Japan Tours – Small Group Travel

Country overview

The Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is unlike anywhere else on earth. In a single day you can stand before a 1,300-year-old wooden temple in the morning, take the world's fastest train at lunch, and eat the finest sushi of your life in the evening. The contrasts — ancient and ultra-modern, serene and electric — are what make Japan endlessly fascinating.

Our small group tours spend time in the places that matter: the geisha districts of Kyoto at dawn before the crowds arrive, a traditional ryokan inn in the mountains of Hakone, the deer park of Nara, and the extraordinary food culture of Osaka. Maximum 16 guests means we move quietly through even the most crowded sites.

Kyoto — Ancient Capital
Thousands of temples, geisha districts, bamboo groves, and the most refined cuisine in Japan. Allow at least three days.

Tokyo — Megacity
The world's greatest city — vast, efficient, safe, and endlessly surprising. From Shibuya crossing to the tranquil Imperial Garden.

Mt Fuji & Hakone
Japan's iconic sacred peak visible from the mountain town of Hakone, with traditional ryokan stays and volcanic hot spring onsen.

Japanese Food Culture
From ramen and sushi to kaiseki and izakaya — Japanese food is one of the world's great cuisines and a central part of every tour.

Best time to visit Japan

Jan

Off-peak

Feb

Off-peak

Mar

Best

Apr

Best

May

Best

Jun

Good

Jul

Off-peak

Aug

Off-peak

Sep

Good

Oct

Best

Nov

Best

Dec

Good

What travelers say about Japan

★★★★★4.9 · 180+ reviews

★★★★★

"Japan was unlike anything I have experienced. The contrast between the ancient and ultra-modern is staggering — and our guide's knowledge of Shinto culture was encyclopaedic."

James L.

Land of the Rising Sun

★★★★★

"Kyoto at dawn before the tourists — just our group of 14 in the bamboo grove, completely alone. One of the great travel experiences of my life."

Sarah M.

Japan: Cherry Blossom

★★★★★

"The ryokan in Hakone with Mt Fuji visible from the onsen at sunrise. Then bullet train to Kyoto. Japan does everything at the highest possible level."

Thomas B.

Land of the Rising Sun

Frequently asked

Japan Travel Questions

Do I need to speak Japanese?

Not at all. English signage is excellent on public transport and in major cities. Our guides handle all communication throughout.

Is Japan expensive?

Accommodation and transport can be costly, which is why we include most meals and all transport in our tour price. Street food and local restaurants are surprisingly affordable.

What is a ryokan?

A traditional Japanese inn with tatami mat rooms, futon bedding, communal hot spring baths, and elaborate multi-course kaiseki dinners. One of the great hospitality experiences in the world.

What is the best time to see cherry blossom?

Late March to mid-April, depending on the year. Our Cherry Blossom tour is timed to coincide with peak bloom in Kyoto and Tokyo.

✦ Ready to explore Japan?

Your Japan Adventure Awaits

Request a free quote or browse our tours — your personal advisor will help you plan every detail.

Browse Japan Tours → Request a Quote