Sign up as individual travelers 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.
“I travelled extensively through Europe and Asia and my passion for different cultures and people inspired me to become a guide.” After working at a travel agency for over 6 years as a branch manager, Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to expand her knowledge in the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide as well as a tour conductor. She is interested in Japanese history, food culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).
"I'm passionate about Japanese traditional culture and philosophy, and I am delighted and honoured to show you the beauty of my country!" Kana grew up in Kobe and graduated from two universities in Kyoto, one majoring in English and the other majoring in Japanese classical and traditional arts. She also holds the title of Associate Professor of Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony. She has been engaged in the lifetime study of tea ceremonies, Nohgaku (Noh and Kyogen) and shamisen, and recently started making traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi for her own tea ceremonies. Kana is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love for Japanese traditional culture.
“I hope all who join me will enjoy finding out more about our mountains and history, and how closely they are linked.” Ryoko first fell in love with the wild when she visited Alaska to coordinate an aurora borealis viewing trip. In 2007, after 11 years in the travel industry, she moved to Alaska and learned a range of outdoor skills from navigation and camping skills to ethics and sustainability at the National Outdoor Leadership School. Every summer since then, Ryoko has spent her time as a trekking guide in Europe and North America, surrounded by great people and beautiful nature. It is this time spent abroad and amongst different cultures that reminds her of the importance of deepening her knowledge of her own wonderful culture in Japan. She is passionate about using her opportunities as a guide to share her culture, which is intimately connected to the mountains of Japan.
“I travelled extensively through Europe and Asia and my passion for different cultures and people inspired me to become a guide.” After working at a travel agency for over 6 years as a branch manager, Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to expand her knowledge in the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide as well as a tour conductor. She is interested in Japanese history, food culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).
"I'm passionate about Japanese traditional culture and philosophy, and I am delighted and honoured to show you the beauty of my country!" Kana grew up in Kobe and graduated from two universities in Kyoto, one majoring in English and the other majoring in Japanese classical and traditional arts. She also holds the title of Associate Professor of Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony. She has been engaged in the lifetime study of tea ceremonies, Nohgaku (Noh and Kyogen) and shamisen, and recently started making traditional Japanese sweets known as wagashi for her own tea ceremonies. Kana is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love for Japanese traditional culture.
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.
Walk alongside the beautiful Sanriku coast and learn about the unique way of life in one of Japan’s most remote regions.
Dramatic peaks and soothing hot springs of the north. A small-group guided walking tour with 6 days of walking and hiking of 2-6 hours per day
From ancient pilgrimage to samurai trails: walk both the Kumano Kodō and Nakasendō Trail
A short small-group guided walking tour with three hikes of 3-6 hours of village-to-village walking on the Nakasendō Trail
A small-group guided walking tour to Kyūshū with short hikes of 1-3 hours
A small-group guided winter tour to the Nakasendō trail. Walk or snowshoe for 1-3 hours over five days
A small-group guided walking tour to sacred Mount Kōya and The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail.
A small-group guided tour that visits western Japan, travelling to cities on both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. Experience the culture, history and lifestyle of this unique region.
A small-group guided food tour through Japan's best-kept culinary traditions
Discover the charm of central Japan. Explore history, culture and nature on a small-group guided cultural tour
A small-group guided tour through eastern Hokkaidō that features hot spring bathing, incredible regional cuisine, rewarding hiking, and chances to spot wildlife unique to the island.
A small-group guided walking tour with five hikes of 2-7 hours of village-to-village walking on the Kumano Kodō Trail
From Tōkyō, visit the 'road through the mountains' once travelled by feudal lords. Stay in traditional country inns, enjoying exquisite regional cuisine and soaking in natural hot springs before ending in Kyōto.