Which Tour Agency Is Best for Japan? (2025 Guide with Pros & Cons)

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming, especially with so many tour companies promising the “ultimate” experience. Whether you want a group tour, something private, or a fully custom itinerary, there’s a travel style for every kind of traveller.

Here’s our 2025 comparison of the top tour agencies for Japan travel, including the pros and cons of each, and one local option you might not have considered yet.

1. Flight Centre / TripADeal

Style: Package deals including flights, hotels, and tours

Pros: Great value for budget-conscious travellers

Cons: Limited customisation, large group sizes, minimal flexibility, fast-paced

2. Intrepid Travel

Focus: Sustainable, small group adventures

Pros: Budget-friendly, responsible travel model, good for solo travellers

Cons: Less luxurious; limited personalisation

3. Japan Deluxe Tours

Focus: Fast-paced sightseeing tours

Pros: Covers a lot in a short time, affordable packages

Cons: Larger groups, minimal flexibility, less time for in-depth experiences

4. Abercrombie & Kent

Focus: High-end, private luxury travel

Pros: White-glove service, luxury hotels, seamless logistics

Cons: Premium pricing; may feel too formal for some

5. Backroads

Focus: Active tours (hiking, cycling)

Pros: Great for fitness lovers, stunning routes through Japan’s natural landscapes

Cons: Less focus on traditional sightseeing and culture

6. G Adventures

Focus: Budget small-group tours

Pros: Friendly for solo travellers, solid itineraries at low cost

Cons: Accommodations and inclusions are basic; not much customisation.

7. Samurai Tours

Focus: Value-focused cultural tours

Pros: Authentic experiences, smaller groups

Cons: Some reviews mention uneven pacing or older accommodations

8. Luxury Escapes (Japan Packages)

Focus: Curated high-end deals with hotel bundles

Pros: Often great value for luxury stays

Cons: Less immersive, no in-depth tour guidance or cultural connection

9. InsideAsia Tours

Focus: Part of InsideJapan, expands to multi-country trips

Pros: Ideal if you're touring more of Asia; good support team

Cons: May feel stretched thin outside Japan

10. Custom Japan Tours (that's us!)

Focus: Thoughtful, personalised tours in Japan

Pros: Custom itineraries tailored to your interests; perfect for families, small groups, and cultural explorers. Local expertise without the pressure.

Cons: Smaller operation. We don’t offer dozens of pre-packaged group tours, but that’s by design.

Want to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, hike in the Japan Alps, or explore hidden markets in Tokyo? We design your perfect Japan experience — built around you. Contact us for a no-pressure consultation, and we’ll take care of the details.