Intrepid Travel
Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
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?
Activities
- 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
- Asahikawa – Ainu dumpling making demonstration
- Asahikawa – Mt. Asahi Ropeway
- Asahikawa – Blue Pond (Aoike)
- Furano – Tomita Farm
- Sapporo – Leader-led orientation walk
- Otaru – City walking tour
- Sapporo – Genghis Khan lamb dinner
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.
| Day 1 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 2 |
One of Japan's 60 core cities, Aomori is well-known for its beautiful landscapes. Favorite landscapes include the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada. Another of the city's highlights is the Nebuta Matsuri, an annual festival known for its daily parade of giant, colorful lantern floats. |
| Day 3 |
|
| Day 4 |
Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate combines historical charm with natural splendor. One of the city's most famous attractions is the view from Mount Hakodate, which offers a panorama of the city and the surrounding sea, especially stunning at night. Hakodate's rich history is evident in the Motomachi district, where you can find Western-style buildings and churches that reflect its past as one of Japan's first international ports. Hakodate is also a destination for food lovers. The Hakodate Morning Market is a bustling spot where you can sample fresh seafood, including the city's famous "dancing squid" dish. The unique delicacy features a freshly prepared squid that appears to move when soy sauce is applied! |
| Day 5 |
|
| Day 6 |
|
| Day 7 |
|
| Day 8 |
|
| Day 9 |
|
| Day 10 |
Sapporo, (säp-pô´rô), capital of Hokkaido prefecture, SW Hokkaido, Japan. One of Japan's most rapidly growing urban centers, Sapporo is famous for its annual snow festival. It was the site of the 1972 winter Olympics. |
| Day 11 |
Otaru, a charming port city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, offers a delightful blend of historic allure and scenic beauty. Known for its well-preserved canal area lined with old warehouses and beautifully restored buildings, Otaru provides a picturesque setting reminiscent of its bustling past as a major trade center during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Stroll along the canal, especially enchanting when lit up by traditional gas lamps at dusk, to fully appreciate the city's historical ambiance. Otaru’s rich history as a key trading port is evident in its historic architecture, particularly in the well-preserved buildings of the Sakaimachi Street area. This street is lined with elegant brick buildings, many of which now house specialty shops, cafes, and museums. Don’t miss the Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can browse an impressive collection of music boxes and even create your own as a memorable souvenir. Nearby, the Sakaimachi Street offers a lively shopping experience with its traditional shops and quaint cafes, perfect for enjoying local delicacies and unique Japanese crafts. Otaru is also renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly its sushi and sashimi, thanks to its location by the sea. The city's bustling fish markets and seafood restaurants offer an array of delicacies, ensuring that culinary enthusiasts will leave satisfied. For a special treat, try the local Otaru beer produced by the Otaru Brewery, a delightful accompaniment to any meal. |
| Day 12 |
Sapporo, (säp-pô´rô), capital of Hokkaido prefecture, SW Hokkaido, Japan. One of Japan's most rapidly growing urban centers, Sapporo is famous for its annual snow festival. It was the site of the 1972 winter Olympics. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/14/25 - 05/25/25 |
Starting At $5,216 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/18/25 - 05/29/25 |
Starting At $5,324 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/25/25 - 06/05/25 |
Starting At $5,880 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/01/25 - 06/12/25 |
Starting At $5,152 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/22/25 - 07/03/25 |
Starting At $5,880 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/13/25 - 07/24/25 |
Starting At $6,225 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/30/25 - 08/10/25 |
Starting At $6,060 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/17/25 - 08/24/25 |
Starting At $5,538 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/07/25 - 09/18/25 |
Starting At $5,830 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/14/25 - 09/25/25 |
Starting At $6,070 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/21/25 - 10/02/25 |
Starting At $5,945 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/05/25 - 10/16/25 |
Starting At $6,010 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/12/25 - 10/23/25 |
Starting At $6,060 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/19/25 - 10/30/25 |
Starting At $6,335 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/16/25 - 11/27/25 |
Starting At $5,210 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/07/25 - 12/18/25 |
Starting At $5,155 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/14/25 - 12/25/25 |
Starting At $5,620 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/25/26 - 03/08/26 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
03/22/26 - 04/02/26 |
Starting At $5,155 |
Get A Quote | |
|
04/05/26 - 04/16/26 |
Starting At $5,845 |
Get A Quote | |
|
04/10/26 - 04/21/26 |
Starting At $5,155 |
Get A Quote | |
|
04/12/26 - 04/23/26 |
Starting At $5,845 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/10/26 - 05/15/26 |
Starting At $5,295 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/17/26 - 05/28/26 |
Starting At $6,005 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/24/26 - 06/04/26 |
Starting At $5,780 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/14/26 - 06/25/26 |
Starting At $5,295 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/28/26 - 07/09/26 |
Starting At $5,830 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/12/26 - 07/23/26 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/08/26 - 08/09/26 |
Starting At $5,830 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/23/26 - 09/06/26 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/27/26 - 09/30/26 |
Starting At $5,830 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/04/26 - 10/18/26 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/25/26 - 11/05/26 |
Starting At $5,830 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/01/26 - 11/12/26 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/15/26 - 11/26/26 |
Starting At $5,560 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/06/26 - 12/17/26 |
Starting At $5,410 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/13/26 - 12/24/26 |
Starting At $5,780 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/24/27 - 03/07/27 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
03/21/27 - 04/11/27 |
Starting At $5,410 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/09/27 - 06/13/27 |
Starting At $5,560 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/27/27 - 10/31/27 |
Starting At $6,120 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/14/27 - 11/25/27 |
Starting At $5,560 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/05/27 - 12/16/27 |
Starting At $5,410 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/12/27 - 12/23/27 |
Starting At $5,560 |
Get A Quote |
Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
