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)
- 10 Days Japan Delight with Hiroshima（Private Guide No Group）Customizable
- Imperial Capitals of Japan Small Group Tour
- Imperial Capitals of Japan & Hiroshima Small Group Tour
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Highlights of Japan
- Luxury Japan Family Tour with Daily Start, No Group
- Custom Japan Autumn Tours with Daily Start, No Group
- Japan Share a Trip
- Discover 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 $7,497
50% Off- NZ$3,749You save $3,748
10 Days Japan Delight with Hiroshima（Private Guide No Group）Customizable
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was professional and smooth. Accommodations, flight arrangements, and excursions all were first rate.”
AVERY, traveled in March
Your family moves through Japan at a comfortable pace with an expert English-speaking guide. Visits to Todai-ji Temple, Lake Ashi cruises, and Tsukiji Market exploration can be customized for multi-generational groups.
Duration 10 days Destinations Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Nara, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Odawara, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 1 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $8,916
20% Off- NZ$7,133You save $1,783
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
20% Off- NZ$5,652
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
20% Off- NZ$7,121
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
122 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Her knowledge of Japan and the Japanese Culture was amazing and she was a very caring and thoughtful guide.”
Janelle, 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 $5,899
25% Off- NZ$4,424You save $1,474
Highlights of Japan
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organised from start to finish. The guide was knowledgable and helpful.”
Karen, traveled in May
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, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From $6,810
22% Off- NZ$5,320You save $1,490
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
22% Off- NZ$10,383
Local guides lead your private party through Tokyo's hidden gems. Personalized tours through Kabukicho's neon streets and Meiji Shrine's peaceful grounds, with flexibility to adjust pace and interests at each location.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
22% Off- NZ$5,482
The tour welcomes small private groups with personalized English-speaking guides. A private driver takes you to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, while expert local guides lead you through Kyoto's temples and Nara's deer park with flexible itinerary options.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vio Travel From
22% Off- NZ$3,832
Discover Japan
64 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were very age-friendly.”
Cynthia, traveled in March
Small groups of 12-15 travelers follow an expert CEO guide through Japan. The intimate size allows access to traditional inns like Minshuku Iwatakan in Takayama and authentic experiences like the Kanazawa geisha district that larger groups can't easily accommodate.
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fuji, Kawaguchiko Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $8,719
35% Off- NZ$5,667You save $3,051
Reviews of Small Group tours to Japan
- 10 Days Japan Delight with Hiroshima（Private Guide No Group）Customizable
If you're planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend getting help from Phoebe at UME Travel! From our very first chat, she was incredibly friendly, thoughtful, and super efficient. She took care of the entire trip for me, so I barely had to worry about a thing. She's not only professional but also truly dependable. No matter what questions I had, she always responded quickly and clearly, making the whole process feel effortless. Thanks to her, my trip wasn’t just smooth—it was absolutely perfect! I’ll definitely be reaching out to Phoebe again for future trips in Asia. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and you can fully trust, she's the one!
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
Trip was good and covered where I wanted. It should be stated that people should be able to carry own bags through busy stations. Some on this tour were not able to and slowed us down. It should also be stated that lunches are often picked up on the way... others had expectations of a slower paced tour. Guide was good in regards to getting us through places and giving general ideas of area. Sometimes went above my expectations.
- Ancient & Modern Japan
My tour of Modern and Ancient Japan was amazing. Great communications, coordination, accommodations, and tour guide that was exceptional!
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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