Japan Small Group Tours & Trips

Japan is a fascinating country - with something for everyone. It is popular among history buffs eager to learn about the ancient samurai culture, foodies who love sampling unique culinary items, and outdoorsy travelers looking to ski in some of the most pristine mountains in the world.

The Japanese culture is complex but friendly - their customs are important to them; politeness and timeliness are heavily valued traits. Traveling with a tour can help ease some of the stress that might come with navigating the Japanese culture and language.

When is the cherry blossom season in Japan?

Cherry blossom season in Japan is in early April on the mainland. This is one of the most popular times of year to travel to Japan, with hundreds of thousands of people visiting to see the bright pink and red cherry blossoms.

The season is relatively short, especially if you stay in the major towns and cities. And locals as well get very exciting about seeing the cherry blossoms - a flower commonly depicted in Japanese imagery throughout the centuries. So definitely expect some unavoidable crowds if you plan to visit Japan for the cherry blossom season.

Is Japan Expensive?

How much does it cost to take a tour of Japan? Is Japan more expensive than other Asian countries or Europe? While, yes, a vacation in Japan isn’t cheap, it is not prohibitively expensive, either. And what’s more, the experiences and memories you make on your Japan tour are undoubtedly worth every penny you have saved. 

There are countless ways to save money during your guided tour of Japan, from living off curry bowls and sushi train restaurants, to using public transportation. To ensure lower airfare and tour prices overall, look for trips during the off season, from November to March and during the summer months, from June to September. March to May and September to November will always be the most expensive. 

For the most economies of scale, travel to Japan with a tour operator. They’re expert in the destination and have all the right connections to ensure the best value for accommodations, transportation, sightseeing fees, food and more. Plus, they’ll have your back in an unfamiliar country, where the language and customs are very different from home.

Your tour operator will be key in parsing out just what you want to see, based on your interests, whether that’s city or countryside, and doing it in an educated, value-added way based on their years of experience. Consider mixing and matching your trip to include both small-group travel in Japan with some independent travel once you’ve gotten your legs under you. 

Be flexible about planning your Japan tour and you’ll find that the pieces will fall into place in terms of budget. There are enough choices about accommodations, activities and transportation to run the gamut from shoestring budget to top-end luxury. One thing remains constant: A trip to Japan is completely worth it.

Weather in Japan

When should you travel to Japan for the best weather? There is something appealing about all of Japan’s four seasons, so this answer depends on just what you’re hoping to do during your Japan guided tour.

In general, for the most mild weather conditions, spring and autumn are the best time to visit Japan, though summer and winter have their benefits as well. 

Let’s start with the two most popular times to visit Japan: spring and summer. Springtime in Japan is considered March through May, when it’s warm, but not too hot. There is very little rain at this time. The plum trees start flowering early, followed by the famous cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom season extends into April and includes Golden Week at the end of the month, a period of four national holidays within one week. If your escorted Japan tour will include Golden Week, we suggest making your reservations well ahead of time, as this is one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons. 

October and November are the best autumn months to visit Japan, past the oppressive heat of the summer and the typhoon season along the coasts of Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku. The flowering trees of summer have given way to equally impressive autumn shades in the north and at higher elevations. 

Don’t shy away from traveling to Japan in the winter, between December and February. The country transforms into a magical snow-covered wonderland, with world-class skiing opportunities, snow festivals and delightful hot springs soaks. It’s not as cold in Okinawa as in other regions of Japan, so if you prefer the mild side of cold, center your tour there. 

Winter in Japan includes the busy travel season of New Year’s, which can be very popular and thus requires advance planning. Opt, instead, for February when the tourist crowds are smaller. February is a great month for snow sports in Japan, when Northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast receive a lot of snow.

Look for winter tours that include seeing the drift ice off Hokkaido and the snow-covered houses and trees of Shirakawago. Keep in mind that the days are relatively short during the winter months and where there is not pretty snowfall, the landscape is fairly barren. 

Finally, the least popular time to visit Japan is in the summer, from June to August, when heavy rainfalls are practically guaranteed. The temperatures and the humidity is sky-high. If you are traveling to Japan in the summer, we suggest looking for tours that include the northern region of Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu. Hokkaido is less affected by the rainfall, so it remains a popular outdoor activity destination throughout the summer.

Where to Ski in Japan

There are several ski resort destinations in Japan, covering a wide range of “traditional” ski lodges to resorts to smaller mom and pops.

There are two main regions for skiing in Japan, both of which hosted the Winter Olympics. Hokkaido, which hosted in 1972 offers a more “westernized” feel” when it comes to the ski resorts and ski culture.

The other main region for skiing in Japan is Nagano, which hosted the winter olympics in 1998. Here you can expect a more traditional Japanese approach in the ski villages and lodges - many accommodations are offered in Japanese inns called “ryokans”. This would be the place to go to an Onsen for the truly unique experience of bathing in a warm outdoor pool as the snow falls.

When is the Ski Season in Japan?

Skiers around the world get very excited about skiing in Japan for the powdery snow. The best month for Japan’s renowned powder conditions is January. Expect pretty heavy crowds of enthusiastic skiers eager to experience some of best powder skiing in the world.

The Japanese ski season is shorter than in the United States, plan to visit between December and late February / early march for the best snow.

Choosing a Tour in Japan

With so many great options out there in the Japan small-group tour arena, you may be asking, “How do I pick the best Japan tour for me?” Consider these questions as you do your research:

What do I want to get from my Japan experience?

Get in touch with your inner explorer and determine what is most important to you. Cherry blossoms? Hiking? Skiing? Shrines and temples? Shopping and food? Then look for small-group guided Japan tours with these filters to see what best matches your interests. 

How many days do I want to travel in Japan?

To maximize your experience and get the most out of your trip, we suggest a 10- to 14-day Japan guided tour. If you have a full two weeks, you’ll have time to adjust to the time zone, explore the greater Tokyo area and then branch out from there to different landscapes and historical and cultural centers.

How are you traveling?

Are you looking for a completely guided, escorted tour of Japan or would you like to have some independent travel days in your itinerary? With a country with a significant language barrier, such as Japan, it can be beneficial to travel with a small group.

The professional and expert planning and support throughout the trip will save you time and money and help you get the most from your time in the country. Your Japan guide will know the best times to visit attractions to avoid large crowds, can help with the language, knows how to navigate transportation and has insight to share about the local culture and traditions.

Of course, if you are interested in doing the research and planning much of the trip yourself, there are excellent tour operators that work in this way, providing a backbone for your Japan trip, and being there as behind-the-scenes support in case you need it.