Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
12 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Sapporo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Aomori, Hirosaki, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu, Asahikawa, Furano, Sapporo, Otaru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJSD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure, a captivating journey through Japan's northern landscapes and cultural treasures. Discover the rich Indigenous Ainu culture at Hokkaido's first Ainu Museum, and explore the natural wonders of northern Japan, from the volcanic steam of Hell Valley to the serene Lake Shikotsu. Experience the historical charm of Hirosaki Castle and its vibrant Neputa festival. Stay in traditional ryokans, indulge in the Japanese onsen experience, and savor exquisite Kaiseki dinners. Witness Japan's seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms to winter snow. Travel by bullet train, cable car, and canoe, and enjoy guided tours in cities like Hakodate and Sapporo. This adventure offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights, promising an unforgettable exploration of Japan's northern regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: 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:
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Day 3: Hirosaki/ Aomori
Location: Hirosaki
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 4: Hakodate
Location: Hakodate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 5: Noboribetsu
Location: Noboribetsu
Accommodation: Ryokan Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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:
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Day 6: Lake Shikotsu
Location: Lake Shikotsu
Accommodation: Ryokan Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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:
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Day 7: Asahikawa
Location: Asahikawa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 8: Asahikawa
Location: Asahikawa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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:
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Day 9: Furano
Location: Furano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 10: Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 11: Otaru/ Sapporo
Location: Otaru
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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:
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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
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Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Ryokan Hotel ( 2 nights) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners -
Aomori - Leader-led orientation walk
Participate in a leader-led orientation walk in Aomori.
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Hirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa Village
Visit the Tsugaru Neputa Village in Hirosaki.
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Hirosaki - Hirosaki Castle
Explore the historic Hirosaki Castle.
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Hakodate - City walking tour
Enjoy a city walking tour in Hakodate.
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Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku
Visit the historic Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate.
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Noboribetsu - Hell valley
Experience the volcanic activity at Hell Valley in Noboribetsu.
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Lake Shikotsu - Lake Canoe
Canoe on the serene waters of Lake Shikotsu.
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Lake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinner
Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner at Lake Shikotsu.
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Asahikawa - Leader-led orientation walk
Join a leader-led orientation walk in Asahikawa.
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Asakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum
Visit the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum in Asahikawa.
What's Not Included
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Single supplement, airport transfers, and additional accommodation
Single supplement, airport transfers, and additional accommodation in Japan are not available due to limited availability.
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Luggage size restrictions
Luggage size restrictions apply for rail travel in Japan, requiring light and compact packing.
Transport
Bullet Train , Train , Public Bus , Cable Car , Metro , Canoe
Accommodation
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUSJapanese-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.AVAILABILITYThe 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.ONSENSWe 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. 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Northern Japan and Hokkaido using a variety of transportation modes including bullet trains, public buses, cable cars, metro, and even a canoe for a unique perspective on Lake Shikotsu.
Accommodation
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality by staying in traditional ryokans and minshukus, where you'll sleep on futons or mattresses on tatami mat floors. Enjoy shared bathing facilities and the unique onsen experience, with the opportunity to savor a signature Kaiseki dinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum where you can learn about the Indigenous Ainu culture, and a demonstration of Ainu dumpling making. You will also explore Hirosaki Castle and learn about its role in the Neputa festival.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodations such as ryokans and minshukus, where you will sleep on futons or mattresses on tatami mat floors. These accommodations often have shared bathing facilities and may have a curfew.
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Are there any unique dining experiences on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Kaiseki dinner at Lake Shikotsu and a Genghis Khan lamb dinner in Sapporo.
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What natural attractions will I visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Hell Valley in Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu, the Blue Pond in Asahikawa, and the lavender fields at Tomita Farm in Furano.
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What is the onsen experience like on this tour?
The tour encourages visiting traditional Japanese onsens, which involves bathing naked with others of the same gender. There is specific etiquette to follow, and your leader can provide tips. Note that travelers with tattoos may not be permitted in public onsens.
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What transportation methods are used during the tour?
The tour utilizes various transportation methods including bullet trains, trains, public buses, cable cars, metro, and canoes.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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