See Japan from every angle on a classic small-group adventure

14 August 2026

Japan is a destination of contrasts. One moment you can be crossing one of Tokyo's busiest intersections, and the next you're soaking in the peaceful surroundings of a mountain town. Ancient temples sit alongside futuristic skylines, centuries-old traditions remain part of everyday life, and every region brings its own distinctive food, landscapes, and character. For those who want to experience more than Japan's headline cities, this 14-day Classic Japan small-group tour from InsideJapan brings together some of the country's best-known sights with quieter corners that are just as memorable. Travelling from Tokyo to Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, and Toyama before returning to the capital, it's a journey that reveals just how varied Japan can be.

See Japan from every angle on a classic small-group adventure

Start with the energy of Tokyo

There's nowhere quite like Tokyo for a first introduction to Japan. The journey begins with two nights in the capital, giving you time to experience a city where the ultra-modern and traditional sit comfortably side by side. Explore buzzing neighbourhoods, discover quieter temples and gardens tucked between skyscrapers, and begin getting acquainted with Japan's exceptional food scene.

Staying in Asakusa also places you in one of Tokyo's most characterful areas, known for its traditional atmosphere and proximity to the historic Sensō-ji temple. And this isn't the last you'll see of the capital. The tour loops back to Tokyo for the final two nights, giving you another opportunity to explore once you've become more confident navigating Japan for yourself.

Swap city streets for mountain scenery

From Tokyo, the pace changes as you travel to Hakone. Known for its mountain scenery and hot springs, this is the perfect place to experience a more peaceful side of Japan. On clear days, the wider Hakone area is also one of the country's classic locations for views towards Mount Fuji. The journey then continues to Osaka, where the atmosphere changes once again. Japan's third-largest city has a reputation for being fun, friendly, and particularly passionate about food. Evenings here are made for exploring illuminated streets and discovering local specialities before heading onwards to Kyoto.

Discover Japan's cultural heart

If Tokyo represents Japan's modern energy, Kyoto offers a window into its history and traditions. With two nights in the city, there's time to experience the temples, historic districts, gardens, and traditional architecture that have made Kyoto one of Japan's most celebrated destinations. But one of the strengths of this itinerary is that the journey doesn't end with Japan's most familiar cities. After Kyoto, you'll continue into the Japanese Alps to Takayama, where beautifully preserved streets and traditional wooden buildings create a very different atmosphere.

Go beyond the classic Golden Route

From Takayama, the tour heads north to Toyama, adding another dimension to the journey. Sitting between the mountains and the Sea of Japan, Toyama takes you away from the busiest tourist trail and allows you to experience another of Japan's regional identities before returning to Tokyo.

It's this combination that makes the itinerary particularly rewarding. You'll still experience the places many visitors have dreamed about for years, but they're balanced with smaller cities, mountain landscapes, and a slower pace. Rather than simply seeing Japan's most famous sights, you'll begin to understand how dramatically the country changes as you travel between its different regions.

Why explore Japan on a small-group tour?

For many first-time visitors, planning a multi-stop journey through Japan can feel daunting. A small-group tour with InsideJapan takes care of much of the logistics while still giving you the opportunity to experience the destination properly. Local transport at most destinations is included, alongside an IC transport card with 5,000-yen credit for city travel and a Hakone Free Pass for exploring the Hakone area.

There is plenty of food included too, with breakfast every day, seven evening meals, and one lunch, while free time throughout the journey gives you opportunities to make your own discoveries. Accommodation ranges from three- and four-star hotels to more distinctive traditional stays, making the journey feel even more varied and exciting.

To book your small-group tour of Japan, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

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