Hokkaido & Tohoku – 16 Days | From £5,500 pp
From £5,500 per person
/
Per Person
WHY THIS JOURNEY WORKS
Northern Japan offers a very different side of the country—one where historic towns, dramatic landscapes and regional traditions take precedence over crowds and fast-paced sightseeing. Beginning in Hokkaido before travelling south through Tohoku and finishing among the shrines and forests of Nikko, this journey reveals a quieter, more authentic Japan.
Rather than rushing between destinations, you'll spend time discovering Hokkaido's renowned food culture, historic port towns, samurai districts and relaxing hot spring villages before exploring the cultural treasures of northern Honshu. Comfortable rail travel, carefully selected accommodation and a balanced mix of independent exploration and private guiding allow the journey to unfold at a relaxed and rewarding pace.
Ideal for travellers returning to Japan or those looking to venture beyond the country's best-known destinations, this itinerary rewards curiosity with experiences few visitors ever discover.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Hokkaido's celebrated food culture in Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.
- Learn about Ainu heritage at Japan's National Ainu Museum.
- Explore beautifully preserved canal towns, fishing ports and historic merchant districts.
- Journey through northern Japan by comfortable scenic rail.
- Relax in a traditional lakeside ryokan with natural hot springs.
- Visit Kakunodate, one of Japan's finest surviving samurai towns.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Hiraizumi.
- Finish among the magnificent shrines and mountain scenery of Nikko.
- Enjoy a carefully selected collection of boutique hotels and traditional ryokan throughout the journey.
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+44 7792 633368Email Address
info@secretjapan.co.ukPhone
+44 7792 633368INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Sapporo Food Culture – Discover Hokkaido's famous seafood, ramen and local beer culture.
National Ainu Museum – Gain an insight into the traditions and history of Japan's indigenous people.
Otaru Canal District – Explore historic warehouses, artisan workshops and the town's maritime heritage.
Hakodate Morning Market & Mount Hakodate – Experience one of Japan's finest seafood markets and one of its most celebrated night views.
Lake Tazawa Ryokan Stay – Relax beside Japan's deepest lake in a traditional hot spring inn.
Kakunodate Samurai District – Wander beautifully preserved samurai residences and tree-lined streets.
Hiraizumi – Visit one of northern Japan's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nikko – Discover Toshogu Shrine and the surrounding forests with time to appreciate one of Japan's greatest cultural landscapes.
Day 1 – Arrive Sapporo
Arrive at New Chitose Airport before travelling by express train into Sapporo. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to recover from the flight. If time permits, explore the city centre or enjoy your first taste of Hokkaido’s famous ramen and seafood.
Day 2 – Sapporo
A free day to discover Sapporo at your own pace. Visit Nijo Market, stroll through Odori Park and the former Hokkaido Government Office grounds, or learn about the city’s brewing heritage at the Sapporo Beer Museum. The evening is ideal for exploring Susukino’s lively dining district.
Day 3 – Sapporo & Upopoy
Travel independently to Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park, where exhibitions and cultural displays introduce the traditions and history of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people. Return to Sapporo for a relaxed evening with time to explore more of the city.
Day 4 – Otaru (Private Guided Day)
Enjoy a full-day private guided excursion to the historic port town of Otaru. Walk beside the famous canal, explore former merchant warehouses, visit the Music Box Museum and experience a traditional glassblowing workshop before returning to Sapporo.
Day 5 – Sapporo to Hakodate
Travel south by express train to Hakodate, one of Japan’s most historic ports. After checking in, spend the afternoon exploring the attractive waterfront, restored red-brick warehouses and harbour area before enjoying dinner overlooking the bay.
Day 6 – Hakodate
A full day to discover Hakodate. Begin at the lively Morning Market before exploring the historic Motomachi district, where churches and former consulates reflect the city’s international past. Finish the day with the ropeway to Mt Hakodate for one of Japan’s best-known night views.
Day 7 – Hakodate
Enjoy another day exploring Hakodate. Visit the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and observation tower before relaxing at Yunokawa Onsen or wandering through Kosetsuen Garden, particularly attractive during the autumn colours.
Day 8 – Hakodate to Lake Tazawa
Travel by Shinkansen from Hokkaido into the Tohoku region before collecting your rental car near Lake Tazawa. Continue to your traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in the hot springs and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.
Day 9 – Lake Tazawa to Kakunodate
Spend the morning exploring the shores of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake. Continue at your own pace, visiting lakeside viewpoints and shrines before driving to Kakunodate, a beautifully preserved samurai town known for its traditional streets and historic houses.
Day 10 – Kakunodate (Private Guided Day)
A half-day private guided tour introduces Kakunodate’s rich samurai history. Explore the former samurai district, visit historic residences and learn about the area’s famous cherry bark craftsmanship. The afternoon is free to continue exploring independently.
Day 11 – Kakunodate to Sendai
Return your rental car before travelling south by Shinkansen to Sendai. After arriving, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the city centre, with plenty of opportunities to sample local specialities and experience northern Japan’s largest city.
Day 12 – Sendai
A free day to discover Sendai. Visit the ruins of Aoba Castle for panoramic views across the city, stroll beneath the trees of Jozenji-dori Avenue and enjoy the city’s excellent restaurants and cafés.
Day 13 – Hiraizumi (Private Guided Day)
Travel by Shinkansen to Ichinoseki, where your private guide will meet you. Explore the dramatic Geibikei Gorge by traditional boat before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji in nearby Hiraizumi.
Day 14 – Matsushima Bay
Take a short train journey to Matsushima Bay, regarded as one of Japan’s three great scenic views. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise between the pine-covered islands before visiting Zuigan-ji Temple and exploring the waterfront.
Day 15 – Sendai to Nikko
Travel south by Shinkansen and local train to Nikko. After checking in, spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where rows of stone Jizo statues line the riverside beneath towering cedar trees.
Day 16 – Nikko & Departure
Begin the day with a guided tour of Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrines, including the richly decorated Toshogu Shrine. Afterwards continue by rail towards Tokyo before transferring to the airport for your return flight.