A really enjoyable first experience of Japan. Cities, mountains, transport, food & culture... Philip Langley, 2018 See more reviews
What a trip! This was my first Exodus holiday and it was brilliant from beginning to end! ... Joseff Rees, 2018 See more reviews
From start to finish this trip was fantastic, we packed so much into the time we had in Japan and... Mark Billington, 2016 See more reviews
Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps, this trip starts in Kyoto with a day or two to see the historic... Graham Aitchison, 2015 See more reviews
A brilliant holiday showcasing the best of what Honshu has to offer. Louise Clark, 2015 See more reviews
What a fantastic trip. A good mixture of cities and mountains. Everything was efficient there and... anonymous anonymous, 2015 See more reviews
Great trip, you get to see many different aspects of Japan and get to do things which wouldn'... Nour Maurice, 2015 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Kyoto to Tokyo Day 1 Start Kyoto The tour starts in Kyoto this evening. With about 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan's cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese cities it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar Day 2 Free day to explore the delights of Kyoto, one of Japan's ancient capitals Today we have the chance to explore this extraordinary city, perhaps visiting the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio's novel, 'The Golden Pavilion'. There will be time in the afternoon/evening for further sightseeing including a tour of Gion, Kyoto's entertainment area, for Geisha-spotting, or resting back at the hotel. Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Transfer by train to Nakasendo; walk a section of the ancient Nakasendo Way We speed our way, by train, out of Kyoto to Nagoya. From Nagoya we transfer by local train/bus to Nagiso and on to Tsumago. Tsumago is situated on the Nakasendo (Central Mountain) Way, and is the best preserved of the many staging posts. This route was used during the Edo period - 1603-1868 - as a main trading route through the mountainous inland area, between the main centres of Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today it is not possible to walk the whole route, but some sections have been conserved. We will trek a short 5-mile stretch from the village of Magome, down the Kiso Valley, to Tsumago. Maruya Ryokan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Transfer to Kamikochi via Matsumoto; afternoon walk to Yarisawa Using the highly efficient Japanese transport system we transfer by road and rail to picturesque Kamikochi, via the city of Matsumoto. Our main luggage will be transported in the morning from Tsumago to the hotel in Matsumoto where we are staying after the Yarigatake hike. Kamikochi (1500m) lies in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is an excellent base for explorations into the North Japanese Alps. We set out for the Yarisawa mountain hut, a gentle afternoon walk (about 4 hours in duration) starting along the valley floor, through pine and birch forest, before crossing the river and climbing the Yarisawa Valley at which point the trail becomes steeper and rougher. Through the forest we may be lucky enough to glimpse a sight of some of the resident Japanese macaques. For those not wanting or unable to partake in the Yarigatake Trek, your leader can help organise accommodation in a river lodge or in Matsumoto (at extra expense). The Yarigatake Trek should only be attempted by those in good shape, with strong legs and knees. Yarisawa Lodge (Mountain Hut) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Climb Mt Yari (3180m) and descend to Yarigatake Mountain Hut Continuing up the increasingly steep and rocky Yarisawa Valley we ascend to the Yarigatake mountain hut, before the final pull up onto the summit of the Japanese Matterhorn - Mt. Yarigatake (Japan's fifth highest peak - 3180m). Although this is not technical, there are sections where you will need to scramble over boulders and rocks and there are snowfields that we may need to cross. The short final leg up to the summit is a very steep and challenging scramble using chains and ladders with some exposure to a steep drop - this last stretch is entirely optional and we only recommend experienced scramblers attempt it. This is a popular spot for local hikers with (on a clear day) spectacular views, including Mt Fuji to the southeast. About 6-8 hours challenging hiking. Yarigatake Sansou (Mountain Hut) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Descend to Kamikochi, and transfer to Matsumoto. Here we can relax in a local hot spring or explore the magnificent Black Castle We begin the long and steep descent from the Yarigatake mountain hut, back down to Kamikochi (approx. 8-10 hours hiking). This early morning descent can be cold and begins very steep over broken ground but the views of verdant valleys are spectacular. From Kamikochi we transfer to Matsumoto. Dormy Inn or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Transfer from Matsumoto to Kawaguchi, at the base of Mt Fuji In the morning there is an opportunity, for those who wish, to visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle (optional). Founded in 1504, this castle, otherwise known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black colour, is one of the two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a national treasure. Moving on from Matsumoto we transfer to the town of Fujiyoshida, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes of Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji (or Fuji-san) is Japan's highest peak at 3776m and attracts people from all over Japan and the world, to climb it. Its near perfect volcanic cone has been celebrated by artists and photographers alike over many centuries, with perhaps the most famous representations coming in the form of Katsushika Hokusai's 'Thirty Six views of Mount Fuji'. Although not a tourist town, Fujiyoshida provides a great stopping off point for climbs of Mt Fuji, and gives those on a short visit to Japan a great insight into Japanese tourist culture. Noborisaka Hotel, Koryu Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Transfer to Station Five on Mt Fuji; climb slowly to Honhachigome - close to the summit of Mt Fuji We transfer by road to Station Five (Go-gome), from where we start our trek, on a well-marked track up to Station Eight (Hachi-gome). The walk takes about 4-5 hours, but is hard work as you cross steep volcanic scree and cinder that shifts underfoot as you ascend. Fujisan Hotel (Mountain Hut) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 An early start for sunrise at Japan's highest point (3776m); descend and transfer to the nearby Lake Kawaguchi An early morning start, as we set off before sunrise, for the summit of Mt Fuji. It is only in the last hundred years that people have been regularly climbing Mt Fuji; previously the mountain was considered so sacred that only pilgrims and priests were allowed to climb. The summit is not a single point, but a circular crater rim, and in 'traditional' Japanese style the top features a shrine, weather station, post office, and a noodle bar! After experiencing sunrise, we descend back down to our hotel in Fujiyoshida. Noborisaka Hotel, Koryu Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Free day to relax and explore; optional hike to Mitsutoge A free day to explore and relax around the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes area. It is possible to visit Lake Sai, perhaps the quietest and least visited of the Five Lakes, or to take a short trip to Tenjo-zan where you often get a fabulous view of Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji behind. Those who want to enjoy more walking can join the tour leader for an additional optional hike to Mitsutoge, a peak standing at 1786m which offers great views of Mt Fuji and Tokyo on a clear day. Noborisaka Hotel, Koryu Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Morning transfer to Tokyo No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. From Fujiyoshida we travel by bus, arriving around lunchtime in the capital. Situated on the banks of the Sumida River, by Tokyo Bay, Tokyo grew up out of the fishing village of Edo, becoming the centre of power in 1590. This afternoon is free to explore. Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Time to explore Tokyo, one of the world's most spectacular capital cities Today we have a free day to explore the delights of Tokyo. Making use of the city's highly efficient metro system it is possible to visit many of the citie's top sites, including Asakusa's lively temple of Senso-ji. The possibilities for evening entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo's nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia. Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 End Tokyo The trip ends in Tokyo this morning. Those on the group flights to London will be transferred to Tokyo airport this afternoon or early evening (depending on flight schedule) for the flight back to London, which arrives in the UK the following day. Meals included: Breakfast
Japan Most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Japan. South African passport holders do require a visa; but it is worth all nationalities verifying visa requirements directly at your embassy before travel.
Hotels, Mountain Huts & Traditional Guesthouse We spend 8 nights in comfortable hotels with en suite rooms, 3 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in a Ryokan, a traditional local guesthouse. Ryokan's - whilst comfortable and full of local character they do not always run along the same lines as western hotels. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor, which is actually very comfortable! Bathrooms are usually communal (one for men and one for women). On occasion, it may be necessary for more than two people to share a room. The mountain huts have shared washing facilities and can be very busy in peak trekking season, particularly on Mt Fuji, when an average of 5000 people climb to the top for sunrise each day. Sleeping in the huts will be at close quarters, and should be treated more as an opportunity for a rest during the hike than a relaxing night's sleep! Please be advised that the below accommodation listed in each location are the standard accommodation providers used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar establishments of the same standard and quality. Kyoto- Kyoto Tower Hotel Tsumago- Ryokan Maruya Yarigatake- Yarisawa Lodge & Yarigatake Sansou Matusmoto- Dormy Inn Kawaguchiko/Fuji- Yoshida- Noborisaka Hotel or Koryu Hotel Mt. Fuji- Fujisan Hotel Tokyo- Shinjuku Washington Hotel Single supplements are available on request and are only available for 8 nights of the trip (2 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Matsumoto, 3 nights in Fuji-yoshida and 2 nights in Tokyo)
February 12, 2019 Happy Couple Gets Engaged on the Inca Trail! Who doesn't love a feel-good romance story?
January 21, 2019 Achievable in a Week: Incredible Adventures For Busy Travellers Short on time? You don’t have to be short on ideas.
December 28, 2018 Trending Now: Top 9 Destinations for 2019 A new year, a fresh start, and twelve clean months to fill with adventures.
November 19, 2018 Alternative Christmas Traditions Around the World Christmas is a time for traditions, for enjoying the annual rituals and routines that have come to symbolise th
Reviewed September 2018 Philip Langley Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps A great trip A really enjoyable first experience of Japan. Cities, mountains, transport, food & culture all there. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably reaching the summit of Fuji but the Mt Yari hike was more beautiful. Bit unlucky with the weather on Yari. What did you think of your group leader? Mayuko is an exceptional leader. She is all the things you would expect from an exodus tour leader; well organised, patient, knowledgeable and in charge of the group and the plan. Mayuko offers a lot more than that though. She developed a real rapport with everyone in the group, she is engaging, funny and opened a real window onto Japanese life. A gem. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Practice using chopsticks before you go! Luggage with wheels is very useful. Be prepared for rain. The Mount Fuji jut is overcrowded and smelly. Is there anything else you would like to add? Japan exceeded my expectations. Customer service is very good as is the food.
Reviewed July 2018 Joseff Rees Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps What a trip!!! What a trip! This was my first Exodus holiday and it was brilliant from beginning to end! Meeting like-minded people in a group who had an excellent guide in Kenji I could not have asked for a better first time in Asia. The places, food, people and experiences were fantastic. Japan has literally something to offer everyone from futuristic city skyscrapers in Tokyo to the silent sacred temples and gardens of Kyoto to the peaks of Mount's Yari and Fuji. I cannot wait for my next Exodus holiday! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Brilliant throughout - hard to pick a highlight. What did you think of your group leader? Kenji was brilliant throughout and Tomo the mountain was great during the Alps section of the trip. Both went above and beyond to make the trip a memorable experience for all. Kenji arranged anything we asked for and gave suggestions throughout - both were clearly individuals who loved their jobs and country and wanted us to see the best Japan had to offer. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Embrace every part of Japanese culture from the food to the Onsens! Is there anything else you would like to add? Great trip throughout.
Reviewed September 2016 Mark Billington Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps My best adventure to date From start to finish this trip was fantastic, we packed so much into the time we had in Japan and our tour guide Mayuko had everything so well organised the holiday ran like a dream. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Summiting Mt Fuji for sunrise without a doubt, although we didn't see a sunrise we did a 5k crater walk which gave stunning views. What did you think of your group leader? Mayuko was an outstanding group leader, always helpful and attentive, she went above and beyond to ensure our climb up Mt Fuji went ahead after a typhoon curtailed our intended day of ascent. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are plenty of opportunities to wash on the trip, so maybe an idea to pack a bit lighter. Despite contrasting advice with luggage I'd go with a case with wheels as there's lots of stations, and platforms to negotiate. Is there anything else you would like to add? Although the total cost of the trip is fairly expensive it's well worth it, and I'd certainly reccommend the trip.
Reviewed August 2016 Camille Hickey Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Mt Fujo and the Japanese Alps The trip title is misleading. There were 2 climbs made, Mt. Yaragatake and Mt. Fuji, both strenuous and spectacular but no hiking through the Alps as we had thought. There was a SIGNIFICANT amount of time spent in public transport, trains, buses, to get between the mountains. The time to take making these transfers was not mentioned in the trip notes. One day after 3 changes all carrying our cases, we arrived at 10.30pm to then get a taxi to our accommodation. In the trip, time spent hiking was only the 4 days (or in part) of the 2 climbs and one simple hike along the Edo walk which was not in the alps. The majority of time was spent in down time or in travel between accommodation. The overall cost of the trip was more than I have paid for hiking holidays with Exodus and I believe that was due to the significant cost in transport between sites. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The predawn climb to the summit of Mt.Fuji. What did you think of your group leader? Inexperienced. He had never done this trip before and so there were points along the way he was totally unsure about. Did not give adequate information in advance of each day or night activity. Poor communication was his mantra. The (on site) guide who supervised the 2 mountain walks was the opposite, brilliant on every level. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip is not for those wishing to see a wider perspective of the Japanese Alps. Too much public transport where you carry own luggage. Is there anything else you would like to add? Group meals are variable in cost and content. Twice when told in advance of expected price pp the actual price was more.
Reviewed August 2016 William Ferguson Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Quite a trip So many aspects of Japan : Mountains, climbed the Japanese way Interesting Food always available Unfailingly polite people A culture to immerse yourself in What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The trip was full of highlights, some large and some smaller scale, but all were full of pleasure. The sunrise from the lodge at Mount Yarigatake, Mt Fuji visible in the distance. Taking part in the annual climb Mt Fuji pilgrimage The way in which, no matter the circumstances, immaculately presented, ready cooked food was available. Having the chance to appreciate the depth and breadth of Japanese culture. We travelled out ahead of the group and stayed on afterwards. This gave us the chance, for example, to visit Hiroshima & Miyajima on a day trip and to take more time over Tokyo. We'd strongly recommend this to anyone doing this tour. It also allows more time to acclimatise. What did you think of your group leader? Etchuri-san(aka Tats) grew into the role as the tour went on. We were really grateful for his suggestions related to things to see in Matsumoto and Tokyo. It would be wrong not to mention the Mountain Guide, Ishihara-san(aka Tomo) who was a mine of information and looked after the whole group impeccably. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We have never had a climbing experience like the lodge on Mt Fuji and the final ascent for sunrise at the top. Resting on shelves in a room with ~100 others was new to us. Similarly, climbing as part of a river of head torches, two people wide, policed by rangers was a novel experience. Then getting to the top to find hot soup, vending machines and temples. It's best to throw yourself into it, do as the Japanese do, smile, bow and say 'konichiwa' Is there anything else you would like to add? As above, this trip doesn't give enough time to really explore Tokyo or Kyoto and the opportunity to experience life in Japan. Travel out early, stay late. Enjoy it. A great trip
Reviewed September 2015 Graham Aitchison Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps, this trip starts in Kyoto with a day or two to see the historic former capital of Japan before taking the bullet train and walking a section of the Nakasendo way. From there the trip sets off to the national park of Kamikochi to ascend Mt Yarigatake (3180m). After this there are a few days to explore Matsumoto before catching the bus to Station Five to start the trek to the summit of Mt Fuji (3776m). The trip ends in Tokyo where there are free days to explore the mix of historic and modern Japan. The trip allows you to sample the various forms of Japanese cuisine that include noodle dishes, sushi and various other rice noodle or fish based dishes. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many wonderful moments on this trip, from travelling on the bullet train (or Shinkansen) to visiting the golden temple, Crow castle and other temples and shrines along the way. However the most inspirational moment of the trip was reaching the summit of Mount Fuji and watching the sun rise, truly awesome and well worth the effort. What did you think of your group leader? Mayuko, the tour leader was fantastic and very organised. She looked after us all and ensured that the various train and bus journeys made on the trip all ran smoothly. Mayuko also packed a great number of experiences into the trip from seeing the historic castles, temples and shrines to the modern streets in Tokyo with their neon lights. Mayuko was a very attentive tour leader who made sure that we had lots of options to do on our free days and were able to find and see any attraction or holiday gift that we wanted. She was very friendly and approachable and fitted into the group well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip does involve using a lot of Japanese public transport, and as the trip notes state you are best taking luggage that you are able to get on and off trains with ease and stow into the luggage spaces, personally I found rucksacks the easiest. When climbing the two mountains that we trekked up (Mt Yarigatake and Mt Fuji) you really do not need to have a 40+ litre rucksack – you can get away with a smaller rucksack (around 25-30 litres) to fit the essentials for the hikes. For Mt Yarigatake we had rain all the way up so good waterproofs and a rucksack cover/dry bag was a necessity along with a set of dry clothes in a dry bag. There are really good drying rooms in the mountain huts on Mt Yarigatake and you will be able to hang and dry your kit. If you want to travel really light, on the group flights we took we got a travel toothbrush and toothpaste on each flight and most of the hotels we stayed in provided these and a razor, soap, shampoo and conditioner, so you can leave most of that behind if you are that way inclined. Is there anything else you would like to add? We participated in the trip that was for the last two weeks of August, which coincided with a fire festival held just after we ascended Mt Fuji, though you may want to wear old clothes due to the embers in the air. This was a great opportunity to sample a wide variety of different street foods and witness Japanese drumming, which made our trip even more special.
Reviewed September 2015 Louise Clark Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps A brilliant holiday, Hills, Shrines, Temples, Tokyo and more. A brilliant holiday showcasing the best of what Honshu has to offer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Loads...climbing the iconic Mount Fuji to see sunrise was an experience, but one of many - that included Temples, Shrines, Castles, the best that Tokyo has to offer and a fire festival! What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely brilliant - wonderfully organised and really committed to giving everyone the best time that they could possibly have. She worked so hard on the " free" days to show us the best of Kyoto and Tokyo......... When met with challenges - a broken arm from one member of the group - she remained unflappable and sought to deal with everything as effectively as possible whilst not compromising our holiday at all. We were travelling firther after the Exodis trip and she sorted rail pass/shinkansen bookings gave us ideas for our destinations and was generally a star! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light! There is lots of public tranport use - this is highly efficient but you will be wheeling/carrying your bag lots. I had an expedition holdall...very practical generally but not ideal for carrying a long way - Japanese stations can be huge! A bag that fits on the overhead racks (that you can lift) makes it easier on the trains. Notably all the hotels have shower gel, shampoo etc so if you are not fussy about brand then you don`t need them! Do not take a 40 litre rucksac for the overnight mountain hut trips, this is way too big... you are only out for two nights and bedding etc is provided...those that had big rucksacs carried too much weight by far. Also use dry bags NOT a rucksac cover, the rain can be torrential and only those of us with dry bags had dry kit! Is there anything else you would like to add? Eating out is not as expensive as I anticipated...we ate in loads of brilliant local places at a fraction of the expected cost. Fabulous holiday.....!!!!
Reviewed September 2015 anonymous anonymous Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Japan Mount Fuji What a fantastic trip. A good mixture of cities and mountains. Everything was efficient there and the people were always so obliging to help with information or directions. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the top of Mount Fuji. We were lucky and had great views as was sunny. Seeing the sun rise on Mount Fuji. Talking to local people in the mountain huts. Good atmosphere. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Mayuko was brilliant, knowledgeable, professional, understanding, patient and gave us great insights into the Japanese culture and took us to some cool eating places which we'd not experienced before. Could not have asked for anyone better. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I would say you need a certain level of fitness for this trip. Mount Fuji is quite steep. Carry light on the mountain trips it really helps. Our mountain guide Tomo was brilliant as well. Really professional, knowledgeable and kind. We had rain on Mount Yari so make sure you bring good waterproofs that do the job. Is there anything else you would like to add? Really great trip saw and did a lot in the two week trip. A good balance of activities and free time. Would now like to go back to see the rest of Japan!
Reviewed September 2015 Carol Merritt Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Japanese Alps An amazing trip with an exciting and full on itinerary What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Fuji. What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely excellent in every way. My experience with previous Exodus trips is most guides are very good but on this trip Mayuko was exceptional. A truly first class guide who not only was extremely knowledgeable, but sacrificed any amount of personal free time to our group to share with us her personal favourite sights and experiences during unscheduled activities on our itinerary. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The optional summit of Mt. Yarigatke is approx. 200m almost vertical climb with ladders and chains so be aware you need a head for heights. Tomo, the mountain guide was absolutely fantastic and extremely professional and is very understated in his role as 'assistant guide' as mentioned in the trip notes. Only take minimum in day pack for Yarigatake and Fuji treks ie one set of spare clothes, not a huge 70L pack re trip notes.
Reviewed September 2015 Nour Maurice Trip: Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps Wonderful trip! Great trip, you get to see many different aspects of Japan and get to do things which wouldn't be possible/wouldn't know about without a guide! It's a shame the stay in Kyoto and Tokyo is so short! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The culture there is very inspirational! People are really friendly, and polite, everything is super clean and the food is really good! What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely fantastic! She gave us so much information for everything, and even took her time to show us things on the free days if we wanted to join her! Really great, and a lovely person, really easy to get on with! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take ear plugs and a eye mask for the Mount Fuji mountain hut! It's so difficult to sleep! And take plenty of snacks with you because the meals included are way to small to keep you going!