Small Group Tours of Japan
Our Japan small group tours, typically limited to max 8 guests. They redefine intimate travel and offering truly distinct advantages.
This page outlines a selection of tours specifically curated to maximise every one of those advantages.
Small group tours generally mean easier logistics because there are fewer travellers. However, groups of typically max 8 guests go beyond that, to get you access to places bigger groups can’t go. Plus, with more meaningful one on one time with your guide you will appreciate a deeper connection to Japan’s culture, people, and landscapes.
The Japan small group tours below are journeys crafted for seasoned travellers who value substance over spectacle as well as depth over checklists — and who want to experience Japan in a way most never will.
Curating these small group Japan tours 2026 with such a small number of guests made it possible to include small family-run ryokans, quiet mountain villages, intimate restaurants, and artisans who open their doors to only a few. We were able to create travel that feels personal, immersive, and effortless.
To deliver the true small group experience in Japan that guests expect, the number of tours and importantly the number of departures are limited. This also facilitates the high level of care and attention to detail that you should expect. The small group tours in Japan are curated tours by season or theme — from cherry blossom to Autumn tours or Garden to slow walking, food, rural etc – They are grouped below. Just click the tour that takes your fancy and see the full itinerary.

The benefits of our Japan Small Group Tours
Extra small group size of 6-10 people
All transport and activities are included
Lead by qualified expert local guides
Stay at locally owned boutique accommodation
Connect with the people of Japan in their local settings
Enjoy exclusive access to small top-notch local eateries, craftspeople’s studios & history
Carefully crafted itineraries to get you closer to Japan's people and culture
Visit regional cities and village well off the common tourist trails
Autumn Tours
Departs from mid October to late November
Cherry Blossom Tours
Departs from late February to April
Winter Tours
Departs from late December to February
Garden & Art Tours
Departs all year round
Food Tours
Departs all year round
Walking Tours
Departs in February and October
Remote Tours
Departs all year round
Looking for something custom fit to you?
Do you have a specific time for travel, a group you want to travel with, or special needs and wishes for your trip to Japan? We can create a unique Private Tour for you.
Or you can take one of our Model Itineraries as is, or combine or modify it to suit your needs. There are some great Extension Itineraries available too, and they can also be added before or after joining our Japan Small Group Tours.
A thoughtful plan featuring interesting and significant places to visit, excellent cuisine, wonderful lodging and an A+ tour guide.
Raeanne Schmidt
HI, USA
Journey to the East met all my expectations and more. I can truly say I enjoyed everything. I felt totally taken care of and Fumiko-san was a fabulous guide, she made the tour so special. I have SO many fabulous memories. I would recommend the Food Tour of Kyushu Japan in Autumn to anyone and Journey to the East was very helpful answering all my questions pre-tour.
Clare Maiorano
WA, Australia
Don’t miss out on this trip, Kyushu is a beautiful island with outstanding restaurants, scenery, and culture, so well packaged by Journey to the East.
Molly Cureton
BC, Canada
This is not your run of the mill tour of Japan. It is an imaginatively crafted and well choreographed food odyssey, set against the lush and inviting backdrop of lesser-known Kyushu. A truly authentic and memorable experience.
Neil Murphy
Oxson, UK
Brilliant tour, great mix of outstanding food and culture without being overwhelmed by too many shrines. Experienced Japan in a way we could never have done by ourselves.