Kyoto
Kyoto offers the classic image of Japan, traditional wooden houses, weeping cherry and the sound of geta (wooden soled shoes) on the…
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Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Japan holidays
Japan is a nation where rich history and progressive thinking intertwine beautifully. The cherry blossom festivals – one of our favourite events in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ – are startling and rare visual feasts.
Japan is a country where modernity connects with ancient history, where kimono-clad geisha hurry between traditional houses and robots serve customers in restaurants. It has a distinctive, original identity and is instantly endearing.
Made up of five main islands – plus, some 6,000 smaller ones – there are few places where one can feel so safe, rely on everything to work like clockwork, and yet be in a country so culturally distinct from our own. You will discover that an adventure in Japan can be shaped into so many different ways with us, no matter what it is about this enigmatic nation that makes you want to explore it.
Highlights of Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo is an exciting and lively metropolis that thrives off people and life. It is futuristic yet charming and offers up excitement…
Mount Fuji and Hakone
Home to the iconic sight of Mount Fuji.
Japanese Alps
Located in the heart of Japan between Tokyo and Kyoto and stretching to shores of the Sea of Japan, the Japanese Alps…
Okinawa and the Southern Islands
A temperate year-round climate, white sandy beaches, rural solitude and some magnificent coral reefs.
Hokkaido and Sapporo
Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands.
Why Japan?
In many ways, Japan is very similar to Britain – an island race, its people have slightly odd idiosyncratic tendencies and are very reserved, and it has never been conquered (well, at least not for a thousand years). Perhaps that is why we find the country so interesting and appreciate its values. Where else in the world do so many iconic images spring to mind – from trees covered in pink blossom to exquisite plates of sushi, or the snowy peak of Mt Fuji to the white-painted faces of geisha? Whether you seek culture, world-class cuisine, ancient sites or natural beauty, Japan has it all.
Why Japan with Steppes Travel?
Our experts have explored much of Japan and have tried and tested the transport, accommodation, food and sites. To make the most out of any trip, you really need to engage with the culture; whether that means visiting a sumo stable, meeting a geisha or visiting a quirky themed cafe. Local guides are costly, so we will work with you to reduce costs elsewhere without compromising on the experience. However, train travel is efficient and easy to use, and so self-guiding becomes a natural, and exciting, part of exploring Japan.
Explore Japan
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Kyoto
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Tokyo
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Mount Fuji
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Japanese Alps
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Hiroshima
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Shikoku Island
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Hokkaido
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Okinawa
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Izu Peninsula
Experiences
Make the most of every moment in Japan. Create an itinerary brimming with some of these truly unforgettable experiences.
Our Guide to Japan
We know that anyone planning a holiday to Japan will have questions, so we have compiled answers to a few of the most common questions we are regularly asked. Our Japan Experts are always on hand to answer any specific questions and to help plan your tailor made holiday to Japan.
How can I best experience culture in Japan?
Our guide to meeting a geisha and staying in a ryokan…
When is the Best Time to See the Cherry Blossom?
Everything you need to know about giving yourself the best opportunity of seeing Japan’s cherry blossom.
Is Japan a Good Family Destination?
Find out more about what Japan has to offer you and your family.
Places to stay
Accommodation in Japan can range from 5* luxury to traditional Japanese Inns, known as ryokan. Here are a few of our favourites. We appreciate that every person has different tastes and budgets, so call us to chat through the options.
Japan
Andaz Tokyo
Andaz Tokyo offers a sophisticated experience, starting from the moment you walk through the door to be greeted and checked in using the height of technology. Elegance and style extend throughout the hotel with a contemporary,…
Japan
Four Seasons Kyoto
The Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious and contemporary rooms overlooking tranquil gardens and Japanese rooftops. An 800-year-old ikeniwa or pond garden lies at the heart of the grounds, surrounded by Japanese stone bridges and delicate maple…
When to travel
Read our brief monthly summary below or explore our complete best time to visit Japan guide with temperature information and further details.
Japan in January
The weather is generally cool, dry and sunny in many parts of the country. In the north, there is heavy snowfall, making for excellent skiing conditions.
Japan in February
Ski season is in full swing in the north. Winter continues to bring some of the coolest but driest conditions to the rest of the country.
Japan in March
The start of the cherry blossom in southern Japan, as the weather warms. A popular time to visit Japan, especially towards the end of the month.
Japan in April
Perhaps the busiest month, as the cherry blossom spreads northwards across the country. A stunning time, but expect to plan accommodation and excursions in advance.
Japan in May
The cherry blossom reaches the far north of the country around Sapporo at this time, and temperatures are generally warm. It is generally dry in most parts, with vegetation vibrant and lush. It is worth avoiding Golden Week, a national holiday during the first week of May.
Japan in June
Many parts become hot and humid, with the rainy season occurring in Okinawa. A consequence of the rain is that the countryside and most gardens are at their best.
Japan in July
It can get very hot and humid in many parts of the country at this time, making it the perfect time to escape to the mountains. In particular, this time of year has the best conditions for the hike up Mount Fuji.
Japan in August
There are many festivals at this time and locals are on holiday, making it a busy time of year for travel. It is a great time to explore the Sapporo area, with cooler and less humid conditions.
Japan in September
September brings a quieter time for travel, with most locals back at work. The temperatures start to cool off a little, but the humidity generally remains.
Japan in October
The start of autumn for the majority of Japan, showcasing a wonderful array of autumn colours across the countryside. The weather is still pleasantly warm, with less rain.
Japan in November
Across the country, this is the best month to see the beautiful autumn colours. There are fewer visitors, and the temperatures remain mild, especially in the south.
Japan in December
The first couple of weeks of December are some of the quietest times to travel, and you can enjoy the natural thermal hot springs with snow on the ground.
Recommended reads
HISTORY
Lost Japan
HISTORY
Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Clare Higginson
It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Paul Craven
Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.
Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Start planning your trip
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. 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.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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