Charms of Northern Japan
Cherry Blossom Tour
9
Days
8
Nights
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.
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.
Tokyo Narita Airport
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by a representative holding a name sign.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Ends
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and New Chitose Airport can be reached by hotel shuttle bus.
Accommodations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accommodations
6 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation
Meals
Breakfast everyday
4 lunches and 4 dinners
Admission Fees & Activities
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Others
Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
Gratuities
Airfares
International Airfares
Meals
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Others
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Price
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
Deposit
We require a NON-Refundable US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking and the final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling.
Arrival Departure Airports
For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Sapporo, with departures at New Chitose Airport (CTS).
If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita Airport (NRT) on the first day, airport transfer is not included. We will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$60.00 per person per way.
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Meet and Greet
The meet and greet is ONLY available for flights arriving at Narita Airport after 11:00 AM on the first day. If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita Airport (NRT), we will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$60.00 per person per way.
Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
Others
If you wish to stay extra nights in other city after the tour ends, please contact us to book domestic flight and hotel accommodations.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!
We can arrange international flights if needed, please ask for details.
If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
Tour#: AJT100781
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