Skip to content

Start dreaming about your next experience in

Japan

“The team’s in-depth knowledge of Japan was second to none, as was their professionalism & attention to detail.”

Jill Shaw -

Looking for an authentic Japan travel experience away from crowded tourist spots? Explore the San’in region with the ultimate Off-the-Beaten-Path Western Japan Tour
Next Departure 4th Jun, 2026
Discover Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. Visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making on the southern island of Kyushu.
Next Departure 15th Apr, 2026
ようこそ
welcome

Japan travel Specialists

Unparalleled knowledge and network in Japan to deliver truly unique guided tours of Japan

Each 2026/27 Japan tour offers the discerning traveller much more than just travelling through Japan as a tourist. You will discover the hidden gems that reveal the true heart of Japan. By striking a balance between classic highlights and local secrets, urban and rural, historic and contemporary you will have a fun, safe, and deeply rewarding holiday in this endlessly fascinating country!

People in a Japanese restaurant on a tour designed by japan travel specialists

What makes Journey to the East tours unique?

Off-the-Beaten-Path Itineraries

Japan travel specialists who know Japan like back of their hands. You will experience the real Japan as our itineraries are crafted by our Japan specialists.

Peace of Mind

Member of ATIA and hold both ATAS and CATO accreditation. Recognised by JNTO. Running for over 11 years.

Value for Money

Discover the ultimate value in our Japan tours, with an outstanding guest feedback rating of 4.9 out of 5. Every dollar you spend goes straight towards your unforgettable tour experience. Say goodbye to intermediaries.

Security

A wholly owned subsidiary in Japan to deliver your tour to the standard of quality we set, and our guests are in the hands of Journey to the East from start to finish (not passed on to third party operators).

Sustainability

Offering small group sizes reduces the impact on local resources. We also support local businesses with environmental initiatives. Please read our Sustainable Travel page.

Boutique Accommodation,
Restaurants & Activities

Experience small locally owned accommodation, restaurants and activities. These are not well known to the mass tourists.

You have two types of Japan tours to choose from

I would recommend this tour to everyone that wants a complete, beautiful experience. The hotels, food, guides, gardens, transportation… all perfect and fabulous! Don’t wait, book immediately, they sell out quickly and now I understand why. Would use JTTE again!

Trip date: November 2025

Lisa Guttre

NY, USA

If you are looking for an immersive tour of Japan, look no further than JTTE. Impecable planning of the itinerary, which included some of the best locations, accommodation from traditional ryokans to modern hotels and very experienced guides who assist you to navigate this beautiful country of Japan. Definitely a 5-Star experience.

Trip date: December 2025

Liz Jenkins

QLD, Australia

My husband and I have enthusiastically told anyone who asks us about our trip how amazing it was. It is always a risk travelling with people you don’t know, but having a small group allows special experiences to be included. We highly recommend JttE.

Trip date: November 2025

Leonie Bell

WA, Australia

Journey to the East was professional and prompt to deal with. The guides were all lovely, had good knowledge and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having an enjoyable time -they were well spoken and had a good command of English. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and would definitely travel with them again if we chose to do another tour of Japan.

Trip date: November 2025

Robyn and Walter Delorie

NSW, Australia

We have had JttE organise two trips to Japan for us now. Both were wonderful and exactly what we wanted. With their expert knowledge of Japan and their ‘in country’ staff and guides they can tailor the perfect holiday.

Trip date: October 2025

Juliet Roper

New Zealand

If you just want to look at pretty, shiny things in Japan, book the trip yourself or go on an inexpensive tour. If you want to really meet the people and properly understand their fascinating history & culture, I highly recommend you engage Journey to the East travel company. Japan is their special knowledge area. You will be so pleased you did.

Trip date: October 2025

Carl Young

WA, Australia

We have had many years of travel to foreign countries, in small groups and on private curated tours. Some have been better planned and better organised than others, but I can safely say Journey to the East were the most thorough and well-organised of any, from first contact to last, including catch up while away when required. I would completely recommend their service.

Trip date: October 2025

Brett Patterson

NSW, Australia

Our experience with Journey to the East is that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or do another trip with them or recommend them to people with similar interests to us.

Trip date: June 2023

Stuart Christie

New Zealand

Journey to the East has put a huge amount of research into providing a true ‘holiday of a lifetime’ experience with no stone unturned to ensure their clients dreams are fulfilled. A 11 out 10.

Trip date: June 2023

Peter Canham

New Zealand

For anyone interested in seeing and experiencing the best of Japan, Journeys to the East is the go-to tour company, with the most wonderful guides, great planning and organisation, and the best all-round, guaranteed fabulous experiences!

Trip date: April 2023

John Bates

Australia

This is our second trip with Journey to the East and we can’t recommend them highly enough . The guides and the attention to detail were fantastic.

Trip date: April 2023

Alan Meads

Australia

If you want to really see the real Japan you can’t do better that to travel with Journeys to the East.

Trip date: April 2023

Sandra Parker

Australia

Journey to the East excelled again. This was our second trip with them and we couldn’t speak highly enough of them. Their attention to detail is second to none. We’ll be back for a third time!

Trip date: April 2023

Jill Shaw

Australia

Journeys to the East provides exceptional experience, local guides and all the attention to detail you would need to have a fantastic holiday in Japan.

Trip date: March 2023

Robyn Kennedy

Australia

Without hesitation I would thoroughly recommend JttE to anyone considering Japan. They have near all-inclusive tours and great itineraries. To those wanting a feel for Japan I would recommend the Signature tours as you get to travel like the locals and great but not 5 star hotels.

Trip date: March 2023

Colin Thorburn

Australia

We have traveled to Japan with Journey to the East on two occasions, Autumn Leaves and Cherry Blossom & Food tours.
Their itineraries, accommodations and guides attention to detail ensured an absolutely fabulous holiday each time.

Trip date: March 2023

Reginald Toohey

Australia

This is my third tour with Journey to the East. In 2023 I will take my fourth tour as they have all been excellent.

Trip date: October 2022

Bill Mackay

Australia

The tour exceeded our expectation and will be remembered for the best tour of our lives.

Trip date: November 2022

Ian Woodroffe

UK

I highly recommend touring with JttE. From the first contact they were quick to respond and helpful. They provided a spectacular tour, covering all aspects so efficiently. They arranged my extra accommodation and transport and ensured I not only had all tickets needed but had clear instructions to make it all so easy and stress free.

Trip date: January 2023

Sheryl Collins

New Zealand

Thank you for the impeccable standard of customer service you and the whole team provided to us, from my initial enquiry to our last day. If you are considering a trip to Japan – Journey to the East should be your 1st consideration, you won’t be disappointed.

Trip date: December 2022

Anna Frank

Australia

Contact One of Our Japan Travel Consultants Today

×

Tour Types

Our Signature tours suit inquisitive and open-minded travellers keen to embrace Japanese culture in all its forms. People who enjoy trying new food will love the chance to taste-test their way through a diverse daily selection of Japanese food. Being able to engage directly with experts such as tea ceremony practitioners, chefs and craftspeople will appeal to those who want to understand Japan at a deeper level. Our walking tour components will suit those who love exploring the history and present-day life of local neighbourhoods. Signature tours are also perfect for those who like an active itinerary but who also want some flexibility and time to explore on their own.

Discovery tours suit those travellers who are adventurous-minded, have above average fitness levels, and enjoy being outdoors exploring a destination by foot. They are also suited to people who prefer an itinerary which includes some free time so they can pursue their own interests and make their own discoveries.

Comfort tours suit those travellers who want to experience Japan’s culture and traditions while enjoying a more relaxed pace of travel and staying at premium-level accommodation with western-style amenities. They are appropriate for those who prefer itineraries with more included activities, more organised meals, and less free time.