Japan Small Group Tours
It’s time to get to know Japan beyond Tokyo and its bright neon lights. Head back in time to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, where tradition lives on. Find your inner peace in the quiet mountain towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Or, glide across the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can see the perfect cone of Mt. Fuji reflected in the water. Japan is more than you think.
10 best Japan small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- 8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
- 7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
- Imperial Capitals of Japan Small Group Tour
- Imperial Capitals of Japan with Kanazawa Small Group Tour
- 10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Family, Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
- Classic 7 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3&4 Hotels
- 9 Day Independent Japan
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Best of Japan: Tokyo to Osaka (Private Guided, 4-star Hotels)
- 10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were lucky as we arrived during the peak of this season and cherry blossoms were abundant.”
Liza, traveled in March
A private tour awaits families and friends with dedicated English-speaking guides at each destination. Personal attention enhances visits to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Gion district, ideal for groups seeking customized exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
- US$3,459
7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole itinerary of this Japan tour was well-knit. The accommodation was first-class, providing us with sumptuous breakfast.”
Jodie, traveled in April
Dedicated English-speaking guides lead your private party through Japan. The intimate format allows for in-depth exploration of locations like Senso-ji Temple and Kuromon Market. Personal attention ensures deeper cultural immersion at sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
- US$2,689
Imperial Capitals of Japan Small Group Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They organized a fantastic tour of Japan for me. The Firebird app worked seamlessly throughout the trip.”
Diana, traveled in August
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- US$3,628
Small groups of 8-14 travelers move through Japan's imperial cities from Tokyo to Kanazawa. The limited size makes navigation easier through Kyoto's narrow Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama and creates more engaging interactions during the traditional tea ceremony in kimono robes. You'll visit UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple's golden pavilion and the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go. The smaller group helps build deeper cultural connections throughout the trip.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa Age Range Ages 19+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- US$5,450
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator TravelChinaGuide From
- US$4,429
Groups of just 6 travelers receive personal attention while checking out Tsukiji Outer Market's street snacks, feeding sacred deer at UNESCO-listed Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, and taking photos of the vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Your English-speaking guide handles Tokyo's metro system and bullet trains between cities, and the small group means you can move at a flexible pace through Dotonbori's busy food stalls and Kyoto's Ninenzaka Streets. The compact size also means easier access to crowded spots like Senso-ji Temple and more hands-on time at Lake Ashi, where you'll cruise with Mount Fuji in the background.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator TravelChinaGuide From
- US$2,689
9 Day Independent Japan
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The daily tours we went on were great, and the choice of attractions to visit was excellent.”
HORACE, traveled in August
Personalized attention highlights guided tours through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Small groups enhance cultural experiences during the Panoramic Tokyo Day Tour and Kyoto Temple excursion. Perfect for cultural immersion with 50+ reviews and dedicated local guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Odawara, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vio Travel From $1,814
5% Off- US$1,723You save $91
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
124 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved Japan!! Very knowledgable and great personality!”
Karan, traveled in April
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $3,499
25% Off- US$2,624You save $875
Best of Japan: Tokyo to Osaka (Private Guided, 4-star Hotels)
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very informative and fun!”
Ann, traveled in January
Your private group receives personalized attention from English-speaking guides at iconic spots like Meiji Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple. The tour, perfect for couples (age 5+), offers flexible pace and customized experiences.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Odynovo From $4,281
10% Off- US$3,853You save $428
10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We liked the tour guides, their English was generally good, and one took us 'off tour' to show us some of the hidden gems in her community.”
Christopher, traveled in September
Personal guides lead private tours for families or friends, ensuring dedicated attention throughout. Ideal for intimate groups under 6, allowing flexible exploration of locations like Nara Deer Park and Miyajima Island at your own pace.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Shirakawa Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- US$4,429
Reviews of Small Group tours to Japan
- 8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People, 3/4 Stars Hotels
I was traveling with my spouse, tween, and 70+ year-old parents. We visited during the busy cherry blossom season. We were lucky as we arrived during the peak of this season and cherry blossoms were abundant. It was also quite crowded, so I appreciated my family having our own guide (versus being part of a bigger tour group). Also, it was nice to be picked up at the airport so that we didn't have to find our way around a foreign country upon arrival. I think the value was good considering it included the hotel, entrance fees to places visited, and public transportation fares. It was nice not to have to worry about the logistics of getting from one place to another in a foreign country. Our online tour consultant was very responsive and helpful. Also, the guides were knowledgeable, kind, and accommodating. The biggest challenge is that the days involved quite a bit of walking, which was difficult for my elderly parents. If I convince them to go on another trip, I would add in more leisurely days. Maybe that's my fault for not asking for some lighter days. I'm a bit torn because as a traveler, you do want to make the most of each day you are there to visit all the beautiful sites; but, it can also be exhausting. This also meant having to lug luggage around various trains to the various destinations. We stayed in four different hotels as we traveled across Japan. It was a packed itinerary; we were able to see a lot in a short amount of time. Over the course of five days, we visited Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, & Miyajima Island. Overall, an excellent trip that provided a snapshot of Japan. I would rate it four and a half stars if I could (but only whole stars were allowed). I recommend it for most families (including those with little ones and elderly); I would just add more rest days/free time (or fewer site visits per day), especially if you have members in your party that are young or elderly. Also, if you have members that have mobility issues (such as those in a wheelchair), I would work with the tour consultant as there were places that would be difficult to access. My consultant was great; I just don't think I took advantage of having chosen a “private, tailor-made" tour as much as I should have. I relied and trusted the recommendations. To be clear, their recommendations were all top notch, I just should have taken my family's (which included elderly parents) abilities more into account and been more vocal with what would be best to accommodate my specific family's needs.
- 7 Days Best Japan Mini Group Tours, Max 6 People & 3/4 Stars Hotels
Excellent customer service. Very efficient and responsive. Guides were informative. Thank you. I’ll be using your travel again. Highly recommend.
- Imperial Capitals of Japan Small Group Tour
I had an excellent experience with Firebird. They organized a fantastic tour of Japan for me. My destination specialist, Olia, was incredibly helpful, always responding quickly to any questions I had. We stayed at the hotels I hadn’t heard of, and it turned out to be perfect. The Firebird app worked seamlessly throughout the trip, keeping everything organized. I will definitely book with them again in the future.
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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