Japan Northern Explorer
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Overview
Highlights
- Explore old and modern neighbourhoods of Tokyo
- Visit the old castle town of Hirosaki and the first Western-style fortress in Hakodate
- Cruise secluded Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s top three scenic spots
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples of Nikko
- Discover the unique culture and history of Sado Island
- Walk ancient secluded forest and mountain trails
- Discover the heritage of foreign and Japanese explorers who opened the Hokkaido frontier
- Soak in the lively atmosphere of the young city of Sapporo
- Marvel at the famous peak of Mount Fuji
- Soak in hot spring baths
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Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 15 breakfasts and 7 dinners
- Comfortable well located hotel/traditional inns
- Japan Rail Pass - for use from day 3
- Internal flight Niigata/Sapporo valued at USD$363
- Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
- Expert bilingual guide
- Medical kit
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Itinerary
On arrival into either of Tokyo's two international airports, make your way through immigration and customs and then transfer to our joining hotel in the city. Before Tokyo became the bustling metropolis it is today, it was once a languid fishing village called Edo. A...
This morning has us on an express train out to the seaside village of Kamakura. The capital of Japan for a brief period in the 13th century, Kamakura is now a beachside town known for its impressive temples and beautiful scenery. We’ll enjoy a walking tour around the ...
We’ll make an early start today to visit some of the highlights of Tokyo. Using Japan’s renowned public transportation system, your leader will guide you around this busy city until mid-afternoon. Areas visited will depend on the group’s interest but might include eit...
Our morning will be spent visiting the fascinating World Heritage shrines and temples in Nikko. Built by the great shogun Tokugawa Leyasu’s grandson to commemorate his grandfather’s accomplishments, Nikko has stood the test of time and remains a breathtaking sight. Th...
This morning we catch our train south and then west across the mountains to the port city of Niigata (4.5hrs). From Niigata, we catch a ferry to the rocky coast line of Sado Island (2hrs). This isolated and beautiful island in the Sea of Japan was once a site of banis...
We set out exploring Sado Island today. You have the chance to try paddling in traditional boats called tarai-bune in Ogi Town and explore nearby Shugunegi Village, visit the tunnels of Sado Gold Mine and stroll along the seaside at Sengakuwan Cliffs. If time permits,...
We say goodbye to Sado Island and travel by ferry back to Niigata port to catch our flight to Sapporo. The capital of Hokkaido Sapporo is a young, vibrant city with unique architecture and culture. Arriving in the early afternoon, we will go for a short guided city to...
In 1857, only seven people called Sapporo home. Now, over two million people live here. As the youngest of Japan’s major cities, Sapporo boasts an open, relaxed atmosphere and an indomitable pioneer spirit. Today there are many optional activities to choose from: take...
We have a free morning to relax or further explore Sapporo before catching a train to Hakodate. After a 3 hour train journey through the beautiful Hokkaido countryside we arrive in Hakodate, a vibrant European-influenced city with an interesting history. We learn more...
We’re up very early this morning to immerse ourselves in Hakodate’s lively morning market. One of the specialty foods on Hokkaido is crab, and the market in Hakodate offers a great chance to gape at the endless selection of crab and other seafood on offer. Then we wil...
After breakfast we catch a train and travel from Hakodate to Hirosaki. The trip from Hakodate to Hirosaki takes 3 hours, and goes through a long undersea tunnel - an impressive feat of engineering. Located in the far northern Aomari prefecture, Hirosaki was once an im...
Hirosaki is surrounded by spectacular scenery. Mt Iwaki is visible from Hirosaki city and UNESCO World Heritage Shirakami-Sanchi, the world’s largest remaining beech forest, is only 50 minutes from the city. Today you are free to explore this stunning area. During the...
Heading south we catch the local express train to Matsushima (4hrs). Located on Tohoku’s Pacific Coast, Matsushima’s famous pine-covered islands are considered one of the “Nihon Sankei”- three great sights of Japan. Upon arrival, we will go for a short stroll along th...
Following breakfast we enjoy a sightseeing cruise through Matsushima’s famous pine islands. After the cruise, you’re free to explore the island on your own using the well-marked paths. For example, you might want stroll over to Fukuura Island or Oshima Island, or expl...
Taking the bullet train we travel to Tokyo, arriving around noon. We then transfer by train to Lake Kawaguchi, at the base of Mt Fuji. No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Fuji. Located just two hours west of Tokyo, the Mount Fuji Five Lake...
As the sun rises we hope to catch another glimpse of Japan’s most iconic peak, Mount Fuji. Our morning is spent exploring the ancient Sengen Jinja Shrine and walk along some nature trails at the foot of Mount Fuji. We will return to Tokyo by train where the trip concl...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings
Great trip - saw plenty, tasted and experienced a variety of local specialties
Our senses explored Japan via the skilled guides that were provided -Yoko, Atashii and Mr T helped us see into the soul of the people and country. Highly recommend t...
Great guide
Good insight into Japanese culture and way of life.
Great tour leader
A full-on experience of Japanese life and culture. the food expe...
It was a memorable trip
...highlighting the beautiful country Japan, people, culture and food.
It is impossible as a tourist in hotels to get a really good insight into the local culture, so that is why it is important to have a guide who is a long term resident who has a feel for the history of the area and the people
That is what we got. It helps us to behave appropriately for the environment. The planning and organisation of our guide was absolutely first class, thus when some...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing, optional activities and entry fees not listed in itinerary
- City bus and subway fares (nominal amounts)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry and postage
- Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
- International airfares and departure taxes
- Visa costs
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Accommodation
- 9 nights Western style hotels
- 6 nights Japanese style accommodation
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