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Mount Fuji and Hakone

This area is most famous for Japan’s most sacred mountain, Mount Fuji but is also a beautifully scenic region dotted with hot springs and high-end Ryokans (traditional Japanese Inn’s). If you are looking to relax and indulge, a few days in this area could be just the ticket.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is 3,776 metres high, a now dormant volcano which last erupted in 1708 and is the highest peak in Japan. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and experienced huge popularity among artists and common people. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy so visitors are often disappointed. Visibility of the mountain tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year rather than in summer and in the early morning and late evening hours. It is officially open for climbing during July and August using several different routes.

Mount Fuji really comes to life when visibility is good and the snow-peaked mountain appears over the clouds, making it a photographers dream.

Private onsen in a ryokan in the Japanese Alps with a woodland garden beyond. — Onsen in a ryokan

Hakone

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and is famous for its natural beauty, views of nearby Mount Fuji and hot springs or onsen as they are known locally.

The area is very scenic, with lakes including Lake Ashi, wooded hills and the Owakudani valley. Situated around a crater, created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone over 3,000 years ago, sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced on a walk around the area.

Experiences

Glamping with Fuji Views

Glamp among woodland with fabulous views of Mount Fuji – experience this notoriously shy mountain away from the crowds with walking and riding on the doorstep.

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Soak in an Onsen

Partake in a national pastime and relax in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring bath.

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Hakone Open Air Museum

Soak your feet at the open air sculpture museum before viewing Picasso artworks among others, with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.

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Mountain Ryokan

Stay in a mountainside ryokan; a traditional Japanese Inn, with your own private onsen and woodland views.

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Discover more experiences

Idea

Japan Holiday By Train

Travel through Japan 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

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

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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Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Idea

Japan Holiday By Train

Travel through Japan by train, combining the iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto with time in…

10 days from £3,800pp

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

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

View Holiday Idea

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

View Group Tour

View all holiday ideas

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.

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Paul Craven

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. Later, my father’s postings took us to Nepal where we had to transit Delhi and Kathmandu where we were sometimes stranded for days and Hong Kong from where I travelled in 1983 through China for two months.

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01285 601 784

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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. I also seek adventure; exploring the deep blue or hiking a peak often winning favour. Although it’s my time horse herding in Mongolia that I regularly want to relive.

Talk with our experts

01285 601 784

Why Choose Steppes?

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Mount Fuji and Hakone

Mount Fuji

Hakone