Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure 12 Days
- Discover Hokkaido’s rich Indigenous Ainu culture at the region’s first Ainu Museum, where you can learn about their traditions and make Ainu dumplings.
- Explore northern Japan’s natural wonders, like Hell Valley’s volcanic steam to Mt. Asahi’s peaks and the serene waters of Lake Shikotsu.
- Walk around Hirosaki Castle on a guided tour, where you’ll learn about its role in the Neputa festival, known for its giant, vibrant floats.
- Stay in two local ryokan hotels and immerse yourself in the Japanese onsen experience – relaxation in a natural hot spring – and savour a signature Kaiseki dinner.
- Witness Japan’s seasonal transformations from cherry blossoms in spring and lavender fields in summer to vibrant autumn foliage and white winter snow – every season offers its own unique colour palette.
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Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
What's included in Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure 12 Days
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Day 1 | Tokyo
Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Whether you’re drawn to anime or manga, skyscrapers or cherry blossoms, sushi or ramen, you’re in the right place. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader. After, maybe get to know your group better with an optional dinner and explore Tokyo’s nightlife. Perhaps take a walk down Shinjuku’s Omoide Tokocho or ‘Memory Lane’ – a narrow alley lined with busy restaurants and bar stalls that originated in the 1940s as a black-market quarter. Today, it’s one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo’s local street food!
Accommodation
Day 2 | Aomori
Hop on a bullet train (shinkansen) this morning and head north to Aomori, where you can relax and enjoy the countryside views. When you arrive, get your bearings with a leader-led orientation walk and then enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site, which gives an insight into how prehistoric Japanese people lived, or the Aomori Museum of Art, which features an impressive blend of contemporary art and local heritage exhibitions. Seafood lovers might want to check out Aomori Nokkedon – a market where you can sample a variety of local seafood, such as sea urchin and squid, using a fun ticket-based system (simply exchange a ticket for the seafood of your choice).
Accommodation
From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil hot springs of Noboribetsu, this 12-day journey across Northern Japan immerses you in the country’s rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty. Zip North on a bullet train to Aomori, where you can visit prehistoric sites and fresh seafood markets. Soak in volcanic hot springs, paddle across lakes and discover the vibrant spirit of Hokkaido. After wandering the lavender fields of Furano, end your adventure in Sapporo, where modern energy meets great mountainous views. Japan’s colourful wonders await – are you ready?
Inclusions
- Aomori - Leader-led orientation walk
- Hirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa Village
- Hirosaki - Hirosaki Castle
- Hakodate - City walking tour
- Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku
- Noboribetsu - Hell valley
- Lake Shikotsu - Lake Canoe
- Lake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinner
- Asahikawa - Leader-led orientation walk
- Asakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum
- Asahikawa - Ainu dumpling making demonstration
- Asahikawa - Mt. Asahi Ropeway
- Asahikawa - Blue Pond (Aoike)
- Furano - Tomita Farm
- Sapporo - Leader-led orientation walk
- Otaru - City walking tour
- Sapporo - Genghis Khan lamb dinner
Meet
Meeting Points
- Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho, 16-12 Nihonbashikoamicho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0016, Japan, Japan
End Points
- HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Aspen, 4-5 Nishi, Kita 8-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 060-0808 Japan, Japan
