Japan small group trips

Late April to early June and mid-September to early November. Kamikochi's buses run only from about mid-April to mid-November, the rainy season falls in June and July, and August is hot and humid. Cherry blossom and the peak of Kyoto's autumn colour are lovely but the busiest and most expensive weeks.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto

Moderately fit. Expect 4 to 6 hours on your feet most days, about 8 to 12 km, with stairs in stations and at shrines. The steepest part is about 45 minutes uphill at Fushimi Inari, and you can stop at the first gates instead. Your suitcase is forwarded, so you never haul it up station stairs.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka

Yes, a room of your own is from CAD 975 more, about 20 percent of the trip price, shown before you book. Solo travellers are welcome on every departure. If you would rather share a room, ask us when you book and we will tell you whether a roommate match is possible on your date.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka

The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests, and we never combine two departures into one bigger group.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto

Prices are per person sharing a room, with taxes included: the small group starts from CAD 4,830 and the private trip from CAD 8,695. Choose your start date and send a request to book. We confirm your place within 24 hours, and no payment is taken until we have confirmed.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka

Canadians and citizens of many other countries can visit Japan as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. Check the current rules for your passport before you book.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto

Late March to May and October to early December, when days are mild and mostly dry. Cherry blossom in early April and Kyoto's autumn colour from mid-November are beautiful but crowded and pricier. We avoid the early summer rainy season, the August heat and Golden Week at the start of May.

Answer for Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka

Easy to moderate. Most days have 2 to 6 km of walking on paths and boardwalks. The hardest walk is the Asahidake loop at about 1,600 m, about an hour on rough volcanic ground, and there is an easy option there and at the Five Lakes, whose elevated boardwalk is flat and step-free.

Answer for Hokkaido: Sapporo, Furano lavender and Shiretoko

A room of your own is from CAD 945 more for the trip, about 17 percent, and you get the same room standard as everyone else. If you would rather share, ask when you book: we confirm for each departure whether we can pair you with another solo guest, and you see the price before you commit.

Answer for Hokkaido: Sapporo, Furano lavender and Shiretoko

The small group runs with 7 to 12 guests and one See Sight Tours guide for the whole trip, from the airport pick-up in Sapporo to check-in at Kushiro. In Shiretoko a registered local nature guide joins us for the Five Lakes, as the park requires in bear season.

Answer for Hokkaido: Sapporo, Furano lavender and Shiretoko