Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Mt Fuji and Mt Yarigatake are the most famous Japanese mountains, and on this trip we ascend both of these iconic peaks whilst also taking in Japan's intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. As well as climbing Yarigatake, the 'Japanese Matterhorn', and the classic volcanic cone of Fuji, we stay in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, with it...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Hike up Mt Fuji for sunrise over the Japanese Alps
    • Explore the beautiful and fascinating Kyoto
    • Climb the Japanese Matterhorn, Mt Yarigatake
    • Sleep in a traditional Japanese Ryokan
    • Free time to explore the delights of Tokyo

What's this trip about?

    Mt Fuji and Mt Yarigatake are the most famous Japanese mountains, and on this trip we ascend both of these iconic peaks whilst also taking in Japan's intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. As well as climbing Yarigatake, the 'Japanese Matterhorn', and the classic volcanic cone of Fuji, we stay in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto temples, spend a day in futuristic Tokyo, and take a short walk on the Nakasendo Way - an ancient trading route.Rewarding hikes, impressive mountain scenery and cultural treasures in Japan

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKyoto
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kyoto
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and 4 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Transfers for group flights

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London

The group flights depart London this evening.

Day 2 Arrive Kansai International Airport in Osaka; transfer to Kyoto

Those on the group flight usually arrives at Kansai Airport this evening, and will be transferred to Kyoto.  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 ci...

Day 3 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 ...

Day 4 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...

Day 5 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 Yarigat...

Day 6 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, ther...

Day 7 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*

Day 8 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 b...

Day 9 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)*

Day 10 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 ...

Day 11 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 M...

Day 12 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*

Day 13 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*

Day 14 Depart Tokyo

Those on the group flights to London will be transferred to Tokyo Airport either this afternoon or early evening (depending on flight schedule) for the flight back to London, which arrives back in the UK the following day.

Day 15 Arrive London

The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.

Land Only

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...

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 ...

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...

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 Yarigat...

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, ther...

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*

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 b...

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)*

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 ...

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 M...

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*

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*

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 8/22/2019

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great trip

A really enjoyable first experience of Japan. Cities, mountains, transport, food & culture all there. Probably reaching the summit of Fuji but the Mt Yari hike...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 st...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Japanese Alps

An amazing trip with an exciting and full on itinerary Reaching the top of Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Fuji. Absolutely excellent in every way. My experience with prev...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 holida...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps

I’ve been on quite a few small group holidays and this tour definitely had the most varied and contrasting itinerary to date. I loved the mix of hiking, history, ...

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts and 4 dinners are included. You should allow around GBP 35-45 a day to cover the cost of food and drink. It is possible to eat more cheaply than this, or to spend considerably more, depending on the standard of restaurant chosen. In many of the places we visit there are restaurants available to cater for all tastes and pockets and it is generally very easy to enjoy every aspect of Japan's excellent cuisine either as a group or on your own. Please note that the choice of vegetarian food is very limited for dinner on Mt. Fuji.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 8 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights mountain hut & 1 night ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn)
  • 6 days guided walking 
  • Altitude maximum 3776m, average 1000m
  • Travel by train, taxi, local and private coach
Trip ID
exodus-TOP

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