Japan
From £3,695 to £3,795 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 26 Jul, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov
2019: 14 Mar, 9 May, 23 May
2019: 14 Mar, 9 May, 23 May
Japan cultural immersion vacation
Cultural activites and traditional experiences galore
From £3,950 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 9 Sep
2019: 12 May
2019: 12 May
Northern Japan tour
Off the beaten path in magical northern Japan
From £3,690 to £3,995 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Jun
Japan trekking vacation, North from Tokyo
A walking journey, rich in spirituality and tradition
From US $4,410 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 20 Jul, 31 Aug, 16 Sep
2019: 19 Jul, 30 Aug, 15 Sep
2019: 19 Jul, 30 Aug, 15 Sep
Spaces available on 20th July departure to explore dramatic peaks and soothing hot springs of northern Japan. Experience a walk through the beautiful Oze wetlands and stay in temple lodgings at the three sacred peaks of the Dewa Sanzan.
From
US $4,140
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
It was outstanding and hard to pinpoint a single thing. Experiencing the Onsens, seeing a whole valley flowering with cherry blossom, eating lots and lots of extraordinary food. A guide who was always patient and smiling and couldn't do enough to make sure every single person got what they wanted. Walking though beautiful valleys and mountains..... I could go on and on.
Tips?
Carry as little as possible - all the ryokans and hotels do provide sleepwear and toiletries... (more)Ruth Patterson
From
£1,975
excluding flights
We saw various places all of which were very interesting. There is not one particular place or experience that stands out over and above everything else. It was great to cover so much ground and there was a lot to do every day. Our tour leader was helpful and very knowledgeable. (more)Catherine Cassidy
The entire trip was so awesome. Lots of exciting things to taste, see and experience. Great way to meet people who enjoy traveling as much as I do.
Fantastic trip. (more)Anuschka Veckranges
Really enjoyed the variety of visiting different regions of Japan e.g. busy Tokyo,
tranquil Hakone, beautiful Kyoto and Nara and Kamakura. (more)Eva Jolly
From
£2,475
excluding flights
The beautiful Himeji Castle floating above you on the horizon when walking towards it from the station. Hiroshima was very moving. (more)Yasmin Dastur
There were many `most memorable´things such as the autumn colours, the gardens, the Japanese people, the food, the variety you offered on this tour, the numerous surprises Japan has in store by being so different, the group, the tour leader. (more)Inge Kerber
The highlight was meeting the Japanese people - they were so friendly and provided a fabulous service, all of them doing there best to help out the 'non Japanese' speaking tourists. Also, the country was virtually 'spotlessly' clean with no litter, graffiti or the usual grime one associates with Europe. (more)Roger Bayliss
From
£3,495
excluding flights
The most exciting elements were the cultural differences and beauty of Japan. The most memorable was the stunning 'Japanese Alps' at Kamicochi. (more)John Harlow
Autumn colours were wonderful and the temples were most interesting. Excellent, with attention to detail, which made the tour very easy for the group. Hotels very good. (more)Ann Caroe
Very good itinerary that included cities and countryside and a variety of types of
accommodation. There was plenty of optional free time to explore one your own if you wanted. Brian, the tour leader was conscientious and helpful, we were particularly impressed that he met us at our hotel on arrival in Japan in spite of the very late hour. (more)Andy Goodenough
From
US $2,775
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The beautiful little post towns and the amazing food at the places we stayed at.
Tips?
Wear lots of layers as it can get cold but you also need to be able to cool down by stripping back when you're hiking and the sun comes out.
Local benefits?
I hope it helped the local communoities by enabling them to keep these beautiful old buildings functioning as they were meant to.
Overall rating?
It exceeded expectations. We were all very well looked after by... (more)Richard Gordon
From
US $4,490
excluding flights
We particularly enjoyed Kyoto which gave a mix of city living with the cultural experiences. We visited Sanjusangendo temple which holds 1001 life sized statues... (more)Lisa Thompson
This was an excellent trip. ...Walking in the countryside - seeing parts of Japan that I would never have discovered on my own and being guided by a reliable expert. Asuka, Dorogawa and the Mitarai Gorge were particularly memorable. Also - wonderful exotic food, charming ryokans and soothing onsens. (more)Una Dinning
From
US $4,500
excluding flights
Experiencing such a different culture and all things Japanese was the best. Excellent. Fumiko was a very helpful, informative and patient guide. We saw amazing temples, landscape etc. (more)Janet Barwell
The whole thing was tremendous - felt we got a real insight into Japan today and in the past....One of the best vacations we have been on - very well planned to give a varied taste of the Japanese culture. (more)Anne Cooper
The most memorable part of the vacation was getting a bit of an insight into the people and culture of everyday Japan by traveling on local trains and buses and staying in local inns in rural areas rather than faceless hotels. (more)Nicola Lindsey
From
US $4,161
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The cherry blossom in Japan.
Tips?
Take an umbrella, be ready to walk a lot and have fun.
Local benefits?
Yes, especially the local hotels amd ryokan.
Overall rating?
Excellent. Very good guide (Kimi) who went beyond the vacation description, taking us on tours, and explaining the local customs. We explored other tours before booking with this company and this was best value for money. (more)Mary-Anne Rose
From
£3,950
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Firstly - Sumo wrestling was an incredible spectacle. This won't be offered on all. Hands on Japan trips, but if you have the opportunity seize it with both hands. Secondly - Shrines and Temples are endlessly amazing.
Tips?
Take a book that you can collect stamp impressions in (not postage stamps, but rubber stamps). Make sure it is fairly large as many of the temples, gardens,
train stations, etc.... offer some really exciting rubber stamps you can collect that... (more)Monte Gates
From
£3,695
excluding flights
We had a fantastic time. The guide, Yuri, was great and the tour was varied and constantly enlightening. (more)Lynda McCall
Absolutely wonderful. Great to get away from the very big cities and engage with the people. Visiting Shikoku Island for over five days was brilliant. Our guide was excellent and the entire trip was hassle free. (more)Susan White
From
US $4,640
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing Mt Sakurajima look very peaceful and then erupt and having an Onsen by the beach.
Tips?
Pack lightly and be prepared to spend a lot of time on public transport as you travel large distances. While it is called a walking tour you don't actually walk large distances most days.
Local benefits?
Yes, We stayed in family run accommodation about half the time and ate a lot of local food prepared by locals rather than big companies.
Overall rating?
Very... (more)Barbara and Peter Gray
From
US $1,632
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
It was all fabulous! There was an ideal mix of pace and sightseeing between frenetic Tokyo, to gentle Nikko and beautiful Kyoto. Our guide Koi was so
organised and helpful, her assistance in getting around really made traveling, navigating public transport or busy sightseeing spots enjoyable rather than
stressful.
Tips?
Double check your itinerary, as it was not clear from the notes that we would have a guide on hand throughout the trip and that our travel between... (more)Lisa Watson
From
US $3,668
excluding flights
Miyajima-beautiful garden and Shinkansen was fab. (more)Rachel Melton
Superb. Would recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks very much.
(more)Simon Toller
A lot of good experiences - elephant ride on Christmas day - meeting a monk for meditation - Thai massage (ouch ouch ouch) and some great pampering. Food was often an adventure too. (more)Joanna Hughes
From
US $3,910
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
A painting exhibition in Hiroshima.
Tips?
It actually isn't that difficult getting around Japan but a few simple Japanese phrases help break the ice.
Local benefits?
We had very little interaction with local people and employed no local guides which was really a pity. We impacted on the environment just as much as any other tourists.
Overall rating?
Reasonable. (more)Margaret Good
From
US $5,735
excluding flights
