InsideJapan’s 2026 small-group touring program has more departures than ever before, including additional off-peak and shoulder season dates to meet rising demand for all things Japan.
It comes as parent company Inside Travel Group saw InsideJapan bookings increase by 21 per cent in FY25 compared to the previous year as well as ongoing interest.
The expanded 2026 small-group schedule offers more departures, including extra shoulder-season and off-peak options, giving advisors greater opportunities to promote Japan to their clients outside peak seasons.
A culinary experience in Hiroshima.
The 2026 Small Group Tour program includes off-the-beaten-track options, such as Winter Highlights tours that explore the northern island of Hokkaido and Hidden Japan itineraries in Shikoku – the smaller of Japan’s main islands.
A Northern Soul tour explores the lesser-visited rural north of mainland Honshu and the Japan Unmasked itinerary travels through the Japanese Alps, while essential grade tours still guarantee single rooms with no single supplement.
Demand for Japan and small-group touring
InsideJapan tour leader and clients in Miyajima.
InsideJapan Group Tour Program Operations Manager Richard Farmer said 2025 tours sold at an unprecedented pace with popular spring and autumn tours selling out completely, reflecting Japan’s popularity and demand for escorted small-group tours.
Farmer said additional departure dates during off-peak travel seasons will allow more selling flexibility for advisors, particularly for value-driven clients.
InsideJapan tour leader and group in Nara.
“As part of our under-tourism strategy, we decided to reduce off-peak costs of tours to encourage more travel when there are less people travelling,” he said.
“With our seven per cent shoulder and 15 per cent off-peak reduced pricing now in place from the outset, there’s a real opportunity for agents to present an affordable alternative to peak-season travel.
“People try and avoid the minor ‘rainy season’ in June or the summer months due to heat, but the season is no less impressive than the popular spring and autumn months for travel. The culture that makes Japan so special doesn’t just stop outside of spring or autumn,” he added.
InsideJapan group travelling on a local train in Hakone.
Inside Travel Group Co-Founder Simon King said advisors could expect strong consumer demand for Japan to continue into next year.
“Japan has cemented its position as one of the most desirable destinations in the world – and we’ve refined our product to meet the ever-evolving demand,” he said.
“For agents, this is the perfect time to capitalise on traveller interest, especially for clients who want an expertly guided, authentic experience without the stress of planning it themselves.”
For more info, head to insidejapantours.com
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