Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure





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?
4.5
18 reviewsStart: Tokyo, Japan
End: Sapporo, Japan
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
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!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Aomori - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Hop on a train this morning and head to Hirosaki for the day. One of the most famous festivals in Japan is held here every August – the Nebuta Matsuri – featuring large lantern floats of mythological warriors. You’ll see some of these floats on display in Tsugaru Neputa Village, before you make your way to Hirosaki Castle. Enjoy a tour of the feudal-era three-storey castle and hear more about its role in the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival before heading back to Aomari for a free afternoon.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa Village
- Hirosaki - Hirosaki Castle
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today you’ll make your way to Hokkaido Island via bullet train. When you arrive in Hakodate, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk, with a stop at a fish market for lunch. It’s famous for its fresh seafood and is a great spot to try some local delicacies like kaisuke (oysters) or kaisendon (seafood donburi). Continue to Goryokaku Tower for wonderful views of the national historic site Goryokaku – a star-shaped public park which was once a fort designed to modernise the island’s military defence. The evening is free for you to explore Hakodate as you wish – feel free to ask your leader for any restaurant recommendations!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hakodate - City walking tour
- Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Traverse more of Hokkaido today by heading to Noboribetsu by train – a famous onsen (hot spring) town, part of the larger Shikotsu-Toya National Park. You’ll go straight to Jigokundani, literally meaning ‘Hell Valley’, this is an apt name for the volcanic activity on display! There are nine different types of onsen in Nororibetsu and they’re all powered by the geothermal activity at this volcanic crater. Tonight, you’ll stay in a ryokan hotel (traditional Japanese inn) that offers a range of onsen baths to try – the perfect chance to soak away your travel fatigue.
- Ryokan Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Noboribetsu - Hell valley
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Asahikawa for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Noboribetsu and Lake Shikotsu as you will not have access to your luggage for two nights.
Pass through rural Hokkaido as you travel to Shikotsuko by train and bus, where you’ll be welcomed by the sight of Lake Shikotsu – a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity. Cruise along the clear water in the afternoon in a canoe and admire the surrounding forests. Shikotsuko is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere so soak up the calm vibe on the lake. Return to another ryokan hotel this evening and take advantage once again of the relaxing hot springs. Then, tuck into a kaiseki dinner – a traditional Japanese fine dining multi-course experience.
- Ryokan Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lake Shikotsu - Lake Canoe
- Lake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinner
Your travel time today is approximately 3.5 hours
If weather conditions aren’t suitable for canoeing, we’ll opt for a hike along one of the walking trails around the lake instead.
Today you’ll journey to Asahikawa – the second largest city in Hokkaido, located in the heart of the island. It’s one of the coldest cities in Japan so make sure you layer up for your leader-led orientation walk if you’re visiting during winter. After, maybe check out Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum, where you can learn about sake-making methods and sample some of the renowned local beverage. You can also opt to walk along Japan’s first permanent pedestrian shopping street – Heiwa Dori Shopping Street – or visit Alley Furarito for some casual dining or izakaya (Japanese-style pub) options.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Asahikawa - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today is approximately 4 hours.
Start your day with a visit to the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum and learn about the rich culture of Ainu people – an Indigenous group from the northern regions of Japan. This is the first Ainu museum in Hokkaido and set up back in the 30s by an Ainue family who was hoping to preserve Ainu culture through the museum, and it's still owned by the same family. Join a guided tour, and if you are lucky, it may be led by a member of the Ainu family who established the museum, and gain insight into their history and traditions. After, get familiar with Ainu food during a cooking demonstration showcasing Ainu dumplings (and then sample some for yourself!).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Asakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum
- Asahikawa - Ainu dumpling making demonstration
Please ensure you have an overnight bag for tonight and tomorrow for your essentials and valuables as your big luggage will be sent to Sapporo tonight.
Hop in a private transfer to Asahidake Ropeway – a line that climbs Mount Asahi, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. Get all the rewards without the sweaty workout by riding the ropeway up the mountain, taking in the elevated views. After, drive to the Blue Pond – a body of water with a deep blue hue due to natural minerals – before continuing to Furano, where you’ll spend the night. Perhaps try some local delicacies like Furano wine and cheese for dinner this evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Asahikawa - Mt. Asahi Ropeway
- Asahikawa - Blue Pond (Aoike)
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Stop and smell the flowers with a morning visit to Tomita Farm. From late June to early August, you’ll see the expansive lavender fields that have made the farm famous in Japan and beyond – and there are plenty of other colourful crops to admire outside of those summer months. Travel by train then to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Known for its winter sports scene, Sapporo is bordered by mountains and ski hills. You’ll also notice it has a grid-based street layout, which is very rare for Japan – and easy to navigate! The evening is yours to explore at our own pace – maybe stop for a Sapporo beer and miso ramen in a local restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Furano - Tomita Farm
- Sapporo - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Head out on daytrip today to Otaru – a nearby town with a scenic canal area – and enjoy some free time roaming the streets. Maybe visit the Otaru Music Book Museum, home to 25,000 music boxes and lots of information on the city’s music box craftsmanship. If you visit during February, you might catch the Snow Light Path Festival – a winter wonderland of lanterns and ice sculptures. Head back to Sapporo for a farewell dinner of Sapporo's signature Genghis Khan roasted lamb and toast to your Japanese adventure with your group.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Otaru - City walking tour
- Sapporo - Genghis Khan lamb dinner
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You can leave at any time before the checkout time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
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
This trip generates 35 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- Japanese train connections are typically centred around major cities, so travelling to smaller towns and cities often requires passing through these larger hubs.
- This trip includes a canoeing activity which isn’t too demanding, but requires a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Japan Adventure.
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. Some of such properties will only give 1 key for each room so you can leave the key at the reception so that you and your roommate won't have to conform to the same schedule when you are out exploring.
AVAILABILITY
The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
ONSENS
We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
16-12 Nihonbashikoamicho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0016, Japan
Tokyo
JAPAN
Description
Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho is conveniently located a 4-minute walk from Ningyocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Subway Asakusa Line, which provides you with easy access to many popular spots in the metropolis Tokyo.
Instructions
Japan has a very efficient public transport service and there are many ways to get from the two airports in the Tokyo region (Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND)) to your hotel. Narita is located approx. 65 km from Tokyo and taxi fares are expensive given the distance (around JPY25,000). Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo and a taxi fare will cost around JPY6,000-10,000.
Public Transport
If you are travelling from Narita Airport, there are various connections either by express train or limousine bus to Tokyo Station and then by local train, subway or taxi to the Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho, which is located in the Nihonbashi area (east of the city). The airport information desks can provide helpful advice too. The most direct way is by the Keisei Access Express to Oshiage Station and then take Toei Asakusa Line Express (approx. JPY1,420 and 70 mins). You can then take a 4-minute walk from Exit A5 to the hotel . The Narita Express is another option that takes you to Tokyo Station (approx. JPY3,000 and 50 mins). From the station, you will take a taxi to the hotel (approx. JPY600 and 8 mins).
From Haneda Airport, the most direct option is the Keikyu Airport Line bound for Inzai Makinohara and getting off at Ningyocho Station. From Exit A5, it is a 4-minute walk to the hotel. Otherwise, the limousine bus service is also available. The bus takes you to Tokyo Station and you will either take a walk (approx. 900m) or take a taxi (approx. JPY500) to the hotel.
Please check the transport details on the hotel's website: https://www.viainn.com/en/nihonbashi-n/access/. If you're having any problems finding the hotel, ring the hotel directly (you can use one of Japan's green public phones with coins of JPY10 or JPY100).
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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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