Sightseeing Tours & Trips in Northern Japan

Take the shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Aomori and check out the UNESCO-registered Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site with its 5,500-year-old Jomon settlements. Walk through feudal-era Hirosaki Castle and see the elaborate Nebuta lantern floats at Tsugaru Neputa Village. Canoe across volcanic Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, then ride the ropeway up Mount Asahi for panoramic views of Hokkaido's highest peak.

Walk through Tokyo's historic Asakusa neighborhood with Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street, then visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine surrounded by forest. See UNESCO World Heritage Site Shiretoko Peninsula on snowshoe treks through Five Lakes and Primeval Forest, spotting wildlife along the cliffs. Stand at Lake Mashu Observatory Deck for panoramic caldera views, walk through Otaru's historical streets, and browse Sapporo's Nijo Market filled with fresh Hokkaido crabs and fish eggs.

See Sapporo's Odori Koen park with its TV Tower and check out the Hill of Buddha's avant-garde architecture on Hokkaido Island. Climb Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views of Hakodate's star-shaped fortress and walk through the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu. Take a ferry across Mutsu Bay from Aomori to Hokkaido and visit the Upopoy Museum celebrating Ainu culture, with cable car rides to Mount Usu's volcanic summit offering great Pacific Ocean views.