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Exterior at Night, Kifu no Sato Ryokan, Kyoto, Japan

Kifu no Sato Ryokan

Unusual
Japan

Kifu no Sato Ryokan is an understated, family-run ryokan located just a 90-minute drive from Kyoto. All rooms are traditional in style, furnished with low futon style beds, tatami mats and local artisan glassware and pottery.

During a stay, it is possible to try out traditional crafts such as pottery and carpentry and experience the traditional culture of Samurai. Relax in the open-air hot spring baths either overlooking the gardens by day or under the starry sky at night and feast on traditional Japanese cuisine from a menu that changes with the seasons.

Why we like Kifu No Sato

The staff at this hotel are passionate about the rich history of this region and a stay here really does open a window into ancient Japanese culture and crafts.

Idea

Japan Holiday By Train

Travel exclusively by train combining the iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto with time in the Japanese Alps, bursting with beautiful scenery, traditional villages, hidden valleys and wonderful wildlife.

10 days from £3,800pp

Two women walking away through a square archway of orange pillars.

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Idea

Highlights of Japan Holiday

This classic Japan holiday includes many of the iconic highlights conjured up when one thinks of Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji coupled with food, geisha and gardens – perfect for a first time visitor.

11 days from £4,250pp

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Idea

Holiday to Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto and Shikoku

This holiday idea is perfect for a first-time traveller to Japan who wishes to take in some of the countries iconic sites as well as experience the less visited and scenically stunning island of Shikoku.

11 days from £3,350pp

Deep green river with solitary kayaker, shore on right and forest on left.

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Idea

Japan – Island Adventure

A true adventure to the island archipelago of Ogasawara, hidden in the Pacific Ocean.

9 days from £2,950pp

Bonin Honeyeater, Ogasawara Islands, Japan

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Idea

Family Holiday to Japan

Japan is a wonderful destination to enthral the whole family. Journey by train from futuristic Tokyo to the ancient cultures of Kyoto with some fabulously quirky, fun and fascinating pastimes throughout.

14 days from £3,900pp

Young Girl at Japanese Garden, Genko an Temple, Kyoto, Japan

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Group tour

Nature, Culture, Science with New Scientist

Join us on a special 12-day journey across cutting-edge Japan in autumn to see exceptional landscapes, visit top universities and immerse yourself in the many cultural highlights of this innovative country. Travel from lively cities to…

Departing 18th October 2020

12 Days from £6,695pp

Inside Mirakain, Tokyo

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Group tour

Winter Wildlife Photography with Sue Flood

Enjoy Japan’s winter wildlife exploring Central Honshu and Northern Hokkaido with wildlife and travel photographer, Sue Flood. The diversity of landscapes of Hokkaido are home to growing populations of red foxes, sika deer, whooper swans and…

Departing 24th February 2020

10 Days from £10,950pp

Red crowned crane, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

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Need inspiration? Here's a great place to start.

We know a thing or two about bespoke holidays – we’ve been creating them since 1989. Take a trip through the Japan Holidays that we love today.

Idea

Japan Holiday By Train

Travel exclusively by train combining the iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto with time in the…

10 days from £3,800pp

Two women walking away through a square archway of orange pillars.

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Japan Holiday

This classic Japan holiday includes many of the iconic highlights conjured up when one thinks of…

11 days from £4,250pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Holiday to Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto and Shikoku

This holiday idea is perfect for a first-time traveller to Japan who wishes to take in…

11 days from £3,350pp

Deep green river with solitary kayaker, shore on right and forest on left.

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Japan – Island Adventure

A true adventure to the island archipelago of Ogasawara, hidden in the Pacific Ocean.

9 days from £2,950pp

Bonin Honeyeater, Ogasawara Islands, Japan

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Family Holiday to Japan

Japan is a wonderful destination to enthral the whole family. Journey by train from futuristic Tokyo…

14 days from £3,900pp

Young Girl at Japanese Garden, Genko an Temple, Kyoto, Japan

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

Nature, Culture, Science with New Scientist

Join us on a special 12-day journey across cutting-edge Japan in autumn to see exceptional landscapes,…

Departing 18th October 2020

12 Days from £6,695pp

Inside Mirakain, Tokyo

View Group Tour

Group tour

Winter Wildlife Photography with Sue Flood

Enjoy Japan’s winter wildlife exploring Central Honshu and Northern Hokkaido with wildlife and travel photographer, Sue…

Departing 24th February 2020

10 Days from £10,950pp

Red crowned crane, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

View Group Tour

View all holiday ideas

Accommodation that we love in Japan

The rich beauty of Japan is certainly matched by the wealth of extraordinary places to stay – explore them right here.

More luxury accommodation

Amanemu

Boutique
£££££

Inspired by a traditional Japanese village, each of…

Amanemu, Japan

Conrad Tokyo

City
£££££

Conrad Tokyo is located on the 28th floor…

Conrad Tokyo, Exterior View, Tokyo

Aman Tokyo

City
£££££

Aman Tokyo occupies the top six floors of…

Aman Tokyo Hotel

Andaz Tokyo

City
£££££

Andaz Tokyo offers a sophisticated experience, starting from…

The Spa, Andaz Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Mandarin Oriental

City
£££££

Mandarin Oriental blends contemporary and Japanese style with…

View From Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Four Seasons Kyoto

£££££

The Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious and contemporary…

Four Seasons Kyoto, Pond Garden, Kyoto, Japan

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Exceptional organisation. Absolutely nothing was left to chance and help was always a quick email away. I have no areas of complaint at all. I thought it was superb throughout.

Japan

Prompt and efficient support from Clare who suggested some activities that we wouldn't have planned but really enjoyed.

Japan

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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