Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.
Steering clear of the on-the-bus, off-the-bus style of travel of yesteryear, our carefully crafted itineraries encourage you to get up close and personal with Japan; travelling as the locals do with the help of public transportation and developing connections with the people you meet along the way. Transporting luggage is a breeze with Japan’s hands-free delivery service, making more time for you to enjoy the sights.
Our small-group guided tours depart on fixed dates throughout the year carefully selected to offer the best experience for the season. But if our dates don’t match your schedule then let us know and we can work on a private departure that better fits your plans. Whether joining a fixed departure, or creating your own with your friends, travelling with one of our guides is a great way to discover the deeper side of Japan.
In the footsteps of Emperors, our small-group guided walking tour starts in imperial Kyoto before exploring the highlights of the ancient Kumano Kodo Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage site
From sea to sea in southern Japan
From Ancient Pilgrimage to Samurai Trails
Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture
Volcanic wonders of Kyushu
Dramatic peaks and soothing hot springs of the north
Highlights of the old Edo road through the Kiso Valley region, enabling you to walk from village-to-village along forested trails, overnighting in traditional inns, with excellent local cuisine and baths.
From Tokyo, visit the 'road through the mountains' once traveled by feudal lords, staying in traditional country inns, enjoying exquisite regional cuisine and soak in natural hot springs before ending in Kyoto
A scenic journey through Japan's cultural highlights
A small-group guided walking tour to Sacred Mount Koya & The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, visiting remote Iya Valley, hidden temples and bathing in the natural thermal waters at historic Dogo Onsen
Japan's rugged and remote wilderness
Experience the tranquil magic of winter on the Nakasendo trail with this small-group guided winter tour, visiting beautifully-preserved old post towns in the snowy Kiso Valley