Are you interested in visiting Japan or learning more about Japan’s travel industry?
If you’re wondering what kinds of travel services are available in Japan or which travel agency is the right fit for you, this article will help guide your decision.
Here, we introduce:
・The range of travel services offered by Japanese agencies
・Tips on how to choose the best agency for your needs
・A simple explanation of Japan’s pricing systems
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how Japan’s travel industry works and what kind of travel experience suits you best.
We hope this guide helps you plan a truly memorable trip to Japan.
Japan Travel Agency Services: Types & Options
Here, we’ll give you a simple introduction to Japan’s travel industry.
There are many kinds of travel services in Japan — but which one suits you best?
Let’s find out together.
Three Types of Japan Travel Services: Private, Group & Corporate Tours
Japan’s travel services can be broadly divided into three main categories.
Individual travel service
Individual travel is a service designed for solo travelers or small groups of two.
When you choose to have a guide, you can enjoy a private and personalized tour, either one-on-one or in a small group.
It’s perfect for those who want to learn more deeply about each destination and enjoy attentive guidance throughout their journey.
Group travel service
Group travel is a service designed for groups of three or more people.
Transportation arrangements, such as taxis or buses, can also be included.
This type of travel allows large groups to move smoothly and enjoy their trip efficiently.
It’s ideal for families, friends, or colleagues who want to travel comfortably together.
Group travel service
Business travel supports corporate and organizational trips.
Services can include arranging transportation, company visits, training programs, and team-building events to strengthen relationships within your team.
This type of travel is ideal for those planning an incentive or company trip, or for professionals who wish to learn from Japanese business practices and enhance the quality of their own work.
Which services are best suited for each
In Japan, you can choose the travel style that best suits your purpose.
When selecting a travel agency, try searching for terms like “private tour travel agency” to find one that offers the type of service you’re looking for.
Types of Japan Travel Service Providers: General Agencies, DMC & Corporate Travel Management
Several types of travel agencies offer the kinds of services mentioned above.
So, which type of agency is the best fit for you?
Let’s explore the options together.
General Travel Agency
These agencies arrange flights, hotels, and tour packages for general travelers.
They specialize in organizing package tours, private trips, and family vacations.
Most Japanese travelers choose this type of agency when planning domestic or international trips.
DMC Services
A DMC specializes in coordinating and managing on-site travel services and experiences both in Japan and abroad.
They arrange everything from local tours and transportation to interpreters, dining, and events.
Because their experts have deep local knowledge and handle logistics, culture, and legal matters, travelers can enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
This type of company is especially recommended for travelers visiting Japan from overseas.
Corporate Travel Management
These agencies provide comprehensive management services for business travel, conferences, and company retreats.
They specialize in scheduling, venue coordination, and other arrangements that make corporate travel more efficient.
This type of agency is often used by Japanese companies when employees travel domestically or abroad.
Therefore, if you are currently living outside Japan and wish to travel here, we recommend using a DMC (Destination Management Company).
However, this type of travel agency is still relatively rare in Japan, so it may take some effort to find one.
For example, the following companies specialize in providing comprehensive support for international travelers visiting Japan.
If you’re interested, we encourage you to contact them directly.
Group Travel Planning in Japan: Small to Large Groups
When planning a trip with your family or a large group, what should you be careful about?
Here, we’ll introduce some common points to watch out for during group travel—and how to solve them smoothly.
Small Group Travel
One of the most common issues to watch out for when traveling in a small group is booking mistakes.
You might think it’s easy to make reservations on your own when the group is small.
However, Japan is currently experiencing a surge in tourism, making it difficult for individuals to secure bookings at popular places.
Large Group Travel
When traveling with a large group, it’s important to pay attention to bookings and transportation.
With many people, you might face issues such as hotels being fully booked, difficulty reserving activities, or group members getting separated on the train.
Corporate Travel
When organizing a company trip, special attention should be given to VIP reservations and event planning.
You may wish to arrange special rooms or services for executives or VIP guests, but such accommodations are often in high demand and can be very difficult to book.
In addition, many Japanese companies do not accept factory tours or corporate visits, so it can be challenging to organize business-related events without prior arrangements and careful coordination.
If you’re considering Japan as the destination for your company trip, please take a look at the following article for more information and inspiration.
Corporate Travel Solutions
The best way to solve these issues is to book through a travel agency.
You might think using a travel agency will cost more, but in reality, it helps prevent costly booking mistakes and ensures you secure high-quality hotels and restaurants—making your trip more enjoyable and valuable overall.
In addition, many travel agencies have strong connections with hotels and tourist facilities, making them a great choice if you want guaranteed access to popular attractions and experiences.
How Travel Agencies Solve Common Booking Problems
If you’re looking to book high-end facilities that cater to VIPs or want to enjoy a more luxurious, satisfying travel experience, try searching for “Private Luxury Cultural Experiences” or “Unique Avenue for a Special Experience”
These keywords will help you find travel agencies with a strong record of assisting international travelers and those experienced in organizing corporate trips in Japan.
Essential Airport Services: Hotels & Transportation
From here, we’ll introduce hotels and transportation options around the airport.
If you’d like to head straight to your hotel after a long flight or move smoothly from the airport to your destination, this section is for you.
Airport Hotels
In this section, we will introduce three selected hotels located near the airports in Japan’s major cities, Tokyo and Osaka, categorized by area.
Hotels near Haneda Airport：Tokyo
Address: 3-4-2 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041
Room types: Standard, Deluxe, Twin, etc. (air-conditioned, free Wi-Fi)
Approximate rate: From about ¥16,000 per night
Booking location (English): You can reserve via Agoda, Booking.com, etc
Address: 2-6-5 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo
Room types: Standard, Superior, etc.
Approximate rate: From around ¥15,900 per night
Booking location (English): Can book via Agoda, Booking.com, etc.
Hotels near Kansai Airport：Osaka
Address: 1 Senshu-Kuko-Naka, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka
Room Types: Standard, Superior, Deluxe Twin, Executive Floor Rooms
Approximate Rate: From ¥17,000 per night
Booking (English): Available on major English sites such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda
Address: 1-23 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka
Room Types: Standard Double, Twin, Family Rooms
Approximate Rate: From ¥10,000 per night
Booking (English): Available on Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia
Transfer Options & Costs
In addition to taxis, there are also affordable transportation options such as buses and trains. Take a look and find the one that best fits your travel needs.
Average fare: about ¥1,000 to ¥3,500 depending on distance and airport
How to buy tickets: Ticket counters at the airport or ticket machines in the airport terminal
Notes: Buses often go directly to major hotels or major train stations, so they are convenient for travelers with luggage.
Average fare: often ¥300 to ¥3,000 depending on the line and distance (for example, Tokyo monorail from Haneda)
How to buy tickets: Ticket vending machines or ticket counters inside the train station at the airport
Notes: Fast and efficient, though transfers might be needed depending on the destination
Average fare: varies widely; taxi fares start at around ¥470 base + per-km charges, and airport transfers can cost thousands of yen.
How to hire: Taxi stands outside terminals, or pre-book a private transfer online
Notes: This is the most comfortable and direct option, especially late at night or with lots of luggage.
If you feel unsure about buying tickets in Japanese or hailing a taxi, there are several convenient options available:
- Use a ride-hailing app such as Uber or DiDi.
- Ask your travel agency to arrange private transportation in advance.
- Check with your hotel to see if they offer an airport pick-up or shuttle service.
If you’d like to learn more about transportation options in Japan, please refer to the article below for more detailed information.
How to Choose a Japan Travel Agency: Key Selection Criteria
After reading this far, some of you may feel a bit unsure about making reservations on your own and prefer to consult a travel agency instead.
In this section, we’ll explain how to choose a reliable travel agency and what key points to check.
Please use this as a reference when selecting one.
Japan Travel Agency Selection Checklist: 5 Essential Points
When choosing a travel agency in Japan, it’s important to keep the following five points in mind.
In Japan, English and other languages are not widely spoken, which can make traveling difficult.
Choose a MICE-type travel agency that is experienced in serving international visitors and can communicate in English, Japanese, and other languages.
Some agencies may try to sell expensive tours without considering your needs.
It’s best to choose a company that listens to your preferences and budget, and helps you create a personalized travel plan together.
To have a comfortable and well-organized trip, planning is essential.
Select a company that allows you to discuss and finalize your travel details online before your departure.
If you choose an agency with proven VIP service experience, you can enjoy a more private and satisfying trip.
Companies that offer private transfer services or upgraded Japanese cultural experiences are especially recommended.
Finding the Best Japan Travel Agency: Search Keywords & Tips
So, how can you find a travel agency like that?
In this section, we’ll introduce some useful search keywords to help you find the most suitable travel company.
| What You Are Looking For | Optimal Search Keywords |
| For those seeking a more luxurious and fulfilling travel experience | ・Private Luxury Cultural Experiences ・Luxury Winter Japan 2025 ・VIPs: Japan’s Hosting Guide |
| Looking for customized tour plans | ・Unique Avenue for a Special Experience ・Japan Cultural Experiences Guide |
| Planning a corporate trip. | ・Corporate Events in Japan ・Specific examples of successful team building |
Japan Travel Agency Pricing: Fees & Cost Structure
When requesting services from a travel agency, the most common concern is, of course, the cost. Here, we’ll introduce the average price ranges by travel type. Please use this as a reference when choosing a travel agency.
Travel Agency Fees: Types of Charges in Japan
The typical pricing structures of Japanese travel agencies generally follow the framework shown above.
Since most Japanese travel agencies charge handling or service fees, it is important to carefully check what each fee covers when reviewing a quote.
Please also note that optional or additional services often require extra charges, and cancellation fees may apply if you change or cancel your booking.
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Range / Example |
| Arrangement / Handling Fee | Charged for coordinating and booking transportation, accommodations, and other complex arrangements. | For group tours: around 20% of the total cost. For individual clients: a flat fee (approx. $70–$80 per service). |
| Consultation / Quote Fee | Fee for planning consultations or creating detailed travel quotes. | Typically $20–$150, depending on trip complexity or the time required for planning. |
| Guide / Interpreter / Escort Fee | Fees for private tour guides, interpreters, or attendants who accompany the traveler. | Usually $200–$400 per day per guide, depending on experience, language skills, and service level. |
| Change Fee | Applies when modifying an existing booking (e.g., flights or hotels). | For group travel: 10–20% of the original price before changes. For individuals: a fixed rate (around $7–$10 per change). |
Note: For clarity, all prices are shown in U.S. dollars ($).
Actual payments must be made in Japanese yen (¥), so we recommend exchanging your currency to yen in advance—such as at the airport—before your trip.
Average Costs by Trip Type: Private, Group & Corporate Travel
o, how much does it actually cost per day to use a travel agency when traveling in Japan?
Here, we introduce the average total daily cost for each type of travel style.
| Travel Type | Price | Cost Breakdown |
| Private Trip (2 people) | USD $1,200–$1,500 total (around $600–$750 per person) | ・Private English-speaking guide (1 day): $250–$300 ・Hotel (3★, twin room): $120–$160 ・Lunch & dinner at mid-range restaurants: $100–$150 ・Private taxi charter (8 hours): $250–$300 ・Booking & coordination fee: $100–$150 |
| Small Group Trip (5 people) | USD $2,800–$3,500 total (around $560–$700 per person) | ・Private guide (1 day): $300–$350 ・Hotel (3★, 3 twin/triple rooms): $400–$500 ・Lunch & dinner (group rate): $400–$500 ・Private minibus charter (8 hours): $900–$1,100 ・Booking & coordination fee: $200–$300 |
| Corporate Trip (30 people) | USD $12,000–$15,000 total (around $400–$500 per person) | • Group guide & assistant: $800–$1,000 • Hotel (3★, 15 twin rooms): $3,000–$3,600 • Lunch & dinner (set menu): $2,500–$3,000 • Large bus charter (8 hours): $2,000–$2,500 • Full coordination & booking service: $1,000–$1,500 |
If you’d like to discuss what kind of trip you can plan within your budget, it’s a good idea to use a travel agency’s consultation service.
If you’re looking for a travel consultation desk with strong experience in assisting international visitors, we highly recommend contacting this one.
Japan Travel Agency FAQ
Here, we’ll address common questions that many travelers planning a trip to Japan often have, along with their solutions.
Let’s clear up all your questions about Japan right here.
Can the travel plans be customized?
Yes, many travel agencies offer customizable tours.
To create your ideal trip, it’s important to choose a travel agency that provides tailor-made tours and has proven experience working with international travelers.
Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes, many travel agencies can accommodate large groups, so booking hotels for big parties is possible.
By informing the agency in advance about the number of travelers and the type of hotel you prefer, your trip can proceed much more smoothly.
Do you offer VIP guest services?
Handling VIP guests can be challenging for many travel agencies.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a company with proven experience in VIP services.
Try searching with keywords like “Private Luxury Cultural Experiences” or “VIPs: Japan’s Hosting Guide” to find agencies with a solid track record — this will help ensure a more comfortable and satisfying travel experience
If you would like to learn more about specific ideas for VIP hospitality, please refer to the articles below.
If you have other questions about traveling in Japan or are planning your first trip and want to learn more, please check out the articles below for additional information.
Essential Tips for Choosing a Japan Travel Agency
Finally, I would like to conclude this article by highlighting two key points to consider when selecting a travel agency in Japan.
By focusing on these two points, you can find the travel agency that best suits your needs.
Reasons to compare and consider 2–3 companies
It’s essential to compare several travel agencies before making a decision, as each company has distinct strengths, pricing, and service levels.
Even for similar travel plans, prices and service quality can vary significantly between agencies.
By consulting multiple companies and getting quotes, you can understand the price range and choose the plan that best suits your needs.
Why it’s important to choose a travel agency with inbound experience
If you are a foreign visitor, it’s important to choose a travel agency with a strong track record in inbound tourism.
Such agencies are experienced in supporting international travelers and are well-prepared for language and cultural differences.
For example, they can provide guidance in English or Chinese, arrange meals that match your dietary or religious needs, and suggest destinations that are foreigner-friendly — ensuring a more comfortable and worry-free travel experience in Japan.
Plan Your Perfect Japan Trip
You’ve now learned a lot about travel agencies in Japan.
If you wish to have a comfortable and stress-free trip but are struggling to find a travel agency with proven inbound experience, we highly recommend consulting Motenas Japan.
With extensive experience in serving international guests, Motenas Japan can create customized tours tailored to your budget and preferences.
We sincerely hope to help make your journey in Japan as comfortable and memorable as possible.
After graduating from Kansai University, I joined JTB as a new graduate and worked in the inbound tourism sector.
After getting married, I moved to Australia due to my husband’s work and obtained a diploma in early childhood education there.
I am currently working at a kindergarten while also working as a writer.
