Inspiring Vacations has unveiled a new collection of tours to Japan designed specifically for travellers wanting to return to the country to more deeply explore its regions, culture, and hidden corners.
Japan has long been a favourite among Australian travellers with a record 1 million Australians visiting Japan in 2025, but for many, one trip isn’t enough. After experiencing the bright lights of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto and energy of Osaka, travellers are now looking for a different side of Japan, one that’s slower, more local and beyond the tourist crowds.
For award-winning tour operator Inspiring Vacations, traveller interest in Japan grew 128.5 per cent from 1 January 2026 to 20 May 2026. The new tour collection was launched in response to this demand – particularly from repeat travellers with an interest in the country’s lesser-visited regions.
“Japan continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for Australian travellers, but we’re increasingly seeing people return for a second or third trip wanting to go beyond the major highlights,” Inspiring Vacations chief product officer & co-founder Brendon Cooper said.
“Japan in Depth and the Discovery Series were created by true Japan enthusiasts, designed to take travellers beyond the Golden Route and uncover a completely different side of the country.”
Leading the launch is 13 Japan in Depth Small Group Tour (from $6,995 per person, twin share), the flagship new itinerary designed for travellers looking to experience a different side of Japan. The 13-day journey explores lesser-known regions including Nagano and Okayama, with immersive local experiences ranging from visits to traditional villages along the Nakesendo Trail and wasabi farms to alpine landscapes. Tailored for curious travellers, the itinerary also includes cultural highlights such as the intricately carved shrines of Nikko and the chance to experience eating Omi Beef near Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and oldest freshwater lake.
Alongside it, Inspiring Vacations’ new Discovery Series offers a collection of regional-first tours that can be booked on their own or combined for a longer trip through Japan.
With a variety of small group and independent bullet train itineraries to choose from, travellers can visit Northern Japan, Kyushu, Ehime & Shimanami Kaido, or Okinawa – whether as standalone trips or together to form a deep-dive into the diverse regions of Japan.
- 6 Day Okinawa Island Discovery – from $2,045 per person, twin share
- 6 Day Ehime & Shimanmi Kaido Discovery – from $3,145 per person, twin share
- 6 Day Kobe & Kinosaki Onsen Discovery – from $3,595 per person, twin share
- 8 Day Kyushu Discovery by Rail – from $3,095 per person, twin share
- 8 Day Northern Discovery by Rail – from $3,195 per person, twin share
