Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival in Sapporo, make your own way to your hotel for check in, and a comfortable rest before your journey begins.
Today your journey through Northern Japan begins. From Sapporo, head northwest to Otaru, a small harbour town with a well-preserved canal, where you'll enter the renowned glassware haven of Kitaichi Garasukan. Built into a heritage shipping warehouse, this treasure trove of artistic wonders featuring delicate ornaments and functional glass pieces from all around the world. Climb to the second floor to discover the remarkable tea room there, fantastically lit only by glass lamps.
Continue your adventure to the Music Box Museum, a whimsical sanctuary brimming with the melodic charm of more than 80,000 exquisitely crafted music boxes. Listen as delicate tunes echo through the air, with each box telling a unique story through its intricate design. Complete your port visit with a wander along the idyllic Otaru Canal, where history and romance intertwine. Admire vintage warehouses and the picturesque bridges connecting them to the piers along Ishikari Bay.
This evening, return to Sapporo for a restful slumber.
This morning enter the annals of Hokkaido's past as you explore its Historical Village, an immersive open-air museum that breathes life into history. Wander among more than 60 meticulously 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 fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hokkaido's heritage.
Transition from history to nature as you journey from vibrant Sapporo to the tranquil beauty of Rusutsu. Watch as the landscape transforms, giving way to a picturesque alpine backdrop, before checking into your hotel for the evening.
From Rusutsu, you'll head to enchanting Hakodate, with a stop at the mesmerising Lake Toya along the way. Nestled within a volcanic caldera, Lake Toya is a haven of natural beauty surrounded by lush fields and forests. Embrace tranquillity as you embark on a cruise across the water's mesmerising surface. Feel the gentle breeze as you soak in panoramic views of the majestic Mount Yotei – an active stratovolcano standing tall in the distance.
Savour dinner among your travel companions this evening, perhaps taking time after to capture the view of shimmering Hakodate by night from a high vantage point, before heading to your room to rest.
After breakfast at your hotel, embrace morning by exploring the enchanting Fort Goryokaku, set amid its star-shaped canal. With manicured banks, adorned with lush cherry blossoms in spring, this site offers a picturesque blend of history and natural beauty. Wander through the fortress grounds, originally constructed during the Edo Period to defend Hakodate, they later became the site of a samurai civil war before reemerging as a public park in the 20th century.
Next, brace yourself for your first of two exhilarating 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 scenic countryside.
Upon reaching Aomori, delve into local culture at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, which features floats from the Aomori Nebuta Festival, held each year in August. Marvel at the masterpieces on display, each telling a story of the region's cultural heritage.
After a fulfilling breakfast, begin your day by exploring the timeless Hirosaki Castle. Built in the Edo Period, it stands as a testament to Japan's rich heritage, surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Continue your exploration along the charming Nakamachi Komise Street, a nostalgic avenue lined with traditional shops and eateries, still standing in their original state, built with wood from the Hansei Period.
Take a hands-on detour to the Tsugaru Traditional Craft Centre, where artistry comes to life. Engage in a Tsugaru lacquerware class where you can unleash your creativity and decorate your own unique piece of cypress-wood diningware. Delve into the intricate techniques of this time-honoured craft, creating a tangible connection to the region's heritage.
Following a sumptuous dinner, return to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
This morning, journey to the scenic marvels of Oirase Gorge. This river valley's crystal-clear streams extend from the calm waters of Lake Towada, reaching nearly 14 kilometres into the lush greenery of Honshu.
Continue your exploration to the Towada Art Center, a series of white monoliths housing contemporary art installations overflowing with ingenuity and imagination, pushing traditional boundaries.
As the day unfolds, treat your taste buds to the delights of the Hasshoku Center, an expansive marketplace offering a variety of fresh seafood and regional specialties, then complete your day with a sake tasting. Sample some of the finest varieties made from fermented local rice, each sip carrying the essence of the region's rich brewing tradition.
Today, relax as you embark on another thrilling bullet train journey from the Hachinohe area to Hakone. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, stopping for a sumptuous dinner before retiring to your hotel room.
Begin your day with a scenic trip to Lake Ashinoko. Here, you'll set out on a cruise across tranquil waters as you take in the iconic, snow-capped Mount Fuji – Japan's highest mountain and an active volcano.
From here, ascend to new heights on the Hakone Ropeway, a cable-car lift travelling all the way to Owakudani, a geothermal valley that captivates with its sulphurous hot springs and unique offerings. Witness the earth's raw power as steam rises from the earth, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Perhaps you may like to taste the traditional local delicacy – a black egg, boiled in the valley's spring to give the shell its distinct colour.
Following a delicious dinner, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Depart early this morning to leave for Kamakura, otherwise known as Little Kyoto, and marvel at the Great Buddha. This colossal bronze statue is located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple and at 11 metres high, stands the second largest in the country.
Venture into the heart of Kamakura to wander up the lively Komachi-dori, a modern street in the centre of this heritage city full of trendy cafes and boutiques. Here, you may choose to enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries.
Conclude your day at the ancient Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a prominent Shinto shrine engulfed in lush greenery. The retreat's grounds stand as a testament to Kamakura's enduring spiritual legacy, offering a serene escape in the midst of vibrant city life.
Today, visit the largest city in the Kanagawa Prefecture – Yokohama, the bustling port born from a small fishing village. Begin your day in peaceful Sankeien Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping. Wander through this spread of historic buildings and seasonal flora, each installation telling a story of timeless beauty.
Transition from the tranquillity of Sankeien to the vibrant energy of Chinatown, a cultural hub that beckons with its bustling streets and delectable cuisine. Dive into a colourful atmosphere, exploring the myriad shops and eateries that line the vibrant streets of this cultural burrough.
Continue to the iconic Red Brick Warehouse, a historic complex transformed into a vibrant mall of shops, restaurants and event spaces. Marvel at the architectural mastery of this repurposed landmark, where the echoes of Yokohama's industrial past blend seamlessly with contemporary life.
From Yokohama, enter Japan's vibrant capital, Tokyo, where each suburb and side street captures a new element of the city's many facets. Ignite your tastebuds this morning at the Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can find fresh seafood and produce alongside hand-crafted knives and cookware of the highest quality. Sample delights from sushi to street snacks as you wander among the stalls.
Next, set your sights skyward as you marvel at the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world. Ascend to dizzying heights and be rewarded with panoramic views of the metropolitan sprawl below. Standing as a testament to Tokyo's modernity, this soaring futuristic structure offers a breathtaking contrast to the city's traditional charms.
Conclude your day in historic Asakusa district at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. The Thunder Gate at its entrance is a popular photo spot, and nearby you'll find the large shopping strip of Nakamise, where you may like to explore this evening at your leisure.
After breakfast, it's time to say sayonara to enthralling Japan and your exploration of its Northernost reaches. Upon checkout, make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.