Deluxe 12-Day Northern Japan with Sapporo, Nagano & Tokyo
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Deluxe 12-Day Northern Japan with Sapporo, Nagano & Tokyo
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Deluxe 12-Day Northern Japan with Sapporo, Nagano & Tokyo

Operated by: Luxury Escapes Tours
Overview
Tour style: Deluxe
12 days
8 places
1 country
24 people max.
12 - 78 yrs
moderate
Fully Guided Tour
4 & 4.5 star hotels
This offer has sold out
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Sapporo
Otaru
Sapporo
Hakodate
Aomori
Hanamaki
Sendai
Nagano
Tokyo

From Sapporo’s heritage marvels to Tokyo’s bustling streets, experience the culture and landscapes of Northern Japan on this tour. Wander through the open-air Historical Village of Hokkaido, where timeworn buildings tell stories of Japan’s pioneering past. Stroll along the Otaru Canal, framed by vintage warehouses, and take in views from Hakodate’s star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.

Pause at Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake where serene waters meet rolling hills. Glide across the countryside aboard the shinkansen bullet train, stopping to admire Lake Towada’s mirror-like waters and the golden grandeur of Chūson-ji Temple. Cruise through Matsushima Bay’s islets, uncover samurai history in Sendai and explore the wasabi fields of Nagano before arriving in Tokyo’s metropolis. With its landscapes and historic gems, Japan’s north offers the trip of a lifetime.

Why you’ll love this tour
Embark on three thrilling journeys aboard the Shinkansen bullet train
Witness Lake Toya from the best vantage point on the Silo Observatory Deck
Journey through Daio Wasabi Farm's sprawling fields
Overview
Tour style: Deluxe
12 days
8 places
1 country
24 people max.
12 - 78 yrs
moderate
Fully Guided Tour
4 & 4.5 star hotels
This offer has sold out
Key Benefits of Deluxe Tours
Unmissable experiences
The best of every destination: curated activities and must-see highlights
Premium accommodation
Carefully selected 4- and 4.5-star hotels for comfort and convenience throughout
Max 24 travellers
Small-group journeys with a maximum of 24 travellers
Itinerary & map
What you’ll see

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival in Sapporo, make your own way to your hotel for check-in and rest before your journey begins.

Arrival & Transfers:

Please book your flights to arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at any time. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 60-minute drive from New Chitose Airport (CTS). Check-in on Day 1 is at 3pm.

Inclusions
Marriott Courtyard Sapporo (Superior Twin Room) or similar

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby at 9am, where you’ll take a private bus to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum. Wander among more than 60 preserved historical buildings, each telling a tale of bygone eras. From quaint homes to charming schools and even a nostalgic post office, this museum offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hokkaido’s heritage.

Meander around Odori Park – 12 blocks of greenery in the heart of Sapporo’s CBD, brimming with over 90 tree species, fountains and a steady flow of locals. Stop by the Sapporo Clock Tower, before learning about the history of Japanese beer-making at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Tonight, savour dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers and then return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours

Inclusions
Marriott Courtyard Sapporo (Superior Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide at 9am. Today you’ll visit the Otaru Canal lined with vintage warehouses and the picturesque bridges connecting them to the piers along Ishikari Bay.

Next, you’ll enter the glassware haven of Kitaichi Garasukan. Built into a heritage shipping warehouse, this treasure trove of artistic wonders features ornaments and functional glass pieces from all around the world. Climb to the second floor to discover the tearoom, lit only by glass lamps.

Return to your hotel and enjoy this afternoon at leisure.

Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours

Inclusions
Marriott Courtyard Sapporo (Superior Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast

Today you’ll head to Hakodate by private bus, with a stop at the Lake Toya along the way.

Nestled within a volcanic caldera, Lake Toya is a haven of natural beauty surrounded by lush fields and forests. Here, you’ll visit the Silo Observatory Deck, the best vantage point of the lake and its islands. Take in this landscape, before continuing to Hakodate, one of Japan’s first port cities for international trade.

Hakodate is known for its spectacular views, fresh seafood and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort – once a military site, now a public park lined with cherry blossoms. Take in its beauty from Goryokaku Tower’s Observation Deck and the Hachiman Zaka Slope.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 4.5 hours

Inclusions
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel (Standard Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast

After breakfast, join your guide for a trip to Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood and local produce.

Next, brace yourself for the first of three journeys aboard the Shinkansen bullet train, covering the distance to Aomori in just one hour. Feel a rush as the landscape whizzes by, unveiling the diverse vistas of Japan’s countryside.

Make a trip to Lake Towada, where the water mirrors the surrounding mountains on its glassy surface. Continue to Hanamaki and spend the rest of the day at your own pace.

Travel time: Bullet train – approx. one hour / Driving – approx. four hours

Inclusions
Hanamakionsen Hotel Senshukaku (Standard Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Sendai, with a stop at Chūson-ji Temple along the way. Chūson-ji is a historic Buddhist temple complex, established by the Fujiwara Clan in 850. It’s the most famous attraction located in Hiraizumi, a town in southern Iwate Prefecture, and features a gold-leaf-covered hall home to Buddhist statues and sacred relics. Here, you’ll savour lunch at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.

Make your way to Sendai, check into your hotel and then enjoy an evening at leisure.

Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours

Inclusions
Hotel Metropolitan Sendai (Standard Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Today you’ll uncover Sendai’s gems, where modern city life meets samurai heritage, framed by the sea and mountains. Set sail on a cruise through Matsushima Bay, weaving past pine-covered islands scattered across the water, with a stop at Oshima Island.

Next, walk through a cedar-tree-lined walkway, passing small caves monks once lived in, to reach the Zuiganji Temple. This temple is famed for its architecture, featuring intricate gates and grandeur interiors, especially the painted sliding doors that tell stories of nature and mythical beings.

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and a good night’s rest.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes

Inclusions
Hotel Metropolitan Sendai (Standard Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8am for your second exciting journey aboard the Shinkansen bullet train – this time to Nagano. The highest prefecture capital in Japan, Nagano is celebrated for its world-class skiing, hiking and hot spring bathing.

Once you have arrived, enjoy a traditional soba lunch before visiting Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most famous temples, dating back to the 7th century.

Later, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you please.

Travel time: Bullet train – approx. three hours

Inclusions
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (Standard Room) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Begin your day with breakfast and a trip to Matsumoto Castle, a six-story masterpiece that has withstood the test of time since the feudal age.

Continue to Daio Wasabi Farm – the largest one of its kind in the world. Nestled in the peaceful outskirts of Matsumoto, take time your time to wander through the farm and sample a mix of wasabi-based cuisine at the onsite eateries (surcharges apply).

Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you please.

Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours

Inclusions
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (Standard Room) or similar
Breakfast

Fuel for the day with breakfast and meet your guide at 10am for your last bullet train journey to Tokyo.

Arrival at Japan’s capital, where each suburb and side street captures a new element of the city’s many facets. The rest of the day is yours to explore Tokyo.

Travel time: Bullet train – approx. three hours

Inclusions
Sunshine City Prince Hotel (Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast

Today is your final day exploring the buzzing city. Explore its highlights on a sightseeing tour: discover The Ginza – Tokyo’s upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment precinct – and the Imperial Palace –where you can stroll through its gardens surrounded by moats and stone walls.

Tonight you’ll join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Inclusions
Sunshine City Prince Hotel (Twin Room) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan.

Departure & Transfers:

Checkout on your final day is at 11am. Please book your flights to depart from Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) at any time.

Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 30-minute drive from Tokyo International Airport (HND) and a 70-minute drive from Narita International Airport (NRT).

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
Your handpicked inclusions:
  • Enjoy three journeys aboard the shinkansen bullet train
  • Witness Lake Toya from the best vantage point on the Silo Observatory Deck
  • Journey through Daio Wasabi Farm’s fields
  • 11 nights of handpicked accommodation
  • 15 meals included – 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
  • Wander through the open-air museum of the Historical Village of Hokkaido
  • Stroll along the Otaru Canal before visiting Kitaichi Garasukan’s treasure trove of glassware
  • Experience Hakodate from the Goryokaku Tower’s Observation Deck and the Hachiman Zaka Slope
  • Relax by Lake Towada before exploring Aomori at your own pace
  • Visit the Chūson-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple complex
  • Cruise through Matsushima Bay, weaving past pine-covered islands
  • Spend two days exploring Japan’s capital, Tokyo
  • Gain insight from your dedicated English-speaking tour guide
  • Travel in a comfortable coach with luggage transfers throughout
  • All entry fees as per the itinerary
Dates & pricing
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 1800 816 039 for more tour options
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 1800 816 039 for more tour options
Things to know

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.

  • Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete the Traveller Details form in your ‘My Escapes’ account within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
  • Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
  • If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
  • Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
  • Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise whether the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
  • Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
  • For tours that allow children, the child must be 12 years or over and must share a room with an adult (18+).
  • Children are the same price as adults.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

  • You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.

Please note:

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
  • Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 11am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
  • Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
  • All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation

Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

  • Return international flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Visas
  • Early check-in and late checkout
  • Single supplement
  • Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International taxes
  • Laundry
  • Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
  • Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg.
  • Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of hand-luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.

Transfers

  • Arrival and departure transfers are NOT included with your tour, please plan accordingly.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

  • Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller.
  • Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
  • We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
  • Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
  • If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
  • Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

  • It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
    • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
    • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
    • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
  • Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
  • Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
  • There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
  • Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at your Sapporo accommodation and ends at your Tokyo accommodation.

Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Please book your flights to arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) at any time on Day 12.

Return airport transfers are NOT included with your tour, please plan accordingly.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Japan

Time zone: GMT+9

Telephone: +81

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Accessing money: Cash is widely accepted and the preferred method of payment. ATMs are readily accessible in 7-Eleven. Ask your tour leader/guide about the best place to change money once you begin your tour. Please note: some ATMs may only accept four-digit pins.

Language: Japanese

Climate: Japan has four distinct seasons: cherry blossoms in spring (March-May), cool and leafy in autumn (September-November) and humid and muggy at times in summer (June-August) with snowfall at higher altitudes during winter (December-February).

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