Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure

Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure

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12 Days From

$5155

Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure

12 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Sapporo

Visiting: Tokyo, Aomori, Hirosaki/ Aomori, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu, Asahikawa, Furano, Sapporo, Otaru/ Sapporo

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

CJSD

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $5155

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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?

Highlights

  • 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

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!

Day 2: Aomori

Location: Aomori

Accommodation: Hotel

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).

Included Activities:
-Aomori - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 3: Hirosaki/ Aomori

Location: Hirosaki/ Aomori

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Hirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa Village
-Hirosaki - Hirosaki Castle

Day 4: Hakodate

Location: Hakodate

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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!

Included Activities:
-Hakodate - City walking tour
-Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku

Day 5: Noboribetsu

Location: Noboribetsu

Accommodation: Ryokan Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Noboribetsu - Hell valley

Day 6: Lake Shikotsu

Location: Lake Shikotsu

Accommodation: Ryokan Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Lake Shikotsu - Lake Canoe
-Lake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinner

Day 7: Asahikawa

Location: Asahikawa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Asahikawa - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 8: Asahikawa

Location: Asahikawa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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!).

Included Activities:
-Asakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum
-Asahikawa - Ainu dumpling making demonstration

Day 9: Furano

Location: Furano

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Asahikawa - Mt. Asahi Ropeway
-Asahikawa - Blue Pond (Aoike)

Day 10: Sapporo

Location: Sapporo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Furano - Tomita Farm
-Sapporo - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 11: Otaru/ Sapporo

Location: Otaru/ Sapporo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Otaru - City walking tour
-Sapporo - Genghis Khan lamb dinner

Day 12: Sapporo

Location: Sapporo

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You can leave at any time before the checkout time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (9 nights), Ryokan Hotel ( 2 nights)

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners

  • 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

show more

Transport

  • Bullet Train , Train , Public Bus , Cable Car , Metro , Canoe

Accommodation

  • 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.
  • 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/

Important Information

  • 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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