japan small group tours for seniors

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Japan Tours for Seniors

Explore Japan with other Seniors. These 133 tours include popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto.

133 trips for 'over 50s' in Japan with 1,165 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Japan Highlights

Loved seeing Japan. Very busy itinerary - 55 miles walked in 8 days but really enjoyable.

Japan Express

It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour where our guide, Toshimi, a very knowledgeable local, would show us parts of Japan and tell us of their significance historically and socially, and also tell us how and where to appreciate Japan during our free time. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan. He also made lots of great recommendations on places to see and eat at, and overall made the whole tour experience very convenient, fun, and informative.

Simply Japan

Excellent itinerary. Especially liked the Fire Ceremony in Tokyo, Jigokudani, spending the night in the Zenkoji Temple, listening to the monk’s chant, Takayama, Miyajima Island, and Kyoto. There was a balance between staying in large cities and smaller towns. Tokyo was a challenge to navigate independently especially for the start of the trip. We were an older group with only one person who knew how to use Google maps. The leader was great, enthusiastic, and competent! Two weeks was enough to get a good overview of Japan. The home stay in Takayama was not of a good standard. The accommodations were run down, and not very clean, and the breakfast was subpar. Overall I loved the trip and was glad I signed up for it.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Food & Culinary
• Christmas & New Year

Japan Real Food Adventure

Some more time in Osaka and visiting Koyasan at a less busier time would be good. The visit to the tea farm was great! Special Thanks to our guide, Morry the magician. He led us to some places that weren't included in the included activities.

Back Roads of Japan

The booking process was direct and simple. All my queries were responded to promptly and there were no problems with the site or the tour company.

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

a good experience. would like to recommend others.

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

It was delightful experience

• Coach / Bus

Splendours of Japan (9 Days)

The itinerary provided a very wide and varied taste of Japanese culture. The tour guide was personable and excellent.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Hiking & Trekking

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

It was a great adventure. The Kumano hike was very challenging which I personally was unprepared equipment wise.

• Train & Rail

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

Ricardo was our trip leader and was incredible! He is so chill. Even with such a fast paced tour he was always calm and collected and always giving out recommendations and advice for things to do. The trip is fast paced and involves a lot of walking and public transport. I personally loved this as it meant I was always busy and travelling like a local. There is a good amount of free time and to be able to do Nara on the free day is great as it meant we could take our time there. The hostels were pretty good (one was a bit too cramped for the amount of people but that’s hostel travelling for you). The rest were good and to be honest it’s only a place to sleep as you’ll be so busy. I would highly recommend this trip. I had never heard of the company before but so glad I took the risk. Again I would like to thank Ricardo for being so amazing as a tour leader!

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Walking Adventure

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Japan Discovered (No. 1 Best Selling Tour)

This trip was simply fantastic. Everything was very well organized, the group arrangement was great and our tour guide Toshi did an excellent job! We got fascinating insights into this beautiful country and learned a lot of new things. All accommodations were great and the food was delicious. You get to experience the Japanese culture and way of life first hand on this tour. Highly recommended! Domo arigato gozaimasu, Toshi!!!

Japan Kanto - 5 days

This is an excellent tour. The activities are well thought out and interesting. The food and accommodation were top notch. Eriko was very friendly and helpful. Will be looking at doing more tours with this company (supervalue tours) in the future for sure :)

Splendours of Japan (Hiroshima, 13 Days)

A pretty comprehensive tour

Discover Japan

Kiyoe is a great guide. This was my first trip to Japan and she helped a lot. The group was great too, only very nice people. I will certainly travel to Japan again

What people love about Japan Tours for Seniors

It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour where our guide, Toshimi, a very knowledgeable local, would show us parts of Japan and tell us of their significance historically and socially, and also tell us how and where to appreciate Japan during our free time. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan. He also made lots of great recommendations on places to see and eat at, and overall made the whole tour experience very convenient, fun, and informative.

A great trip but could have been a few days longer as not enough time in Hiroshima and Osaka. Could have been better accommodation in Takayama as it was a very tired inn. A great group of people and our tour guide was brilliant

More Tours in Japan for Seniors

• Southern Japan tours (118)
• Central Japan tours (115)
• Northern Japan tours (7)
• Kanto tours (5)
• Honshu tours (113)
• Hokkaido tours (5)
• Mount Fuji tours (7)
• Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 2024/2025
• 1 Week (7 Day) Japan Travel Itineraries 2024/2025
• Best 3 Week (21 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries 2024/2025
• Discover the Best Japan Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Japan in 2024/2025?
• Weather in Japan in 2024/2025
• Solo/Single tours (312)
• For Couples (142)
• Budget tours (31)
• Luxury tours (51)

• Escorted Tours by Itinerary
• Escorted Tours by Date
• Add-On Tours
• Escorted Tours FAQs
• Escorted Tours Terms and Conditions

Self Guided Packages

• Self Guided FAQs
• Self Guided Tours Terms and Conditions

Specialty Tours

• Private Tour Groups
• Pre and Post Cruise Tours
• How to Register and Booking Process
• Tour Discounts
• Staying In Ryokans
• Japanese Etiquette
• Food in Japan
• Preparing For Your Trip
• Baggage Transfers
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
• Weather in Japan
• Pocket WiFi Rental
• SUICA and ICOCA Cards

Why Choose Samurai Tours?

• Meet Our Staff
• Frequently Asked Questions
• DIY vs Samurai Tours
• Ten Tour Commitments
• Gaijin on Getas Blog
• Travel Agents

Japan tour specialist with small groups, great guides and cultural immersion

Escorted tours.

Our small group Japan tour escorted groups (maximum of 8 to 12 tour members depending on the itinerary) allow us to stay in smaller ryokans and hotels, use public transportation and eat in smaller, intimate restaurants.

For those of you who wish to travel independently, these packages offer the perfect way to explore Japan. A little structure with a lot of flexibility may be the perfect combination for you!

Cherry Blossom Tours

Late March/early April in Japan means beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are on their way. We have many itineraries that take full advantage of this beautiful season.

Our specialty tours are small escorted group tours that include the same travel style as our popular escorted tour packages. But they have a unique focus and a one of a kind itinerary with one of a kind experiences.

Private Group Tours

Our Group Travel Services can provide you and your group with whatever you will need while visiting Japan.

Our small group tours are  well-balanced, educational, culturally-broadening, and most importantly, fun tours that inspire and inform.  By breaking down as many barriers as possible to the lifestyle, customs and traditions of Japan and the Japanese, our tour members travel as “ Temporary Japanese” allowing the maximum possible cultural exposure and experience.

Gaijin On Getas Blog

Temple and shrine visits during covid.

Just like everything else, the pandemic has changed the way temple and shrine visits in Japan are done. Touching anything with your hands...

Japan’s Mask Culture

There are recent studies that indicate Japan’s mask culture is learned at an early age. According to a survey, at this time 98%...

Entry into Japan During the COVID Pandemic

After a 10 month absence, I recently returned to Japan. The entry into Japan during the COVID pandemic was much, much different than...

Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 10th Year Anniversary

March 11 marks the 10th anniversary of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. Just like I will always remember where I was on 11/22/1963...

Our Small Group Japan Tours

On one of our tours, you will see things you have never seen before, eat foods you have never eaten before and do things you have never done before, which will add up to an experience like none you’ve had before. And best of all, you will have fun at the same time. Let us show you our side of Japan! You can start by searching our numerous tour options above.

• Japan Tours
• Senior Tours

Japan Tours and Trips for Senior Citizens 2024/2025

The best tours and trips for seniors in Japan. Are you a senior traveller looking for a great trip? Choose from 149 senior tours to Japan. Our tours for senior citizens have received 99 customer reviews. If you are looking for something special, you can also design and customize your own senior tour to Japan , where a travel expert will help build the trip of your dreams.

149 senior tours in Japan

• Starts Tokyo, Japan
• Ends Kyoto, Japan

Japan Express

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture City sightseeing , Local culture , Museum and gallery visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='3101'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,375
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 594
• Total Price from: US$ 1,781
• May 08 Only 8 seats left
• May 15 Only 6 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Kyoto, Japan
• Ends Tokyo, Japan

Ancient & Modern Japan

• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Ferry, Train, Boat & Bullet Train
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Sep 15 Only 2 seats left
• Sep 22 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Hiroshima, Japan

Japan 14 Day Adventure Tour

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Adventure & Local culture Adventure , Local culture , Food tours , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37182'>+4 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hostel
• Transport Bullet Train, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 18-79 yrs

• Ends Osaka, Japan

Backroads of Japan

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Sep 08 Only 6 seats left
• Sep 22 10+ seats left

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture City sightseeing , Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3102'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,725
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 573
• Total Price from: US$ 5,152
• May 09 Only 1 seat left
• May 22 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Osaka, Japan

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cruise & Hot springs 'data-more-tripid='4496'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,699
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 555
• Total Price from: US$ 3,144
• Apr 24 Only 6 seats left
• Apr 26 Only 1 seat left

Discover Japan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='4493'>+3 more
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,999
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 1,500
• Total Price from: US$ 4,499
• Apr 26 Only 2 seats left
• Apr 27 Only 7 seats left

Japan 10 Day Adventure Tour

• Activities Adventure & Local culture Adventure , Local culture , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Food tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='37101'>+5 more
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-70 yrs

Japan Highlights

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='18121'>+1 more
• Transport Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,715
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 371
• Total Price from: US$ 3,344
• May 19 Only 2 seats left
• May 26 Only 5 seats left

Japan Discovery

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='21321'>+2 more
• Transport Coach, Bus, Ferry & Bullet Train
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,550
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 355
• Total Price from: US$ 3,195
• May 11 10+ seats left
• May 18 10+ seats left

Japan Northern Explorer

• Activities Adventure
• Transport Flight, Train, Ferry, Boat & Bullet Train
• Sep 28 10+ seats left
• Apr 05 10+ seats left

Japan Family Holiday

• Activities Family
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Guest House
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle, Boat, Ferry, Rickshaw, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Jun 19 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 27 Only 1 seat left

Quick Japan Explorer 5D/4N

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Adventure Cultural, religious and historic sites , Adventure & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='28668'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Apr 18 10+ seats left
• Apr 19 10+ seats left

Cherry Blossom Festival - 13 days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Countryside and village visits , Museum and gallery visits & Cherry Blossom 'data-more-tripid='15883'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Train, Bullet Train, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Mar 24 Only 8 seats left
• Mar 28 Only 8 seats left

Chat with a local travel expert who can help design a custom-made trip to Japan, targeted senior travellers.

Japan Trip Reviews

Senior tours and trips.

• Asia tours for senior citizens
• Central Asia tours for senior citizens
• Mediterranean tours for senior citizens
• Middle East tours for senior citizens
• South East Asia tours for senior citizens
• Nepal tours for senior citizens
• Vietnam tours for senior citizens
• India tours for senior citizens
• Japan trips
• Japan budget tours
• Eco tours in Japan
• Japan guided tours
• Japan family tour packages
• Japan luxury tours
• Japan private tours
• Japan small group tours
• Japan solo trips
• Japan tailor-made vacation packages
• Japan tours for young adults
• Japan group tours
• Japan last minute deals
• Japan travel deals

Japan upcoming departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

For a limited time, book your 2020, 2021 & 2022 group tour packages with no deposit required!!!

• Custom Groups Custom Groups Overview Student Groups MICE Special Interest Groups
• About Japan About Japan Destinations Attractions Must See & Do
• About Us About Us Contact us Testimonials Terms & Conditions Travel Agent Services Disclaimer Site Map
• News Press Releases Blog Media
• Your Trip Get Started How to make a reservation Travel Tip FAQs Inquiries

Last Name *

Japan Custom Senior Groups

Custom Group Travel

Senior Groups

Private Journeys

Contact our Travel Consultant

1-855-325-2726 (us/canada), 1-909-988-8885 (international), mon. - fri., 8:30am - 5:30pm (pst), (except national holidays), [email protected].

Planning for a senior group can be challenging. You have to consider the budget, length of the trip, and needs of the travelers. What pace is best for your group? Are there physical challenges to traveling? Have you traveled together before and do you share the same interests? These are questions that need to be addressed before choosing a Japan vacation. Let All Japan Tours take the guess work out of your planning. Our travel experts have over ten years of experience creating tours for senior citizens. We know what works and what doesn’t. We can customize a tour package to ensure your senior group travels with satisfaction and comfort. Leave the details of the planning to us, from preparing international documents and flyers to securing payments and accommodations. At All Japan Tours, we know traveling for senior groups can have special challenges, but that shouldn’t prevent you from having a vacation of a lifetime. Just contact us, and our travel experts can customize an exciting trip to meet all your needs and exceed your expectations.

Travel by Private Luxury Coaches

At All Japan Tours, we use our own luxury coaches for all our senior groups. Your senior group can relax in private coaches that have been specially designed to maximize safety and comfort. Lounge on plush reclining seats with individual air conditioning units and plenty of leg room. Enjoy the onboard karaoke, refrigerator, electric hot water pot, and other amenities, including a complete first aid kit. Wheelchair lifts are also available on request. Most of the time, our coaches will drop you off at the doorstep of your destination or hotel, taking away the physical demands on senior travelers. At All Japan Tours, we take out the discomfort and work of traveling, so that your senior group can focus on enjoying the journey.

Plan your trip

When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide. Many of our clients select one of our existing Group Tour itineraries and adjust it according to their interests, budget, and other modifications. We also have clients that have their own ideas about their intentions and plans, or even a specific itinerary in mind. However you envision your tour to Japan, you can depend on us to provide first-rate service and exceptional pricing. A minimum of 15 travelers is recommended to get the best rates. (Although we can accommodate smaller parties at higher rates).

Our Japan Custom Group Travel Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences, so that we can create the ideal vacation for you. If one of our itinerary is the ideal base plan for you, please mention so in your inquiry. We will customize the plan so that the plan will meet your specific needs and desires.

Reviews for Our Custom Group Travel

  5.0 stars based on 28 REVIEWS

1   2   3   4   5   6   >>   see all

Custom Group Tour - Japanese Design: Study Tour

5/29/2023 - 6/9/2023 / 2023-05-29   

I hired All Japan Tours to organize the art tour which I curated. We worked on it for two years as this was a complicated trip with a lot of different locations, strict schedule, private viewing, and everything had to be on the highest level of hotels and food. The job that Kiyoshi and his team have done is exceptional. It was so well organized that everything was on time. They are flexible, detail oriented, and lovely to work with.

Japan Custom Group Tour

5/21/2023 - 5/30/2023 / 2023-05-21   

If you want one of the best tours of your life go with All Japan Tours and ask for Miss Kim. We went for our honeymoon and Miss Kim made it unforgettable. We experienced more than we could have imagined and she was exceptionally helpful and informative. Japan is the most beautiful place we have seen in our lives, and when we got home we missed both the country and Miss Kim. Thank you for all that you have done. We hope to come back again! You really made our honeymoon memorable.

Mr. DiSano and Ms. Urquiza

Custom Group Tour

5/11/2023 - 5/24/2023 / 2023-05-11   

The guide and bus driver were exceptional.

Everything about the tour was amazing! Our guide Miharu was a very big part of making the tour so fantastic. Her knowledge, guidance, assistance, storytelling, friendliness -- I can go on and on, and especially her humor and comedic skills had us all laughing and wanting more. She never failed to have an answer to our questions. Driver Harada-san was also so accommodating and pleasant to have as our driver -- he had the softest hands! I loved all the "hand on" activities - doing bonsai, woodcarving, making kamaboko, making tatami, dancing. It was also so special that Miharu was able to have the beautiful Japanese singer fly in just to entertain us on the bus. That was so special and I'm sure something that is not done for all tours.

Ms. Kawaguchi

Our tour was carefully curated to meet the diverse interests of our group. We had a group of family and friends, many who have traveled to Japan together several times before with a different company. AJT was by far superior in the sites and experiences they provided. The local tour guide was informative and funny and took the extra steps to make sure our tour would be memorable. We will definitely use AJT for our next trip. Thank you

Mr. Takasugi

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

Japan Tours for Seniors

Japan tours for seniors – that’s what Laurus Travel has been offering for years. Our Japan tours for seniors are truly intended for seniors as we have taken concrete measures to meet the needs of seniors travelling to Japan with us. These senior-friendly measures include: 

Itineraries tailored to Senior Interests Our Japan tours for seniors emphasize culture, history, fine food and other things seniors appreciate. We deliberately avoid activities only some young people would like, such as visiting manga shops or getting around mainly by public transit. 

Physical Requirement Suitable for Seniors We pace our tours so that seniors would find comfortable. You’d notice that on our Japan tours for seniors we make frequent washroom stops and take care to find the best route at scenic attractions to avoid challenging terrain. Immersive activities included do not require hard physical excretion.

Small Group Size We keep our group size small (20 or less) so that we can give each guest adequate personal attention. In our experience, seniors would rather pay extra for more personal attention.

Comfortable Accommodations The hotels chosen for our Japan tours are centrally located. They are comfortable and senior-friendly, with easy accessibility and amenities such as handrails, elevators, and non-slip surfaces.

Clear & Honest Communication We clearly communicate tour details, including daily schedules, activity levels, and physical requirements. Seniors appreciate knowing what to expect.

Inclusion of Leisure Time & Avoiding One Night Stay Downtime is scheduled here and there during the tour so that seniors can rest or explore at their own pace. Whenever possible, we avoid staying at a location just for one night to reduce the need for frequent packing and unpacking.

Cuisine Considerations We include a variety of dining options to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions. Unless specifically requested by guests, we avoid meals that are too exotic or spicy.

Comfortable Transportation With some exceptions out of necessity, we use comfortable transportation options, such as coaches with ample legroom and air conditioning. We break up long stretches of overland travel with regular washroom stops. To enhance the enjoyment of train travel, we provide complimentary luggage forwarding between certain city pairs, which means for most of the rail journeys the guests only need to bring a carry-on bag onto the train by themselves.

Always Soliciting Customer Feedback We continuously gather feedback from seniors taking our Japan tours and use that information to improve future offerings. Only through such conscientious efforts can we build our reputation as a senior-friendly Japan tour operator.

Japan Tours for Seniors – Best of Japan (14 days)

Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Tokyo

This leisurely paced Japan tour is a perfect choice for seniors. With a focus on history and culture, this premium small-group Japan tour showcases the best of the Land of the Rising Sun . From the present capital of Tokyo to the former imperial seat of Kyoto, Japan’s illustrious blend of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art modernity is on full display.

Important Features

• Small group size – 20 maximum
• Experienced professional guides
• Inclusion of tips for local guides & drivers
• No shopping stops to waste your time
• Quality Japanese & Western cuisines
• Sushi making lesson
• Kaiseki dinner with geisha dancer ( maiko ) performance
• Sukiyaki (hot pot) dinner featuring premium Japanese beef
• Luggage forwarding (Tokyo/Kyoto/Kyoto, 1 piece per guest & within 20kg)

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Mon: Departing Home City The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Tokyo Welcome to Tokyo!

Please make your way to the hotel on your own. Detailed up-to-date information on how to get to the hotel will be provided in the pre-trip update two weeks before departure. Private transfer can be arranged on request.

Day 3/Wed: Tokyo (B/L) Tokyo, literally meaning “eastern capital” and officially named Tokyo Metropolis, is one of the most populous mega-cities in the world with a population of 14 million. Formerly known as Edo, the city has been the de facto seat of the Japanese government since 1603 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu chose the city for his headquarters. The shogun (general) was a hereditary commander ceremoniously appointed by the emperor but held real power over the country during the shogunate period between 1192 and 1867. Edo was renamed Tokyo after Emperor Meiji moved his seat from Kyoto in 1868 when the last shogun was forced to return power to the imperial court. The city covers an area of 2,187 square kilometres following the merger in 1943 of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Prefecture.

Our full-day sightseeing begins at Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo dating back to 628.

We then drive through ritzy Ginza shopping district to arrive at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace (the palace itself is closed to tourists) for a stroll.

After lunch, we tour the grounds of the tranquil Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 -1912) and his wife. 

We end the day with a visit to the observation deck inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. On a clear day, the visitor should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji which is located about 84 km to the west.

Day 4/Thu: Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Tokyo (B/L) We depart at 7:30 AM for a full-day excursion to Mt Fuji and Hakone.

Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain (3,776 metres) in Japan, is a two-hour drive from Tokyo. We stop by the Fujisan World Heritage Center to view the summit and learn about the history, formation and ecology of Mt. Fuji through exhibits and a short film. However, it is purely a matter of luck whether the summit is visible as Mt. Fuji is often shrouded in clouds. Our schedule does not include hiking the mountain – the trails are open between July and early September and it would take the average person at least six hours to hike to the summit even if one starts from the highest station at 2,305 metres above sea level.

We then proceed to Lake Ashi in Hakone for a short cruise across the lake. This is followed by a 10-minute cable car ride that transports us to the station overlooking the sulphur-spewing Owakudani Geothermal Valley. On a clear day, the cable car ride provides stunning views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding mountain slopes.

We expect to arrive back at the hotel around 6:00 PM.

Day 5/Fri: Tokyo – Kanazawa (B) Enjoy some downtime before boarding the express train (Hakutaka #561, 11:24/14:17) to Kanazawa. 

On the shores of Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The city has a population of 463,000 and is considered a jewel of Japanese tourism that is often overlooked by foreign tourists due to its relatively remote location. Travellers coming here are richly rewarded with the well-preserved Edo-period city, where the samurai, merchants, geisha, and daimyo (lords) all left their mark. Kanazawa is also part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Crafts and Folk Art.

After hotel check-in, walk around on your own and bask in the charm of this pedestrian-friendly city.

Day 6/Sat: Kanazawa (B/L) Morning sightseeing begins at Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market particularly well known for seafood.

From the market, Kanazawa Castle is just a few minutes away on foot.  The restored castle was first originally built in 1580 for Maeda Toshiie, the fourth son of a minor samurai family who entered the service of a powerful daimyo at the age of 15 and quickly rose through the ranks. The castle was reconstructed multiple times due to fire damages throughout its history. The last time a fire destroyed the castle was in 1881. The Hishi Yagura turret, Gojikken Nagaya warehouse and the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura turret were faithfully restored in 2001 to their 1809 form using traditional construction methods. Today’s pillars are constructed from the Japanese Hinoki cypress along with the use of the massive American cypress as ceiling beams. The castle’s distinctive whitish roof tiles are made of lead.

From the castle we walk across the road to Kenroku-en Garden which used to be part of the castle. One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito being the other two), Kenroku-en was developed from the 1620s to the 1840s by the Maeda clan, the daimyo that ruled the former Kaga Domain.

The restaurant for lunch is a 5-minute walk from the garden. 

[ read more ] 

Japan Tours for Seniors – Read What Our Customers Have to Say

Our 14 day Best of Japan tour was simply “the best” and then some. We had a spectacular time while visiting a place I had dreamed of for many years, on our 30th wedding anniversary. Our guides and our tour mates were a joy. I look forward to future journeys with Laurus Travel and would highly recommend them to my family and friends.

Elizabeth R Miami, Florida

[ more testimonials ]

Where Our Guests Come From

Our guests come from different countries, primarily Canada, the United States, the UK and Australia. We also often have retired white-collar professionals and business executives from Caribbean countries on our Asia tours. Besides speaking the same language, our guests share the belief that our good mix of guests from different countries is a major plus. So, those who are new to travelling with “foreigners” are in for a pleasant surprise when they join Laurus Travel’s Asia tours.

Senior Travel Japan, Small Group Tours & Trips

4,046 senior travel trips. tours from 190 tour companies. 13,397 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating..

Filter by trip style:

Private Guided

Small Group

River Cruise

Self-Guided

Small Ship Cruise

Large Ship Cruise

Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Hiroshima, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Tokyo

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Japan Biking

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

• Visit the Asaichi
• Drive through the awakening streets of Nanao to the island of Noto
• Ride back in time through sleepy fishing villages and past lush forests
• Explore the beautiful gardens of Kanazawa
• Experience fabulous Bike ride through the winding mountains before exploring an amazing Buddhist temple.

50 plus, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

"Butterfield and Robinson just planned and executed a great, great trip for us to the Amalfi coast. All the services and hotels were wonderful and the guides were great fun and and well informed. Many nice surprises along the way and an itinerary we would have had trouble putting together on our own was effortless. All guides were well trained the transportation and drivers were polite and on time. The recommended hotels were amazing. We loved every minute of our vacation."

Visions of Japan with Hiroshima & Osaka

Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

All Senior Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Senior Travel

Visions of Japan

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

• TOKYO City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine
• Imperial Palace
• Asakusa Kannon Temple
• Nakamise shopping arcade
• Tokyo Skytree; calligraphy class; kimono fitting; [LF] traditional tea ceremony; night walking tour; welcome dinner KAMAKURA See the Great Buddha MOUNT FUJI AREA Cruise on Lake Ashi; cable-car ride to view Mount Fuji MOUNT FUJI AREA–KYOTO Travel by high-speed bullet train KYOTO City sightseeing; visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visions of Japan with Hiroshima

Visions of Japan with Osaka

Kanazawa, Kyoto, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Shirakawa, Takayama, Tokyo

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together.

• Save favorite trips and itineraries
• Get insider insights
• Receive personalized recommendations
• ... and much more

Greek Island Cruise

Athens, Porto

• Cruise aboard our exclusively chartered traditional Greek caique
• Sample traditional Greek food and dine at authentic waterside taverns
• Swim and snorkel in the warm, azure waters of the Aegean

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking

"Overall, this trip was everything we wanted to do in Japan for a once in a lifetime trip. Our local guide was very knowledgeable about the locations and culture which put us at ease throughout. We'd highly recommend this trip to anyone - especially those who haven't been to Japan before! Just brilliant."

Health Safety +

Classic Antarctica - M/V Sylvia Earle

Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

• A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
• Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
• Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
• Travel on a small, friendly expedition ship - capped at just over 100 passengers
• Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations - from expert naturalists and guides

Tour of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Ayutthaya, Bangkok , Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Siem Reap

• Explore the vibrant Bangkok and historic Ayutthaya
• Visit the time-honored Angkor temples in Siem Reap
• Tour Vietnam's top destinations from south to north

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

• Spend three nights in Drake Bay, the remote gateway to some of the premier wildlife destinations in Costa Rica
• Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the biologically rich areas on the planet
• Discover the wildlife and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
• Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and whales (in season)
• Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines

50 plus, Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Generous cancellation

Paris to Bordeaux, a private wine tour in France

Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Palace of Versailles, Paris

• A culinary and gourmet trip to Paris, the Loire-Valley and Bordeaux
• Expert local guides in all three regions
• Several wine tastings of the some of the best French wines

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cultural

"Paris Toujours is a top notch travel agency for France! Highly recommended! They listened to what we wanted to do traveling with three young adult kids with different interests and were able to plan a great mix of tours, museums, and strolls as well as enough free time. Every detail was taken care of and perfectly executed. I highly recommend a private boat tour of the Seine with a fabulous French meal of wine, cheese, bread etc. You will be in good hands with Paris Toujours!"

Best Senior Travel Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Senior Travel Tours by Price

Related Tours

Senior travel reviews & ratings.

Although the trip is not luxury by any means, it is most enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. If you don't mind simple accomodations and like camping you will enjoy th...

Tour:   Greek Island Cruise

Wonderful food cooked by Georgio. Thanos was very pass...

Trusted Customer

This was an amazing trip. Our guide Thanos was very knowledgable and took us to some lovely tavernas in the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recomm...

See all Senior Travel reviews

Senior Travel Tour Selection Trips

Physical Requirements For Senior Tours 

Additional details

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 4046 trips to Senior Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Japan travel tips - a guide for mature travellers

Japan travel tips – a guide for mature travellers This article is a guide for mature leisure travellers who are considering their first visit to Japan. Visiting Japan, a land of dazzling contradictions, is an…

23 Jun 17 · 9 mins read

Japan travel tips – a guide for mature travellers

This article is a guide for mature leisure travellers who are considering their first visit to Japan.

Visiting Japan , a land of dazzling contradictions, is an unforgettable experience. High-tech cities harbour relics of a fascinating past. Futuristic fashion and gadgets share the streets with evidence of deeply held traditions. A soaring skyscraper may house a chamber for ancient tea ceremonies (sado), with tatami mats and sliding wooden doors. Japan is a country famed for its quirky vending machines, where you can purchase soup and even ramen!

But Japan also has a rich and proud history of architecture, culture and the arts. Literature, in particular, continues to flourish, with this nation responsible for the haiku poem. This guide for mature travellers will assist you in planning your visit. It provides key information on what makes Japan so memorable, plus some insider travel tips for mature travellers, either couples or those enjoying solo travel.

The word Japan conjures for most the image of bright lights and concrete jungles, but the cities abound in natural wonders. Once you step outside the urban centres, expect stunning, geographically diverse landscapes. Japan offers some of the world’s best skiing, and the blooming cherry blossoms draw people from across the world. Japan is also home to 15 cultural and four UNESCO world heritage listed sites, including exquisite temples and sacred sites. Always surprising and incredibly diverse – from its cities to the mountains and semi-tropical beaches, Japan offers travellers unique experiences.

Visiting Japan, land of the rising sun

Japan is an island nation located in East Asia on the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, as well as China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia. Geographically diverse, there are beaches to the south, and mountains to the north, providing a multitude of experiences for travellers during any season.

It has nine separate regions:

• Hokkaido, northernmost island famous for its cold winters
• Tohoku, the rural north-east part of main island Honshu, best known for seafood, hot springs and skiing
• Kanto, coastal plain of Honshu which includes the city of Tokyo
• Chubu, the mountainous middle region of Honshu
• Kansai, Western region of Honshu, and the ancient capital of culture and commerce
• Chugoku, a rural region in south-westernmost Honshu
• Shikoku, smallest of the four main islands and a destination for Buddhist pilgrims
• Kyushu, southernmost of the four main islands and the birthplace of Japanese civilization
• Okinawa, a semi-tropical southern island chain with distinctive customs and architecture

The name, Japan, contains the characters meaning “sun origin”, explaining why it is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”.

Japan’s long history

Japan’s fascinating juxtapositions have their roots in its unique history. Over the centuries, there were intermittent periods of closing, and then opening its borders to surrounding nations. The historical record in Japan begins in the fifth century, but archaeological evidence suggests that settlement stretches back 50,000 years.

Japan’s Imperial Line began between the third and seventh centuries. This was also the period of Japan’s first significant contact with neighbouring China and Korea. China had a significant influence, introducing Buddhism and the concept of the nation State. But by the Heian period (794-1185), Japan went back to a more indigenous style of governance, led by emperors who established much of the architecture and gardens we associate with Japanese culture today.

Similarly, the Japanese embraced the eventual influx of the Western World, transforming its fashion, culture and art – but they also resisted. This was particularly so during the 20th century, when political concerns pushed Japan to industrialise and modernise at an incredible rate.

You can read more in our article here about the Shoguns of Japan .

The 1923 earthquake

Economic depression and increasing militarisation followed the devasting earthquake of 1923. Following their defeat in World War II, the Emperor kept his throne but became a constitutional monarch. Pacificism and democracy became the order of the day, with the country channelling its energies into the production of technologies. It re-emerged from poverty to attain the second-largest gross national product in the world. But the 1990s, when the economic bubble burst, are known as Japan’s “lost decade”. The 1995 earthquake in Kobe further devastated the nation, and the economy has yet to fully recover. But despite all this, Japan maintains one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Japan today

While China and other nations influenced Japan throughout history, for the most part, the nation resisted the rest of the world. This isolation has preserved its rich and unique culture, and has resulted in a high native population, among which foreigners are often conspicuous, but welcome, guests. Tokyo is populated by 33 million people, so for tips on avoiding queues, visit this page. Japanese people are known for being incredibly polite. It is a culture famed for hospitality, or omotenashi, which means care rather than expectation. Its tea ceremonies are symbolic of this, and are widely held to this day. For more information about visiting Japan today, follow this link to the national tourism website.

Japan in all seasons

Japan’s geographical diversity provides attractions for travellers visiting in any season.

The cherry blossoms (sakura) are in bloom for just one week in spring. Then, their round flowers flutter to the ground, carpeting it in white and pink. This is said to be the most beautiful stage of this brief but unforgettable event. It is celebrated throughout Japan, with festivals featuring food, and beautiful lanterns in the night. While lesser known, plum blossoms also bloom during spring. They have pretty pink flowers and a pleasant fragrance, and make for a great alternative. The climate during spring is very attractive, with warm temperatures and little rain.

To read more about cherry blossom season click through to this article from Odyssey.

In summer, fireworks can be heard across Japan almost every night. This is the season of festivals, of which there are thousands. The most famous include the Gion Festival in Kyoto, celebrated for the whole month of July and crowned by a great parade; and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, featuring a 90 minute fireworks display that lights the whole sky.

The humidity becomes more tolerable during autumn, making visiting Japan more pleasant. The fall colours are thought to be just as attractive as spring’s cherry blossoms. The colourful autumn leaves are known as koyo in Japanese, and people travel the country in search of the best spot to view the stunning reds, yellows and oranges.

Winter in Japan varies according to your location. In Tokyo and other cities, conditions tend to be milder, but venture into the mountains to the north and you’ll meet impressive snowscapes for many months of the year. Conditions are perfect for winter sports including skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. The chilly season draws as many crowds as any other in Japan.

Japanese Culture

Japanese culture has evolved across the millennia, shaped by intermittent isolation and influence by other nations. Today’s contemporary hybrid culture reflects this rich history. The country is frequently associated with its distinctive popular culture. Its quirky video games, music, fashion and game shows attract worldwide attention. The cartoon art forms of manga and anime are enjoyed by Japanese people of all ages, and continue to influence comic markets and design throughout the world. But, typical of Japanese popular culture, this art form also provides a link to the past. While the manga and anime as we know them developed in the late 19th century, they reference earlier Japanese art traditions, preserving their historical context. Japan’s rich cultural materials both old and new are said to provide an escape for its people from the stresses of the industrial world.

How to be polite in Japan: a checklist

• Learn a little of the language, if you can. The Japanese will appreciate it, even if it’s a little clumsy.
• We recommend you wear shoes that can be easily taken off while travelling in Japan. Many locations, including temples and tea houses, require you to remove your shoes before entering. Be sure to wear good socks!
• Names are a complicated matter in the Japanese language. Using a person’s given name when speaking to them is considered very personal. Instead, use the family name, with the suffix “-san”. Other variations are found, including “-sama” (for people socially above you, including bosses and deities), and “-kun” (for young boys, subordinates and male friends). It is best to stick with “-san” unless someone invites you to do otherwise. In fact, names are frequently not used at all in the Japanese language, which often uses pronouns instead.
• When drinking sake or beer, it is impolite to refill your own glass. Typically, someone will refill it well before it is empty. To be especially polite, hold it up with both hands while it this is happening.
• Gift giving is very common in Japan, and you may be lucky enough to receive some throughout your travels. While it is not expected, reciprocation is a polite practice, so simple souvenirs may be handy to have on hand. Consumable gifts are popular, and re-gifting is a common practice!

More points to remember when visiting Japan

• Expressing gratitude differs slightly from gift-giving. It is good etiquette to send a hand-written thank you note to your host, if possible.
• The elderly are treated with great respect in Japan, and enjoy certain privileges such as seats aboard busy trains.
• Visiting temples often involves a particular cleansing procedure before you enter. Rinse your left hand, then right, using dippers filled with water. Then cup your hands together to rinse your mouth. Do not touch your mouth with the dipper directly. Finally, rinse your left hand again with the remaining water in the dipper.
• Carry your rubbish with you if you cannot find a bin, and be conscious that Japan recycles many materials.

And a few Japanese etiquette don’ts!

• Shoes are thought to be very dirty, so don’t point them towards anyone or let them brush against someone’s clothing.
• Don’t blow your nose in public or speak loudly into a mobile phone – both are thought to be very rude.
• Gesture with an open palm, rather than pointing your finger.
• And avoid back slaps and hugging, which are not common practice in Japan.

Travel to Japan with Odyssey Traveller

Each year, Odyssey offers a number of escorted tours of Japan tailored for small groups of mature travellers. Typically they have an educational theme, providing access to the country’s rich culture and natural wonders.

Our Walking Japan small group tour is perfect for the active, mature traveller, be they solo or travelling as a couple. Beginning in Tokyo and ending in the ancient capital of Kyoto, professional guides ensure access to the extraordinary. This tour journeys around the northeast region of Japan, following in the footsteps of the famous 17th century poet, Matsuo Basho. Recommended for active travelers, highlights include joining in a Japanese prayer service on Mt Haguru at sunrise, and visits to temples and museums in both urban and rural locations. A look at our blog entry on footwear is advised for those interested in this tour.

On Odyssey’s Contemporary Japan small group tour , we explore Japan’s urban wonders, but also enjoy the serenity of its parks and temples. Time is spent in thriving Tokyo, loading up on architecture and electronics, and touring residential neighbourhoods where most tourists don’t get to go. We check out its burgeoning contemporary art scene, stroll through serene gardens, and visit museums. Travelers also visit historic Shimoda on the Pacific Ocean, and spend time exploring ancient Kyoto.

Our Japan History by Rail small group tour passes the breathtaking Mount Fuji as its weaves its way across the country via Japan’s world renowned railway system, offering breathtaking views of its natural and urban beauty.

Finally, our Escorted Seniors Small Group cultural tour of Japan explores ancient religions and culture, and includes visits to world-renowned temples and shrines.

All our tours include an English-speaking guide to introduce you to the cultures of this incredible nation. All of Odyssey’s tours of Japan can be found here. Our tours remain very popular, with four scheduled departures typically each year. Follow their links above to learn more and see their full itineraries!

Finally here is a link to a collection of books about Japan that you may wish to browse through and consider reading to learn more.

Please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact us for further information about Odyssey’s tours and visiting Japan.

About Odyssey Traveller

Odyssey Traveller is committed to charitable activities that support the environment and cultural development of Australian and New Zealand communities. We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups between six to 15 people from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Britain. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983.

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps Odyssey achieve its goals.

Odyssey Traveller also has a Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with Odyssey Traveller. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member with us, please see this page .

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website. Alternatively, please call or send an email. We’d love to hear from you!

Asia and the Orient

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.