12 Days | Wander through colourful and calm Northern Japan and Hokkaido
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?
Trip overview
- Start
- Tokyo, Japan
- Finish
- Sapporo, Japan
- Destinations
- Japan
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- CJSD
- 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.
- It's best to pack light as you’ll need to carry your own luggage while navigating busy train stations. For Day 5 and Day 6, you’ll need an overnight pack that can fit your essentials for two days as your main luggage will be transferred from Hakodate to Furano.
- Japanese train connections are typically centred around major cities, so travelling to smaller towns and cities often requires passing through these larger hubs.
- There’s a canoeing activity included in the trip which isn’t too demanding but requires a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Itinerary
Inclusions
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Bullet Train, Train, Public Bus, Cable Car, Metro, Canoe
Hotel (9 nights), Ryokan Hotel ( 2 nights)
- 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
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at our chosen accommodation.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.
3. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.
4. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for Japan now. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.
5. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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