Japan Small Group Tours
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10 best Japan small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- 8D Splendid Japan Small Group (max 15)(3 star hotels)
- Imperial Capitals of Japan Small Group Tour
- Imperial Capitals of Japan & Hiroshima Small Group Tour
- Japan Real Food Adventure
- Ancient & Modern Japan
- Luxury Japan Family Tour with Daily Start, No Group
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
- Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
- Highlights of Japan
Duration 8 days Destinations Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Stunning Tours From $7,531
50% Off- NZ$3,766You save $3,766
Small group travel through Japan's imperial capitals ensures personalized attention at sites like Asakusa Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. The limited size allows for authentic experiences, including private tea ceremonies and peaceful walks through Arashiyama's Bamboo Forest.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
50% Off- NZ$5,678
The small group format guarantees personalized attention at sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine's torii gates and Sanjusangendo Temple's 1001 Kannon statues. Private guides provide in-depth cultural insights at each location, with comfortable transportation between cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Private Operator Firebird Tours From
50% Off- NZ$7,153
Japan Real Food Adventure
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was fantastic and our group dynamic worked really well.”
Eric, traveled in March
Small groups averaging 12-16 travelers enjoy personalized culinary experiences. The limited size ensures hands-on participation in Tokyo's sushi-making classes, private home cooking lessons in Kanazawa, and exclusive access to local sake breweries and tea farms in Uji.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Koya-san, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,695
15% Off- NZ$6,541You save $1,154
Ancient & Modern Japan
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A really fantastic trip covering many varied aspects of Japan, with so many opportunities to learn about the country and culture.”
Fiona, traveled in September
A select group of 16-18 travelers navigates Japan's efficient rail system together. The intimate size enables special experiences at temples like Fushimi Inari and traditional ryokan stays, while an expert guide manages logistics across Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.
Duration 14 days Destinations Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Takayama, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Nagano, Tokyo, NikkoSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $9,559
3% Off- NZ$9,230You save $329
Luxury Japan Family Tour with Daily Start, No Group
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I was very happy with all the accommodations/hotels. Tour guides and transportation was great!”
Manjit, traveled in June
Your private tour ensures individual attention at every stop, from Meiji Shrine to Fushimi Inari. English-speaking guides customize pace and experience, perfect for capturing family photos at Senso-ji Temple and enjoying VIP seats at Gion Corner Theater's geisha show.
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
3% Off- NZ$10,429
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
122 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was incredible, and the views were breathtaking.”
Judi, traveled in March
Groups of 12-16 like-minded travelers are led by a local CEO guide. The intimate setting enables unique experiences like staying at Mount Koya monastery, participating in morning prayers, and enjoying traditional shojin ryori meals. Perfect for meaningful cultural exchange and easy navigation of Japan's transit system.
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $5,299
25% Off- NZ$3,974You save $1,325
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip had a good mix of physical activity and culture sit visits. It also had a good mix of rural Japan and more urban city scapes.”
Joshua, traveled in March
Ideal for cultural immersion, this small-group tour (typically 4-12 travelers) enables close interactions with local hosts at ryokans and personalized guidance through Kyoto's temples. Flexible dining options in Osaka's Dotombori district and shared adventures on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route enhance the experience.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Onomichi, Kyoto, Shingu, Koguchi, Katsuura, Toba, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $9,310
20% Off- NZ$7,448You save $1,862
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were good, the food was excellent, and the tour was exactly what I wanted.”
Elham, traveled in April
Small groups of 12-15 fellow travelers allow intimate access to local experiences like Takayama's morning markets and traditional ryokan stays. The limited size enables authentic cultural immersion, from sake tasting sessions to peaceful moments at Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Fuji, Takayama, Gifu, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji, Kyoto Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $8,460
25% Off- NZ$6,345You save $2,115
Highlights of Japan
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seeing the snow monkeys and walking through the pine forests, travelling by coach through the country was very good.”
Lynn, traveled in March
A close-knit group of 16-18 travelers, averaging 52 years old, delves into Japanese culture. The small size allows special access to traditional tea ceremonies in Kyoto and meaningful interactions with local guides at Nijo Castle's nightingale floors.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kanazawa, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kyoto Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
25% Off- NZ$5,830
Reviews of Small Group tours to Japan
- Japan Real Food Adventure
Great sample of all the classic Japanese foods! My favourite experiences on this trip were the fresh sushi from the Tokyo fish markets, the make-your-own takoyaki in Osaka, and the all-you-can-eat shabu shabu in Kyoto! Would definitively recommend trying some umeshu 'on the rocks' as nice sweet addition to a meal :) It was a shame we only got one day in Osaka compared to the 3 in Kyoto, which i assume is because of the timing on the railway passes, it made it a bit of a annoyance to travel to the airport in Osaka, so definitively would suggest staying at least an extra day there before flying out to see a bit more of the city. And if travelling solo, remember google maps got you covered for your train+fair info! PS. Early September temperature was around 30+C for the duration of the trip.
- Ancient & Modern Japan
The itinerary was packed full but this allowed us to see so much around Japan in a short period of time. Lots of walking and use of public transport but that was apart of the fun. Our tour leader Yōko was sweet, organised and helpful in any situation. Even offering to show us places on our free days. I highly recommend this tour to anyone if you’re keen to see a lot and happy to use your walking shoes in doing so.
- Luxury Japan Family Tour with Daily Start, No Group
I was very happy with all the accommodations/hotels. Unfortunately our first hotel in Tokyo was asking for us to pay for our accommodation because they didn’t have a payment from your tour company. This process took about an hour and a half before we were allowed access to our room. We had just arrived from a long travel day involving about 24 hours and were extremely tired. It was not a good first impression at all. Our guide had to contact someone so we could stay at the hotel. Also, no one at tour radar or our main contact person in Japan reached out to check in to see if we were doing okay or needed anything. I was hoping for better service. Tour guides and transportation was great! I especially liked our tour guide in Tokyo and the two in Kyoto.
What our customers ask about Japan Small Group Tours
What is the typical group size for small group tours in Japan?
Small group tours in Japan keep numbers between 6-15 travelers creating a more personal way to see places like Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple and Tokyo's Senso-ji Temple. The size makes it easier to navigate busy spots like the Tsukiji Fish Market and Tokyo Metro. These tours often include stays at distinctive places like the Myoryuji Ninja Temple in Kanazawa or the ANA Crowne Plaza in Hiroshima. As one TourRadar traveler notes "The small group feel was awesome."
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Japan?
The sweet spot for Japan small group tours falls between 10-14 days giving enough time to see major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto plus off-the-beaten-path spots like Takayama and Kanazawa. G Adventures runs an 11-day Japan tour that TourRadar travelers often describe as "the perfect length to experience both highlights and hidden gems."
What is the typical price difference between small and large group tours in Japan?
Expect to pay 20-30% more for small group tours in Japan with daily rates from USD 200-500 based on where you stay and what's included. Large group tours typically cost around USD 200 per day while small group experiences average USD 300-400. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The higher price was worth it for the intimate experience and ability to stay in unique accommodations like the Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda."
What types of cultural experiences are possible with small group tours in Japan?
Small groups can join private tea ceremonies in Kyoto's Gion district take cooking classes in local homes and visit smaller temples that larger groups can't access. The size works well for places like Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa or activities at Mount Koya temples. A TourRadar reviewer notes: "Our small group size allowed us to have dinner with a maiko in Kyoto and visit a local family's home for a cooking class - experiences impossible with larger groups."
What kind of accommodation options are available for small group tours in Japan?
These tours blend stays at modern spots like Park Hotel Kyoto with nights in traditional ryokans in Hakone and unique temple lodgings in Takayama. TourRadar travelers often mention that smaller groups can "stay in traditional accommodations that larger groups couldn't access."
How does dining work on small group tours in Japan?
The schedule typically mixes group meals with free time to explore on your own. Groups can fit into local restaurants that don't have space for bigger tours as noted by TourRadar travelers. You might have a kaiseki dinner at places like the Ooike Hotel near Mount Fuji or explore Osaka's Dotonbori street food scene with a local guide.
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