Our Team 
Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Temples and Gardens of Kyoto
See temples, traditional gardens and geisha in Kyoto.
-
![Amy Waters snow biking]()
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.
-
![William Dalrymple]()
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.
-
![Liz Bonnin]()
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.
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.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Iya Valley Hot Spring
Take a hot spring bath at the bottom of the Iya Valley amidst lush mountain scenery.
3Shikoku island
Embark on some hiking or rafting to really soak up the untouched scenery of Shikoku island.
4Monorail Journey
Board one of the world’s longest monorails for a scenically stunning journey.
Why we like it
This holiday offers a nice combination of the classic sites with some less known regions and experiences. The ideal trip for someone who has never been to Japan before but wishes to venture off the beaten track and interact with the people of the country. Four days self-driving allows for relaxed and flexible exploration and rural and foodie experiences will open doorways into the lives of locals.
Day 1
Tokyo
Day 2 - 3
Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo - Kyoto
Day 5 - 6
Kyoto
Day 7
Kyoto - Kobe - Shikoku Island
Day 8
Iya Valley
Day 9 - 10
Iya Valley
Day 11
Iya Valley - Osaka
Day 1
Tokyo
Day 2 - 3
Tokyo
Explore the exciting metropolis of Tokyo.
Day 4
Tokyo - Kyoto
Day 5 - 6
Kyoto
See temples, traditional gardens and geisha in Kyoto.
Day 7
Kyoto - Kobe - Shikoku Island
Embark on some hiking or rafting to really soak up the untouched scenery of Shikoku island.
Day 8
Iya Valley
Take a hot spring bath at the bottom of the Iya Valley amidst lush mountain scenery.
Day 9 - 10
Iya Valley
Board one of the world’s longest monorails for a scenically stunning journey.
Day 11
Iya Valley - Osaka
More details
Tokyo Street Food
Immerse yourself in the vibrant night life of Tokyo with a street food tour of the city. Explore the maze of alleys where carts sell traditional snacks before settling down in an izakaya, a Japanese style pub, for a unique experience alongside the locals. Similar to tapas, the food served is meant to be shared and your guide for the evening will talk you through the numerous specialities such as edamame beans and fried chicken wings. All washed down with a local beer.
Shikoku Island Self-Drive
Pick up a hire car and set off to uncover the secrets of the island of Shikoku, one of the few parts of Japan where we recommend self-drive. Explore with the freedom to stop at leisure and see a rural Japan that few others visit. Mountain roads wind through hillsides covered with dense woodland, passing traditional villages with little that is man-made to be seen. Stay in a small onsen (hot spring) hotel, perched high on the side of the valley from where it is easy to explore some of the dramatic scenery by car, on foot, or by river.
Lake Biwa E-Biking
Just 40 minutes north of Kyoto by train is Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in the country. Spend a few hours cycling along the shores of the lake, past local farming communities and ancient villages. Take time to chat with farmers and even lend a hand with planting or harvesting before dining on specialities of the region with a local family.
Let’s chat
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,350 Per person
When to travel
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.
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.
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?
Featured in the press
