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“The team’s in-depth knowledge of Japan was second to none, as was their professionalism & attention to detail.”
Jill Shaw -
Japan Tours That Go Beyond the Tourist Trail
Journey to the East runs multi-day guided small group and private Japan tours for travellers who want more than the usual Tokyo and Kyoto checklist. We are Japan specialists, and for over a decade we have taken people off-the-beaten-path to the quiet temples, rural villages and mountain towns most tours drive past. Every itinerary is handmade by our own team in Japan and Australia, never handed to a subcontractor, so the people planning your trip are the people who know the ground. Travel in a genuinely small group of 6 to 10, or have us build a private, custom Japan tour around you. Our travellers come from all over the world and span a wide range of ages, many of them active retirees with the time to explore Japan at a leisurely pace.
13+ years
Industry experience
472+ tours
Run across Japan
1,656+
travellers hosted
4.9 out of 5
average guest rating
What Makes Journey to the East Different
Off-the-Beaten-Path Itineraries
Our off-the-beaten-path tours take you past Tokyo and Kyoto into rural Japan: quiet mountain villages, countryside temples and spiritual sites larger operators skip. Every route is shaped by our own Japan specialists and led by licensed local guides who share the history, food and stories you'd otherwise walk right past.
Handmade, never subcontracted
Every tour is arranged by our own staff in Japan and Australia, and we run a wholly owned operation on the ground in Japan. You are in our hands from arrival to departure, never passed to a third-party operator, which is why our tours run smoothly from start to finish.
Real value for money
The majority of activities are included, so you're not adding up extras as you go. And because there are no intermediaries, every dollar goes towards the trip itself rather than a middleman. We put exactly what's included, and what isn't, in writing before you book.
Accredited and trusted
We are a member of ATIA and hold ATAS accreditation, and we are recognised by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO). With more than a decade of running tours in Japan, your booking is in safe, experienced hands.
Sustainability and local connection
Small groups tread more lightly on the places we visit. We stay in small, locally owned accommodation, eat at local restaurants and choose activities that support local communities, the kind of places mass tourism never reaches.
Genuinely small groups
Our small group tours carry just 6 to 10 travellers, most are capped at eight, so you reach the places, meals and experiences a large coach tour cannot.
Choosing Between a Small Group Tour and a Private Tour
There are two ways to travel with us. The right one comes down to how much company you want and how much you want the trip shaped around you.
Our small group tours run with 6 to 10 travellers (most capped at eight), on proven itineraries and set dates. You are travelling with like-minded people and fully escorted by experienced and knowledgeable locally licensed guides. We handle all logistics, so all you have to do is to relax and enjoy your holiday. With most meals and activities included, these tours are our most social way to see Japan and often the best value too.
Perfect for: individuals and couples
A private tour is yours alone, for you and your partner, family or friends. These are fully custom trips, shaped around your pace, interests, timing and budget, with your own guide and private transport. We can start with a sample itinerary and adjust it to suit you, or craft a bespoke tour from scratch. Most private tours last around seven days, allowing the trip to remain relaxed and unhurried.
Perfect for: families, friends, clubs and corporate groups.
Not sure which tour suits you?
Enquire or call us today and we will talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a small group tour and a private tour?
A small group tour runs with 6 to 10 travellers on set dates and a set route. A private tour is custom-built around you, your pace, interests, timing and budget, with your own guide. Both are planned in-house by our own team, so the quality is the same either way.
What is included in a Japan tour package?
Most Small Group Tour packages cover accommodation, most meals, in-country transport, an expert English-speaking guides and entry fees. Private Tours usually include all accommodation, but type of transport, guides, and meals to be included vary depending on the customers’ brief. International flights and travel insurance are usually separate not included in either Small Group Tours or Private Tours. The best Japan tour packages from Australia set out their inclusions and exclusions in writing, and ours always do, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How big are the groups on a small group Japan tour?
Our small group tours run with 6 to 10 travellers, with the majority capped at eight. A smaller group means we move at a pace that suits everyone, eat together at small local restaurants and reach places a large coach tour cannot.
How far in advance should we book a Japan tour?
Most Small Group Tours are released 12 to 18 months in advance, and some tours sell out almost immediately.
For Private Tours, we recommend you book 6 to 12 months ahead or earlier for popular seasons such as spring and autumn. Prices of hotels climb as availability tightens. Booking early also gives you the best choice of accommodation, guide and activities.
Do you have to be a senior to join these tours?
No. You don’t need to be retired or any particular age. Our tours suit active travellers of all ages who want a slower, more cultural trip than a large coach tour, though we’re often found by people searching for Japan tours for seniors, and retirees do make up a good portion of those we travel with.
When is the best time of year to visit Japan?
Spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November) bring the mildest weather. Cherry blossom season from late March to early April, and autumn colours season from late October to late November are the most crowded and expensive to travel. Golden Week in late April and early May is also crowded by domestic travellers, and transport and accommodation are very tight, so book well ahead.
Are your tours physically demanding?
It depends on the tour. Some involve more walking around temples, gardens and stations, while others are gentler, with shorter distances on flatter ground. Tell us your needs before you book, and we will match you to the right tour or build a private tour around them.
Ready to see Japan's most missed tours? Enquire now or speak to a Japan specialist.