Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll clear customs and take a shared shuttle to your hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening on your own, wandering through Tokyo and getting a feel for the city's energy. It's a good chance to settle in, grab dinner somewhere local, and start adjusting to the pace here.
Optional Activities
- Explore Tokyo at leisure
- Day 2
Tokyo
A guided tour takes you through Tokyo's major spots starting with Zojoji Temple where you'll see Tokyo Tower in the background. You'll visit Shibuya Crossing, walk through Meiji Shrine, check out Omotesando Avenue, pass the Imperial Palace, explore Akihabara's anime shops, and finish at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa with lunch included. Later in the evening, head to Shinjuku for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at a local restaurant), Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant in Shinjuku)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tokyo (approximately 5 hours)
- Visit Zojoji Temple
- View Shibuya Crossing
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Walk along Omotesando Avenue
- View Imperial Palace
- Pass by Kokugikan sumo wrestling arena
- Visit Sensoji Temple
- Stroll along Nakamise Street
- Metro ride to Shinjuku district (tickets provided)
- Leisurely walk through Shinjuku streets
Landmarks Zojoji Temple Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing Meiji Shrine Omotesando Avenue Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Akihabara Kokugikan Sensoji Temple Nakamise Street Shinjuku - Day 3
Tokyo to Sendai
Travel to Nikko and arrive by 10:30 a.m. Walk through Nikko Toshogu Shrine to see the Crying Dragon room, then visit Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum and take a riverside walk at Kannaga Fuchi with its Jizo statues. After that, you'll have free time to explore Nikko at your own pace before heading to Sendai. Spend the evening exploring the city center and trying local cuisine for dinner.
Included Activities
- Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Experience Crying Dragon room acoustics
- Visit Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum
- Scenic walk along river at Kannaga Fuchi
- Free time to explore Nikko
- Free time to explore Sendai city center
Optional Activities
- Enjoy local culinary delights in Sendai
Landmarks Nikko Toshogu Shrine Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum Kannaga Fuchi - Day 4
Sendai to Morioka
Head to Matsushima, famous for its Thousand Islands Bay. You'll have traditional tea with sea views at a tea house and hear stories about the area. Then take a 50-minute cruise with lunch included. Travel on to Hiraizumi and explore temples including the UNESCO-listed Takkoku no Iwaya rock temple, the large Chusonji complex, and Motsuji Temple gardens where you can participate in a Zen ceremony. Finish the day in Morioka with time to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch aboard the cruise in Matsushima Bay)
Included Activities
- Visit tea house in Matsushima with traditional tea
- 50-minute cruise in Matsushima Bay
- Visit Takkoku no Iwaya UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Chusonji Temple complex
- Visit Motsuji Temple gardens
- Zen ceremony participation
- Free time to explore Morioka
Landmarks Matsushima Bay Takkoku no Iwaya Chusonji Motsuji Temple - Day 5
Morioka to Hakodate
Travel to Hirosaki and see Hirosaki Castle in its park with over 2,500 cherry trees. Continue to Aomori on Mutsu Bay to visit the Nebuta Museum with its painted festival floats. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll board a scenic ferry to Hokkaido Island, which takes just over three and a half hours. Once in Hakodate, walk through the historic district and see the Russian Orthodox Church and other significant Christian buildings.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at a local restaurant in Aomori)
Included Activities
- Visit Hirosaki Castle and surrounding park
- Visit Nebuta Museum
- Ferry crossing to Hokkaido Island
- Explore Hakodate historic district
Landmarks Hirosaki Castle Nebuta Museum Russian Orthodox Church - Day 6
Hakodate to Sapporo
Start at Hakodate's fish market to see local seafood and culture. Climb Goryokaku Tower for views of the star-shaped fortress, then free time around the castle area. Head to Onuma with its small islands and options for boat rides or walks. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel along the coast to Noboribetsu's volcanic region. Walk through Jigokudani steam vents, see Lake Oyunuma, and soak your feet in the hot spring river. You'll arrive in Sapporo by evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at a local restaurant in Onuma)
Included Activities
- Visit Hakodate fish market
- Ascend Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views
- Free time to explore castle area
- Visit Onuma
- Boat ride or scenic walks at Onuma
- Wander through Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- View Lake Oyunuma
- Foot bath at hot spring river
Landmarks Hakodate Fish Market Goryokaku Tower Onuma Jigokudani Lake Oyunuma - Day 7
Sapporo
Take a city tour of Sapporo featuring the Clock Tower and Odori Koen park with its TV Tower. Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and join a Kito prayer ceremony. See the Hill of Buddha on the outskirts, an unusual architectural space from 2015 with lavender fields, a large Buddha statue, and Moai replicas. Then travel to Otaru with its European feel, shopping streets, historic canal, and museums. After lunch, you'll head back to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. with the rest of the afternoon free.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at a local restaurant in Otaru)
Included Activities
- Sapporo city tour
- Visit Clock Tower
- Visit Odori Koen park
- View Sapporo TV Tower
- Visit Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine
- Kito ceremony participation
- Visit Hill of Buddha
- Excursion to Otaru
- Explore Otaru shopping streets
- Explore Otaru historic canal
- Visit Otaru museums
- Free time to explore Sapporo
Landmarks Clock Tower Odori Koen Sapporo TV Tower Hokkaido Jingu Hill of Buddha Otaru - Day 8
Sapporo
Your tour wraps up today after breakfast. You'll depart with memories from traveling through Japan.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
