Planning a trip to Japan can be an exciting adventure, and a small group trip is a great choice because it can open doors to new friendships, unique experiences, and the confidence to know you can rely on a knowledgeable and trusted guide. However, not all small group tours are created equal.

When comparing small group trips, keep an eye out for these 4 red flags before you take the plunge and commit to a trip. You want to make sure you completely understand what you’re signing up for and that it matches your trip expectations and goals.

1. Group size is more than 12

If a tour group has more than 12 travelers, your trip might feel less like an intimate exploration and more like a large-scale operation.

Larger groups often require bigger buses and are limited to visiting locations that can accommodate a crowd. This is important to pay attention to in Japan where spaces are naturally smaller and more confined than other countries. You might spend more time being shuffled from one tourist hotspot to the next rather than truly immersing yourself in the local culture.

Japan is a country best experienced up close and personal. Smaller groups allow for more flexibility and access to opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals. When the group is too large, the experience can feel impersonal, and you may end up feeling like just another tourist in the crowd.

2. Itineraries that only list temples, shrines, and famous sites

While Japan's temples, shrines, and famous sights are worth visiting, an itinerary that only highlights them might be a sign that the tour lacks variety and depth.

Traveling is about creating memories that go beyond the typical tourist experience (aka sightseeing). A well-rounded itinerary should include a mix of famous attractions and off-the-beaten-path, hands-on experiences.

You don't need to see every temple and shrine in Japan to have a fulfilling trip. Instead, seek out tours that offer a balanced mix of cultural, culinary, and local experiences that showcase the diverse and rich culture of Japan.

3. Itineraries that list what you’ll do and see, but not who you will meet

A truly immersive travel experience often involves meeting and interacting with locals who can provide insights into the culture and way of life.

If an itinerary doesn’t specify who you’ll be meeting, it could indicate that the tour is more focused on sightseeing than on providing genuine cultural exchanges.

Meeting locals and engaging in hands-on experiences is what turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. Whether it's a cooking class with a local chef, a visit to a traditional artisan's workshop, or a tea ceremony led by a master, these interactions allow you to connect with Japan in a more meaningful way.

Tours that prioritize these kinds of experiences demonstrate a commitment to offering more than just surface-level sightseeing and supporting the local communities they visit.

4. Itineraries that are not all-inclusive

If the tour price doesn't include tips, meals, and other small expenses, be prepared for costs to add up quickly.

While a lower upfront cost may seem attractive, the reality is that you might end up spending more than you anticipated once these additional expenses are factored in.

All-inclusive tours provide a sense of financial clarity and peace of mind. When meals, tips, and other expenses are covered, you can relax and fully enjoy your trip without worrying about your budget.

In many cases, all-inclusive tours offer better value for money, as they often include unique dining experiences and high-quality accommodations that you might not have considered otherwise.

Choosing the right small group trip to Japan requires careful consideration of what each tour offers beyond just the itinerary. While shopping around for your trip, avoid the red flags mentioned above and instead look for these green flags as an indicator of a good choice.

Look for a small group trip to Japan with these green flags:

small group sizes
diverse and thoughtful itineraries
opportunities to meet locals
all-inclusive pricing

At The Table Less Traveled, we carefully curate our Japan trip to be mindful of each of those green flags. Check out our Inside Japan trip and see if it matches your trip expectations and goals.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Custom Travel with booking service.

Small Group Trips

Custom Travel