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Small Group Tours of Japan
旅
Journey
Our very popular extra small group tours will deliver a truly immersive experience of Japan
Join our small group tours of Japan and enjoy the best of both worlds: detailed planning, expert guidance, charming hotels, and the fun of accessing off-the-beaten-path adventures.
These trips are enjoyed by anyone who speaks English. You will meet like-minded travellers on these small group tours of Japan from Australia, USA, Canada, UK, NZ and many more places.
Each Small Group Tour of Japan is individually crafted around a specific theme. Pick a theme below and see our list of Japanese small group tours matched to the appropriate time of the year.
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
A 16 day visit to internationally renowned Japanese gardens and art museums during the blazing autumn colours. A cultural experience with a touch of luxury and an easy pace.
Next Departure 11th Nov, 2025
One of our most comprehensive and popular trips, this tour offers you the journey of a lifetime at one of the most magical times to visit Japan – autumn!
Next Departure 17th Nov, 2025
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
Staged in Japan’s northern region of Tohoku, much less visited by international tourists, this tour offers rural traditions and warm hospitality, intense autumn colours and stunning natural landscapes.
Next Departure 18th Oct, 2025
See some of the most remote and rugged areas of Japan in the National Parks and the Japan Alps including pristine Kamikochi in autumn. A tour to experience the dramatic landscapes of Japan from its tallest mountains to the deepest gorge.
Next Departure 21st Oct, 2025
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a higher level of comfort and easier pace. It offers comprehensive cultural insights, diverse landscapes and a variety of authentic experiences of Japan.
Next Departure 13th Nov, 2025
Cherry Blossom Tours
Departs from late February to April
A comprehensive Japan experience taking you on magical journey across Japan at cherry-blossom time, packed full of cultural activities and genuine immersion.
Next Departure 24th Mar, 2025
The ultimate bucket-list tour of Japan’s must-see sights in spring – temples, castles and gardens set against a stunning backdrop of pink blossoms – for those who prefer a little comfort in their travel style
Next Departure 19th Mar, 2025
An ultimate off-the-beaten-track tour of Japan in spring to view spectacular cherry blossoms along the Sea of Japan coast, packed full of unique immersive experiences, accommodation, traditional crafts and food.
Next Departure 3rd Apr, 2025
Experience the late-blooming cherry blossoms on this spectacular journey through the rural heartland of Northern Japan in spring – discover the proud samurai heritage and unique traditions of Tohoku plus the stunning natural landscapes and old trading ports of Hokkaido
Next Departure 11th Apr, 2025
An exceptional 14-day culinary journey across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – meet local farmers and innovative chefs, eat at Michelin restaurant and local street cart, and visit centuries-old producers of Japanese sake and premium green tea
Next Departure 23rd Mar, 2025
Winter Tours
Departs from late December to February
Ever dreamt of powder snow and perhaps making a snowman on Christmas Day? This tour is designed to travel Japan in the winter season experiencing a peaceful White Christmas as well as the traditional festive atmosphere towards the New Year in Japan.
Next Departure 13th Dec, 2024
This spectacular winter tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all; the Sapporo Snow Festival, drift ice, snowshoe walks, dancing red-crested cranes, local food and culture and more .
Next Departure 31st Jan, 2025
Garden & Art Tours
Departs all year round
An ultimate off-the-beaten-track tour of Japan in spring to view spectacular cherry blossoms along the Sea of Japan coast, packed full of unique immersive experiences, accommodation, traditional crafts and food.
Next Departure 3rd Apr, 2025
An unforgettable 15-day journey to Japan’s most iconic destinations to see the nation’s top gardens and experience a stunning selection of Japanese art.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
Discover Japanese craftmanship at its finest on this fascinating tour of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu where you visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making
Next Departure 14th Apr, 2025
A once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the best of Japan’s traditional and contemporary architecture. Travel through spectacular landscapes of valleys and mountains, and stay in designer-styled accommodation in charming historic towns.
Next Departure 16th Nov, 2025
A 16 day visit to internationally renowned Japanese gardens and art museums during the blazing autumn colours. A cultural experience with a touch of luxury and an easy pace.
Next Departure 11th Nov, 2025
Food Tours
Departs all year round
An exceptional 14-day culinary journey across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – meet local farmers and innovative chefs, eat at Michelin restaurant and local street cart, and visit centuries-old producers of Japanese sake and premium green tea
Next Departure 23rd Mar, 2025
Seafood, dairy, wagyu beef, fruit and vegetables, sake and whiskey, from Michelin-starred restaurants to ramen and street food, the 2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all! The tour also includes many personal experiences such as cooking traditional dishes with fishermen’s wives. Definitely, the Hokkaido Tour to brag about!
Next Departure 1st Jun, 2025
A gastronomic adventure through the island of Kyushu, fast-becoming Japan’s foodie destination for its fresh produce and culinary tradition and innovation.
Next Departure 14th Nov, 2025
Walking Tours
Departs in February and October
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
This walking tour takes you to some of Japan’s most pristine and stunning remote landscapes, with the Japanese Alps high above you and at the peak of autumn too. The brilliant autumn colours will take your breath away on a variety of short walks (8-10km) through the national parks and small villages.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
2025 Spiritual Walks of Northern Japan takes you through spiritual mountains, national parks ablaze in autumn colours and authentic onsen villages. An ideal opportunity to be stunned by the beautiful Japanese rural landscapes and the warm traditional hospitality of northern Japan.
Next Departure 12th Oct, 2025
Remote Tours
Departs all year round
Ever dreamt of powder snow and perhaps making a snowman on Christmas Day? This tour is designed to travel Japan in the winter season experiencing a peaceful White Christmas as well as the traditional festive atmosphere towards the New Year in Japan.
Next Departure 13th Dec, 2024
This spectacular winter tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all; the Sapporo Snow Festival, drift ice, snowshoe walks, dancing red-crested cranes, local food and culture and more .
Next Departure 31st Jan, 2025
Experience the late-blooming cherry blossoms on this spectacular journey through the rural heartland of Northern Japan in spring – discover the proud samurai heritage and unique traditions of Tohoku plus the stunning natural landscapes and old trading ports of Hokkaido
Next Departure 11th Apr, 2025
An exceptional 14-day culinary journey across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu in spring – meet local farmers and innovative chefs, eat at Michelin restaurant and local street cart, and visit centuries-old producers of Japanese sake and premium green tea
Next Departure 23rd Mar, 2025
Discover Japanese craftmanship at its finest on this fascinating tour of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu where you visit master artisans of pottery, textile, woodcraft, papermaking and sword making
Next Departure 14th Apr, 2025
Unforgettable hiking on the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most scenic walking route. The 11-Day guided tour also includes the historic town of Takayama.
Next Departure 7th Nov, 2025
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.
My Garden and Art Tour of Japan in Autumn with Journey to the East in early November 2022 was first class. Excellent and diverse itinerary, English speaking guides who are very knowledgeable and helpful, comfortable western style accommodation, great Japanese food with some French and Italian influences and everything went like clock work. The gardens in autumn awash with colours and the museums and art works are simply stunning. Loved Naoshima and Mt Fuji was spectacular. Cannot fault this tour or Journey to the East – great and memorable experience.
5/5
Trip date: November 2022
Roslynne Hansen
NSW, Australia
We were delighted with the Journey to the East’s Garden and Art Tour of Japan in Autumn and have no hesitation in recommending JTTE to anyone considering a visit to Japan to see the best of Japanese Gardens and Art Museums. The tour exceeded our expectations in many different ways.
5/5
Trip date: November 2023
John Day
UK
The tour exceeded our expectation and will be remembered for the best tour of our lives.
5/5
Trip date: November 2022
Ian Woodroffe
UK
JTTE were very helpful and informative throughout the booking process. The tour itself was great and covered a wide variety of art venues and gardens and the local guides were all very helpful, informative and pleasant. It was also nice to travel in a smaller group. I would happily recommend JTTE to anyone thinking of travelling to Japan.
5/5
Trip date: November 2022
Catherine Morris
UK
A wonderful experience of Japan in a safe and skillfully guided environment. The whole experience was so fascinating. The small group made organization very easy. I loved the way the tour is organized so that a small bag only is required overnight. The use of multiple guides is also a great idea. Very happy with Journey to the East. Very well planned, informative and communicated. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Thankyou.
4/5
Trip date: November 2022
Ruth Procter
Australia
We just returned from our wonderful 2022 Garden and Art Tour of Japan in the Fall . Kudos to all!! It was the trip of a lifetime.
5/5
Trip date: October 2022