Japan Tours

Welcome to Dragonfly Tours Japan, where you will find enthralling holidays and tours in Japan brought to you by guides who are passionate about their country and want to share it with you.  In small groups (most of our Japan tours have a maximum of 8-10 people) and with a flexible schedule our escorted tours will show you the best of Japan whilst also giving you the freedom to explore this magical country by yourself.  We have tours throughout the year including incredible last minute Autumn tours to Japan a brilliant winter tour in Japan and fabulous tours in spring 2023

We have over 15 years’ experience in delivering incredibly enjoyable tours taking you through the best of Japan and come highly recommended from our customers – read our reviews.

Our escorted tours in Japan give you the chance to taste the freshest sushi or the potentially fatal fugu (pufferfish), pick up the latest gadget and some antique lacquer ware, soak in hot springs, see ancient temples, visit Zen gardens, explore modern cities and much more. Take in the majestic Mount Fuji on our fabulous Fuji Tour or take in our Northern Routes tour.  Read on to find out more about our selection of tours to Japan. Remember, as well as our scheduled tours, we also provide custom tours which give you flexibility over your itinerary.

The cherry blossom that paints Japan in pink every sping is the most powerful symbol in the nation’s culture. The intimate relationship between natural images and Japan’s philosophy and art is well known and records suggest that the people of Japan have held these pink blooms in high regard right back to the foundation of the country.
Taking in the futuristic high-rises of Tokyo, the ancient temples of Kyoto and the traditions, food and culture of an intriguing nation, this small group tour in the heartland of Japan is ideal for the first-time visitor or for anyone who wants to capture the essence of the country.
The Ancient Highway Tour is a relaxing trip taking in four of the most popular places in Japan. The tour starts in the neon and glitz of Tokyo which makes a neat contrast with the next stop, the somewhat more traditional old capital Kamakura.
The Takayama Festival Tour is a tour of Japan with a difference. You experience the highlights of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto, but at the heart of this tour is the experience of the Takayama festival, unheard of by many travellers here, and experienced by fewer.
The Crimson Leaf tour is the perfect choice for an Autumn tour of Japan. Every year when the intense heat of the summer breaks, Japan bursts into flame with autumn colours. At autumn’s peak in November, the mountains, the forests, the urban parks and avenues are ablaze with every kind of red, orange and yellow providing a stunning backdrop for your holiday.
This is a Japanese tour off the beaten track and who, like our ancestors, want to approach Japan through its historical gateway.
A fabulous Mount Fuji Tour. Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan — its culture, its values; everything it represents. In times past, Fuji was the pivot of Japan’s ancient road connecting the cultural, spiritual and imperial centre of the country Kyoto with Tokyo, the traditional centre of commerce and political power.
The Takayama Reverse Festival Tour is based upon our Takayama Festival Tour but it heads in the opposite direction with some extra tweaks along the path. You experience the highlights of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto, but at the heart of this tour is the experience of the Takayama festival.
Unlike our other tours, the Northern Route Tour to Kyoto is a quick paced tour for those who want to see and experience a lot in a short period of time. We take you off the main tourist route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto making the most of the newer bullet train route running north through the rural plains and hills of Nagano.
Tailor made tours

WHO ARE WE?



Russ Hewick

Founder / Operations

Etsuko Sakai

Guide / Translator

Mayumi Sorimachi

Guide / Translator

Kaori Sakai

Guide / Translator

Midori Fujimura

Guide / Translator

Haruhi Makino

Guide / Translator


TESTIMONIALS

Jonathan Johnstone

I have no hesitation with recommending Dragonfly Tours for anyone looking to explore Japan. Russ was extremely helpful from even before the beginning, organising the hotels and JR Passes/Suica cards and helping with transfers to and from the airport (even covering time outside the tour dates). The communication from the get-go was exceptional and there was a great balance of the group activities (the guidance for the major sites on the itinerary was great) and also plenty of time to explore on your own and set your own agenda for the day. The guides Russ and Satoko were very open and knowledgable, and were able to share with us a side of Japan that many would likely have missed if organised alone such as the tranquil Miyajima or the authentic tea ceremony. For me, it was the perfect way to relax as a solo-traveller and enjoy many of the amazing parts of Japan outside of Tokyo. Many thanks to Russ and Satoko for the great experience!

Ganyo & Penka Obreykova

We had an incredible trip to Japan with a guided tour, and it exceeded all our expectations. There was an abundance of sights to see, and everything ran seamlessly. The selection of hotels was excellent, and they were conveniently located in fantastic areas. Throughout the entire experience, the communication from Russ and Satoko, our tour guides, was outstanding. They were attentive and provided valuable information before and during the tour. Choosing Dragonfly Tours was the best decision we made to explore the authentic side of Japan. Their expertise and professionalism were evident throughout the entire journey. We would recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable tour experience.

Judith Lewis

I have no hesitation in recommending Dragonfly tours: this holiday fulfilled its promise. I chose this company after scouring other tours: I wanted to see as much as possible in a short space of time, and especially Japanese history ,culture and it’s gardens. Excellent value. Excellent organisation.I joked to my friend we’d need a holiday after this holiday there was much in the itinerary! Attention to detail is evident. From the day you come to Japan and your journey back to the airport, Russ , the ‘ boss’ makes sure each person’s needs are met. Detailed and easy instruction for various journeys. Tickets supplied, bought in advance, including the bullet train. Trips well organised. Guided throughout, Russ on our first leg of the journey- Tokyo/ Kyoto; Satoko for the second- Hiroshima , Koyosan and more. Their knowledge invaluable. Small group tours- we were 8 . This particular tour involved quite a bit of walking and stamina, which was great, but it wouldn’t suit anyone expecting to be ferried about from site to site, and lounging by a poolside.. My favourites? Staying in the ryokan in Miyajima, and the temple lodgings in Mt Koya, the Tori gates- everywhere! the Imperial gardens in Tokyo; Kyoto and the geisha- the theatre, the onsen, the eating places…and so much more. Ab Fab ! Thank you Russell and Satoko..

Susan Ikeda

Being a third generation Japanese-Canadian, i joined this tour for places i've not been before (last visit 1973 and 75). I was not disappointed. With only four of us ladies from AUS and America, it was an intimate guided tour first by Russ and then by Masami. I stayed with the tour for the first 7 days and then went out on my own for 5 days and this was fine with Russ. My provided JP pass covered my own plans to Noto peninsula and back to Tokyo and airport, thanks to Dragonfly. Entry into Japan; hints on car rental was well navigated by Russ. From a happy camper.


Dragonfly Tours Japan

We have a fantastic collection of tours to Japan in 2023 which deliver the ultimate experience of this fascinating country and will leave you with treasured memories of the most amazing holiday experience. Our tours in Japan have been carefully planned and refined over the last 15 years so you get to see more of the historical sites, take in more of the beautiful scenery and soak up more of the culture of some of the best cities in the world.  Browse our site to see what we have to offer.

Japan Tours with Local Guides

Our tours in Japan are undertaken with local guides who have a wealth of knowledge about living and travelling in Japan. This knowledge, experience and passion enables our guests to get more out of their visit seeing sights and experiencing the very best things that are often missed on tours to Japan that are packaged by bulk operators.

Japan Tour Experts

We only provide tours to Japan, we don’t do tours anywhere else. We have extensive knowledge in guided tours to Japan which we continually refine through traveller feedback and our local knowledge of the destinations in Japan.

Tailor Made Japan

Book a tailor made tour to Japan with Dragonfly Tours and experience this enchanting country at your own speed. Our tailor made tours are for groups of any size, for any time of year and any duration and give you flexibility and control over your itinerary. 

Safe, Secure and Full Financial Protection

You are in safe hands when you book a tour with us.  As members of the Travel Trust Association (TTA) since 2009, all monies paid are 100% secured and guaranteed in the unlikely event of failure.  This coverage is worldwide, no matter which country you are from; or where you live.  Our member number is U6165.

If you would like to find out more about our tours please get in touch and we will answer any queries you may have.  Our tours can be booked online or over the phone.