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These tours provide an intimate, well-organized experience, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in Japan's culture, history, and landscapes without the stress of planning or navigating the country alone.
In this article, we'll explore two amazing small group tours in Japan, highlighting the benefits of traveling in a small group and the unique experiences you can expect.
The Benefits of Japan Small Group Tours
Exploring Japan on a small group tour offers an unparalleled experience, blending the richness of Japan's cultural heritage with the benefits of personalized travel.
A small group tour typically comprises around 10 to 24 travelers, allowing for intimate yet engaging journeys that provide a more tailored experience. You can enjoy the best of Japan's iconic landscapes, traditional architecture, and modern marvels without the hassle of planning and navigating a foreign country.
Small group tours of Japan are especially great because they allow you to form connections, access exclusive experiences, and receive the focused attention of knowledgeable guides. Whether it's the bustling streets of Tokyo or the quiet temples of Kyoto, small group tours ensure that you see Japan from a more authentic perspective.
Transportation is Taken Care Of
One of the biggest advantages of a small group tour in Japan is that all your transportation needs are handled. Japan has a reputation for its efficient public transport, including its iconic bullet trains (Shinkansen), local trains, buses, and ferries.
While navigating the Japanese transport system can be an adventure on its own, it can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors, especially with language barriers. A small group tour ensures that you can easily move from city to city without having to worry about train schedules, transfers, or even booking tickets.
Collette's small group tours offer pre-arranged transportation, letting you sit back and enjoy the journey while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto or visiting Japan's rural areas like Hokkaido or Kyushu, you can have peace of mind knowing that your transport will be convenient and timely.
Moreover, small groups allow for more flexibility, so there's room for adjustments if you encounter a delay or want to spend more time at a particular site. Imagine gliding past Mount Fuji on a high-speed train or driving along Japan's scenic coastline without the stress of arranging every detail.
You Get to Meet New People
Traveling in a small group means meeting people with similar interests who are equally passionate about adventure and exploration. This can make the experience of traveling even more enjoyable. Whether solo traveling, with a partner, or with friends, being part of a group helps foster connections and friendships.
As you journey together through Japan's vibrant cities or serene landscapes, you'll bond over shared experiences like visiting a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto or exploring the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.
Japan small group tours also attract diverse travelers worldwide, providing an opportunity to share stories, learn from different cultures, and develop lasting relationships.
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
One of the best parts of traveling in a small group is having access to a knowledgeable tour guide. Japan has a rich history, and there's no better way to uncover its stories than with an expert guide who can navigate the details of each location.
From explaining the significance of ancient shrines to providing insight into modern Japanese customs, a local or regionally-based guide can help bridge cultural gaps and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
On a small group tour, guides can also offer personalized attention and answer any questions you may have about Japanese traditions, language, or local customs. You can even get off-the-beaten-path recommendations, like hidden restaurants or secluded temples that you wouldn't find in a guidebook. Imagine exploring the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with the guidance of a local expert who can explain the significance of the thousands of torii gates and share stories passed down through generations.
This intimate knowledge greatly enhances your understanding of Japan's deep-rooted cultural heritage.
You Don't Need to Make a Plan
When you join a small group tour, the itinerary is already set, so you don't need to worry about planning your days, making reservations, or coordinating logistics. All the details will be handled from when you arrive in Japan until you leave. This allows you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than stressing about where to go or what to do next.
Pre-planned itineraries also ensure you can visit all the top attractions and hidden gems without wasting time. Whether exploring ancient temples, sampling delicious Japanese cuisine, or strolling through tranquil gardens, your tour will have the perfect mix of activities to keep you engaged.
With an expertly designed itinerary, you can be sure that you'll see the highlights of Japan while also having time to relax and absorb the local atmosphere. Plus, the flexibility of small groups means that the schedule can sometimes be reshaped to cater to the group's preferences.
Love the cherry blossoms in bloom? Your guide can accommodate more time in parks to soak in the beauty. Prefer to explore local markets? There's space to cater to those interests, making the trip even more enjoyable.
2 Small Group Tours in Japan
Ready to experience Japan with a small group? Here are two of the best small group tours to Japan that will give you a deep dive into Japan's past and present and its neighboring cultures.
1. Japan: Past and Present
Discover the perfect blend of Japan's traditional past and vibrant present with Collette's Japan: Past and Present tour. This small group tour takes you on an 11-day journey through Japan's iconic cities and cultural sites.
Start in Tokyo, where modern skyscrapers sit alongside ancient temples, and dive into the fast-paced energy of one of the world's largest cities. Visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market.
After Tokyo, head to the charming city of Kyoto, known for its well-preserved temples, tea houses, and geisha districts. Stroll through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and witness the beauty of the Golden Pavilion. Your tour also includes visiting Nara, home to the famous deer park and the towering Todai-ji Temple.
This tour perfectly balances Japan's historical richness and its modern-day marvels. Whether it's the neon-lit skyline of Tokyo or the peaceful gardens of Kyoto, you'll experience a contrast that only a small group tour can provide.
2. Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul
For those looking to expand their travels beyond Japan, Japan & South Korea: from Tokyo to Seoul offers an exciting opportunity to explore two incredible countries in one trip. This 14-day journey starts in Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, where you'll experience the city's modernity contrasted with its deep-rooted traditions.
From Tokyo, you'll travel to Hakone to admire the iconic Mt. Fuji and take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. Then, it's off to Kyoto and Osaka, where you'll explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the historic Osaka Castle.
The tour then takes you across the sea to Seoul, South Korea's dynamic capital. In Seoul, you'll visit the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace, a sprawling complex that once housed Korea's royalty. You'll also get to experience the lively neighborhoods of Myeongdong and Insadong, where you can sample traditional Korean street food and shop for unique souvenirs.
This tour provides a seamless blend of Japanese and Korean cultures, deeply understanding each country's history, customs, and cuisine. With Collette's expert guides and pre-arranged transportation, you can enjoy both countries without the stress of planning.
Book Your Japan Small Group Tour with Collette
Collette's small group tours in Japan offer an unmatched travel experience. Whether you're interested in Japan's historical treasures or its modern marvels, Collette's expertly crafted itineraries and knowledgeable guides ensure you make the most of your trip. With transportation, accommodations, and meals all taken care of, you can focus on enjoying Japan's beauty and culture.
Book your Japan small group tour today and begin a journey filled with unforgettable memories and unique experiences!
