HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU – 16 DAYS – from £4580 pp
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Per Person
This route explores northern Japan from Sapporo to Nikko, combining Hokkaido’s food culture and port towns with the historic districts, lakes, temples and hot springs of Tohoku.
The journey is designed to move at a comfortable pace, with several multi-night stays and a mix of independent days and selected private guiding. It works particularly well in autumn, when Hokkaido and northern Honshu see colour earlier than Kyoto or Tokyo.
The route finishes in Nikko, allowing time to visit its UNESCO-listed shrines before continuing towards Tokyo
Package Highlights:
• Begin in Sapporo, with time for markets, ramen, beer culture and easy city exploring
• Visit Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park, to learn about Ainu history and culture
• Spend time in Otaru and Hakodate, two of Hokkaido’s most atmospheric port towns
• Cross from Hokkaido into Tohoku by Shinkansen
• Stay at a traditional hot spring ryokan near Lake Tazawa
• Explore Kakunodate’s preserved samurai district
• Visit Hiraizumi and the temples of northern Japan’s old cultural centre
• End with Nikko’s shrines and forested mountain setting
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+44 7792 633368Email Address
info@secretjapan.co.ukEnquiry form
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+44 7792 633368Itinerary Highlights:
• Sapporo Food & Markets – Hokkaido’s capital, known for seafood, ramen and beer
• Otaru Canal & Glassware District – A historic port town with warehouses, shops and workshops
• Hakodate Port Town – Morning market, Motomachi and the famous night view from Mt Hakodate
• Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate – Lakeside scenery, hot springs and samurai streets
• Hiraizumi & Nikko – UNESCO temples and shrines in northern Japan
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.