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Charms of Northern Japan

Cherry Blossom Tour

Duration

9

Days

8

Nights

Price USD
$3,898
per person
Season
spring
Tour Period

Tohoku & Hokkaido's must-see sights, enhanced by Spring's cherry blossom hues!

In Japan, when you see cherry blossoms are in bloom, this means that the spring has arrived. It marks the beginning of another cycle of the four seasons and brings out special sentiments among the Japanese people. Northern Japan has a long winter compared to other parts of Japan; the symbol of the arrival of spring has a special significance to the people in Northern Japan. This tour will focus on the cherry blossoms as well as some of the world heritage sites, countryside, villages, and historic towns of Japan.

Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom NikkoToshoguShrine
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom NikkoToshoguShrine
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom SapporoBeerMuseum
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom SapporoBeerMuseum
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom Hiraizumi
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom Hiraizumi
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom Goryokaku
Charms of Northern Japan Cherry Blossom Goryokaku

Itinerary

Charms of Northern Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour is a 9-day, 8-night group tour that celebrates the arrival of spring with cherry blossoms.

day-1
Tokyo Narita Airport
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day-2
OmiyaNikko
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day-3
Matsushima
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day-4
HiraizumiKitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom FestivalMorioka
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day-5
Morioka, Hakodate
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day-6
Hakodate, ShikabechoLake Toya
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day-7
NoboribetsuShiraoiSapporo
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day-8
SapporoOtaru
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day-9
Tour Ends
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day-1

Tokyo Narita Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by a representative holding a name sign.


Hotel iconHotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class
day-2

Omiya

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Our first visit is Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. There are over 100 bonsai masterpieces at the museum.

Nikko

Nikko National Park
Afterwards, we'll travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo. The Japanese have a saying: The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

Kegon Waterfall
Visit Kegon Waterfall; the almost 100 meter (328ft) tall waterfall is the most famous of Nikko's many beautiful waterfalls. In fact, it is even ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls.

Toshogu Shrine
Next is a visit to the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine set in a grove of magnificent ancient Japanese cedars.


Hotel iconBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel iconHotel Floracion Nasu or similar class
day-3

Matsushima

In the morning, travel to Matsushima, a picturesque bay full of small islands covered in pine trees where we will explore ancient caves once frequented by meditating monks.

Matsushima Fish Market
The first stop is the Matsushima Fish Market, with fresh seafood of the highest quality. Be sure to visit the restaurants to try the famous Miyagi Oysters, known for their creamy and slightly nutty flavor. Many of the restaurants even offer all-you-can-eat oysters!

Matsushima Cruise/ Godaido / Zuiganji Temple
Matsushima is also famous for being one of Japan's three most scenic views alongside Miyajima and Amanohashidate. We will enjoy the best way to view the islands by boarding one of the sightseeing boats. We will then visit Godaido and Zuiganji Temples, the most famous in the Tohoku region, built by Date Masamune and designated as a national treasure.

Tonight, we will stay in a Japanese-style room in Matsushima, where you can soak in the soothing waters of a spa bath and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.


Hotel iconBreakfast & Dinner
Hotel iconHotel Matsushima Taikanso or similar class
day-4

Hiraizumi

Chusonji Temple
This morning, we will head to Hiraizumi for a cultural interlude and to stroll around the magnificent Japanese Cedar Trees and photogenic buildings at Chusonji Temple.

Hiraizumi is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the site of Konjiki-do, or “Golden Hall”, within Chusonji Temple, which attempts to create the ideal world, as seen through the eyes of the particular brand of Buddhism that developed in this region.

Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival

Morioka

Wanko Soba
Before heading to your hotel, you will stop in Morioka for dinner. Here, you will have the chance to try one of the city’s most famous eating experiences: Wanko Soba. This is not so much a dish as it is an eating challenge. Many locals get competitive and strive to eat over 100 bowls of soba in one sitting! But don’t worry, there’s no shame in sitting back and enjoying the flavor.


Hotel iconBreakfast & Dinner
Hotel iconHotel Metropolitan Morioka or similar class
day-5

Morioka, Hakodate

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
In the morning, we will travel across the Tsugaru Channel between the islands of Hokkaido and the main island Honshu by train via the undersea train tunnel, before arriving to Hakodate. It is a small city that has some of the most authentic and best- preserved historic buildings in Japan.

Fort Goryokaku
Upon arrival in Hakodate, visit the Goryokaku Pentagonal Fort, built in 1868 and the only structure of its kind in Japan. The surrounding moat and defensive grounds are now a city park and garden which are particularly well known for their beautiful cherry blossom trees.

Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
You will then visit the group of warehouses which face Hakodate bay. Then take a tram and ropeway ride up to Mt Hakodate from where you can look down upon the twinkling lights that surround Hakodate Bay. The views from the mountain are spectacular and included among Japan's three best night views.


Hotel iconBreakfast & Lunch
Hotel iconHakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar class
day-6

Hakodate, Shikabecho

Morning Market
We will be going to the Hakodate Morning Market in the early morning. It has over 450 shops and In Shikabecho, learn how to make traditional, local cuisine.

Onuma Park
We’ll then visit Onuma Quasi National Park. This picturesque park is filled with lakes dotted by islands with the majestic volcano, Mount Komagatake, overtaking the horizon.

Lake Toya

Usuzan Ropeway
Next to Lake Toya, travel up the Usuzan Ropeway to get excellent views of the mountain and the lake below. At the volcano’s summit, you can also get views of the ocean.


Hotel iconBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel iconNoboribetsu Manseikaku or similar class
day-7

Noboribetsu

Jigokudani
In the morning, we will visit the Jigokudani. The valley generates 10,000 tons of bubbling water everyday, and visitors can walk to the nearby Oyunuma Lake and watch the plumes of steam rise.

Shiraoi

Upopoy National Ainu Museum
We will have the opportunity to learn about the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan.

We will visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, a newer museum facility that celebrates the cultural heritage of the native Ainu people, including exhibits on Ainu language, culture, history, crafts, music, and dance.

Sapporo

Clock Tower / Odori Park / Susukino
In the afternoon, we proceed to Sapporo city. The tour includes a visit to the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, where you can stroll along the promenade. The next stop is Susukino, Hokkaido's largest entertainment district.

In the evening is for you to enjoy your free time.


Hotel iconBreakfast & Lunch
Hotel iconANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo or similar class
day-8

Sapporo

Historical Village of Hokkaido
Our tour of Sapporo continues with a visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, you can view architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods when Japan experienced rapid expansion.

Sapporo Beer Museum
From there we will visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, dedicated to all things beer. Sapporo is Japan's oldest brewery and exports its beer throughout the world.

Otaru

Otaru Canal
Then, we will travel to Otaru, renowned for its canals and glassblowing. During the first half of the 20th century, the Otaru Canal was a vital part of the city's busy harbor. The canal allowed large vessels to be unloaded onto smaller ones, then transported to local warehouses, the canal remains an integral part of the city's history and culture.

Sakaimachi Street / Kitaichi Garasukan / Otaru Music Box Museum
As part of a citizen's movement in the 1980s, the canal was beautifully restored and former warehouses have been transformed into cafes, restaurants, museums, and shops. Next, we will visit glass workshops and Music Box Museum in Sakaimachi Street.



Hotel iconBreakfast
Hotel iconANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo or similar class
day-9

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and New Chitose Airport can be reached by hotel shuttle bus.



Hotel iconBreakfast

Accommodations

1
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro exterior

Toshima, Tokyo

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro offers modern rooms, diverse dining, and extensive amenities in a prime Ikebukuro location, with easy access to Tokyo’s shopping, dining, and attractions—ideal for a comfortable, convenient stay.

2
Hotel Floracion Nasu onsen

Nasu, Tochigi

Hotel Floracion Nasu or similar class

Hotel Floracion Nasu offers a serene retreat with hot-spring baths, Western and Japanese-style rooms, and views of Nasu Highland. Enjoy massages, a sauna, Western dining, and a free shuttle from JR Nasu-Shiobara Station—perfect for leisure and business travelers seeking tranquility.

3
Taikanso room1

Matsushima, Miyagi

Hotel Matsushima Taikanso or similar class

Hotel Matsushima Taikanso, located in the scenic Matsushima, offers seaside rooms and mountain-view accommodations with stunning views. Guests can enjoy public baths and dine at five restaurants featuring Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine—a serene retreat amid natural beauty.

4
Hotel Metropolitan Morioka room

Morioka, Iwate

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka or similar class

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka, connected to JR Morioka Station, offers spacious rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy Japanese, Western, and Chinese dining, plus free bicycle rentals (seasonal). Ideal for comfort and convenience.

5
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel azalea room1

Hakodate, Hokkaido

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar class

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, an 8-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, offers two wings with coastal and city views. Guests can relax in the hot spring bath with city vistas, enjoy spacious rooms, free WiFi, and diverse dining—ideal for business and leisure travelers.

6
Noboribetsu Manseikaku floor

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Manseikaku or similar class

Noboribetsu Manseikaku, a 15-minute walk from Hokkaido’s Jigokudani Valley, offers a 4-star retreat with indoor pools, hot-spring baths, saunas, and massage services. Choose from Japanese tatami rooms or Western accommodations—perfect for relaxation near Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

78
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo exterior

Sapporo, Hokkaido

ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo or similar class

ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, a luxurious landmark in Sapporo, offers 412 elegantly designed rooms and 18 banquet spaces, including sky banquet rooms. With five restaurants serving diverse cuisines, and convenient access to Sapporo Subway and JR Sapporo Station, it’s ideal for business and leisure travelers.

Notes

Please review the notes below for important details about your trip. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us. These notes are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

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