Inside Travel and its Japan-focused brand InsideJapan have a new premium small group tour for 2026, designed to combine immersive cultural experiences with higher-end accommodation and lesser-visited destinations.
The 14-night Insider-led Luxury Japan itinerary will visit six locations across the country, including major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, alongside under-the-radar regions offering more off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Richard Farmer, Small Group Tour Manager at Inside Travel, said the new programme was created for travellers looking to combine cultural discovery with a greater level of comfort.
“This tour is about the luxury of experiencing unique cultural moments – from incredible regional destinations to character-rich accommodation and exclusive experiences,” he said.
The itinerary begins in Tokyo before heading to the castle city of Inuyama, home to one of Japan’s 12 original samurai castles and located on the banks of the Kiso River.
Travellers will also explore quieter areas of Kyoto with their Insider tour leader, including visits to lesser-known temples. Experiences include kaiseki dining on the shores of Lake Biwa, sake tastings and a private dinner in the company of a geisha.
The tour then continues to Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, known for its mountain landscapes, coastal scenery and distinct regional culture. Stops include Fukuoka, renowned for its food scene, and Nagasaki, noted for its historic heritage and picturesque setting.
The streets of Inuyama
Guests will also visit a small coastal tea farm to meet local farmers and learn about the community that produces the region’s tea. In Inuyama, travellers can take part in a Buddhist goma fire ceremony with monks at a local temple.
Alastair Donnelly, Co-founder of Inside Travel, said the tour responds to increasing demand for premium cultural travel experiences.
“We have been running our style of small group tours for 25 years now and 2025 was InsideJapan’s biggest ever year for small group tour sales,” he said.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of travellers seeking immersive small group tours with an added level of comfort – making our new Luxury Japan tour the ideal choice.”
The tour includes 14 nights’ accommodation in superior-grade hotels, transport throughout Japan, daily breakfast and a selection of additional meals, exclusive cultural experiences and guiding by an Insider tour leader.
There will be four departures in autumn 2026, with a full programme planned for 2027.
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