Northern Japan Tours

17 Day Northern Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

Journey north for the cherry blossoms of Tohoku and Hokkaido. Cherry blossoms in the northern region of Japan come into bloom from mid-April and this tour shows off some of the best cherry blossoms along with the highlights of the region.

*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares

Day 01 - Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, clear customs with your luggage and exit to the Arrivals Lobby.

Take the escalator downstairs to the train station and at the JR East Travel Service Centre (06:30 - 21:45) issue your Japan Rail Pass.

Return back up to the Arrivals Lobby, present your Limousine Bus Coupon at the Airport Limousine Bus counter and board the bus from the airport to your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. (80 min)

Your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a two minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of JR Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay in Tokyo for its convenient location and access to a wide range of restaurants and shops.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 1/3

Day 02 - Tokyo

Start today by boarding a JR Yamanote Line train from Shinagawa Station to Ueno (18 mins) to visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. The long market lanes run from JR Ueno Station to JR Okachimachi Station. There are over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices, and thus it is always crowded with shoppers.

Ueno Park is also one of Japan's most crowded, noisy and popular cherry blossom viewing (hanami) locations. With its 1000+ cherry trees, Ueno Park turns a delicate shade of pink during the cherry blossom season; delighting picture snapping strollers and sake swigging merrymakers. (Admission is free / food stands are available)

Next, board a Tokyo Metro Ginza Line train to Asakusa Station (5 mins) to visit the nearby Sensoji Temple (popularly known as Asakusa Kannon Temple), Tokyo's oldest and most impressive temple which is said to have been founded in the 7th century. Nakamise Dori, the colourful shopping promenade, extends from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate and is an excellent place to buy everything from kimono to traditional sweets. Only a few minutes' walk from Kaminarimon Gate is Sumida Park, where cherry blossom trees stretch a few hundred metres along both sides of the Sumida River. Hanami can also be enjoyed from boats that cruise the river. (Admission is free / food stands are available).

Return to Shinagawa Station from Ueno on the JR Yamanote Line. (18 mins)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 2/3

Day 03 - Tokyo

Board a JR Yamanote Line train from Shinagawa Station to Shinjuku Station (20 mins) - the busiest train station in Japan. Change trains to the Metro Lines and use your Pasmo Cards to board a Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line train from Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station. (3 mins)

Take Exit 1 for Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (09:00 - 16:30/JPY200). This large park features more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties in Western and Japanese style gardens. The many varieties of cherry trees means that the park benefits from a long blooming period from mid-March to late April.

Return to Shinjuku and take time to explore some of the great shopping that surrounds the station. A walk to Takashimaya Times Square and an exploration of a shop called Tokyu Hands which sells a range of unique gadgets is recommended.

From the West Exit of Shinjuku Station walk 10 minutes through the high-rise business district to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building to view the city skyline which is best seen at night (9:30am-10:30pm / free entry).

Return to Shinagawa from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line. (20 mins)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/3

Day 04 - Tokyo - Sendai

Today is the first day of your 14 Day Japan Rail Pass.

Check-out of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and from Shinagawa Station board a JR Yamanote Line train to Tokyo Station. (12 mins) Make your way to the bullet train llines and board a Yamabiko bullet train to Sendai Station. (115 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East is directly connected to the station.

After check-in, board a JR Tohoku Line train to Funaoka Station. (30 mins) From here it is a 15 minute walk to the Funaoka Castle Park, where beautiful views of the cherry tree covered hilltop, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Zao mountains, can be enjoyed.

From early to mid-April, food stalls sell snacks and refreshments, and traditional dances and drum performances are put on.

Travel in the slope car (09:00-16:00) up through the cherry blossoms to the summit where the remains of Funaoka Castle lie. The castle and the Harada Clan's buildings were all destroyed by order of the shogunate after the Date Disturbance (the noble family dispute within the Date samurai clan) in 1671. Also at the top is a 24m high statue of the Funaoka Peace Kannon, and a panoramic view including the Zao mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the 8km stretch of cherry trees that line the Shiraishi River. The Shiraishi River cherry blossoms, which are just a short distance from the castle park, can also be enjoyed by rickshaw or riverboat cruises.

Return to Sendai in the late afternoon.

For dinner tonight, visit one of the restaurants on Gyutan Dori (Beef Tongue Street) for Sendai's most popular delicacy. Most commonly grilled on a barbeque, many restaurants will also serve it on top of rice, in a curry or in a stew.

Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East - 1/2

Day 05 - Sendai - Matsushima - Sendai

From Sendai Station board a JR Senseki Line train to Matsushima Kaigan Station. (40 mins) From here it is a ten minute walk to Zuiganji Temple. (08:00 - 15:30/JPY700)

Originally established in 828AD, Zuiganji is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in northern Japan. Built at the end of a period of long, civil wars, the temple features a watchtower and nightingale alarm floors which are more commonly defence features found in castles. The temple is surrounded by small caves where monks once lived and prayed.

Next, visit Etsuin Temple (08:30 - 16:00/JPY300), a short walk from Zuiganji. Etsuin Temple is home to the mausoleum of samurai ruler, Date Masamune's grandson, who died mysteriously at age 19. The Mausoleum is decorated with western designs and symbols brought back from Europe on a trade mission sent by Date Masamune.

Enjoy a hot matcha green tea and Japanese sweet at the Kanrantei Tea House. (08:30 - 16:30/JPY150 entry; JPY300-700 for tea) *Place your tea and sweet orders at the ticket booth. The Kanrantei Tea House is the tea house of the ruling Date family and once served tea to samurai and royal guests. Now the tea house is open to the public and overlooks Matsushima Bay.

Take a sightseeing boat trip around Matsushima Bay and its 260 islands. A number of companies offer 50 minute cruises that depart from the pier next to the rest house. (departs hourly 09:00 - 15:00/JPY1,500)

Return to Sendai in the late afternoon.

Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East - 2/2

Day 06 - Sendai - Ichinoseki

Check-out of the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East and from Sendai Station board a Hayate or Yamabiko bullet train to Ichinoseki Station. (32 mins)

Your accommodation at the Kura Hotel is a two minute walk from the station.

Commence your sightseeing by boarding an Iwate Kotsu bus from bus stop #9 in front of Ichinoseki Station to Genbikei. (20 mins/JPY490)

Genbikei Gorge's 2km stretch of dynamic rock formations, emerald-green river and cherry blossoms have been designated as a national site of scenic beauty and national monument. Horse-drawn carriages lead tourists around the area, and the local specialty dango, or sweet rice dumplings, are a popular treat. Of the many dango shops, the most popular is the Kakko-Ya, which is positioned across the gorge and sells its "flying dango" via a rope a pulley system. Place your money in the basket and signal to the shop staff by striking a wooden mallet against a board, and watch as the basket flies across the gorge to collect your dumplings and some hot tea.

*Your stay at the Hotel Kura Ichinoseki includes breakfast daily

Stay: Hotel Kura Ichinoseki - 1/2

Day 07 - Ichinoseki - Hiraizumi - Ichinoseki

From Ichinoseki, board a JR Tohoku Line train to Hiraizumi. (8 mins/JPY200)

Hiraizumi was the administrative centre of the northern realm during the 11th and 12th centuries and produced gold and the fine paper and lacquer that was used in Kyoto's courts.

Hiraizumi is considered a Buddhist Capital and is home to five World Heritage-listed sites, a group of well-preserved temples and gardens based on the concept of Pure Land Buddhism.

The Hiraizumi "Run Run' loop bus departs Hiraizumi Station every 15 minutes and visits a number of attractions around the city. Purchase an all-day pass for JPY400 and visit:

Motsu-ji Temple (08:30 - 17:00/JPY500) - designated as both a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Motsu-ji was once a complex of 40 temple buildings and 500 priests' quarters. The 'Pure Land Garden', which simulates the Buddhist afterlife, has been fully restored to its original state and is one of the most important sites in Japan's garden history.

Chuson-ji Temple (08:30 - 17:00/JPY800) - Chuson-ji was built to placate the spirits of all those who died in the bloody conflicts of the late eleventh century. Though much was destroyed by fires, over 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties remain. Among them the Konjikido, the first structure to be designated as a Japanese National treasure, is covered in gold leaf inside and out. The inside is intricately decorated with shell inlays, lacquer and metal fittings and entombs four consecutive generations of the first Oshu Fujiwara lord.

Stay: Hotel Kura Ichinoseki - 2/2

Day 08 - Ichinoseki - Morioka

Check-out of the Kura Hotel Ichinoseki and from Ichinoseki Station board a Hayate or Yamabiko bullet train to Morioka Station. (40 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing is a three minute walk from the station.

Commence your exploration of Morioka. The DenDen-Mushi, a city sightseeing loop bus, runs a circuit of the city centre every 15 mins and cost JPY100 per journey, or an all-day pass can be purchased from the bus terminal at Morioka Station for JPY300. Please use your maps and guides to explore the city. Places of interest include:

Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree - Located in front of the courthouse (a five minute walk from your accommodation), the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree is a 380 year-old edohigan cherry tree that grows from a crack in a massive granite boulder, each year splitting the rock further apart. One of the earliest cherry trees to bloom each year, this grand tree heralds Morioka's cherry blossom season.

Iwate Koen - Stroll through the picturesque park which was originally the site of Morioka Castle, home to the Nanbu clan. The cherry blossoms bloom from late April to early May and are lit up at night. Surrounding the castle site are many of Morioka's old merchant districts, such as Konya-cho and Sakana-cho where traditional buildings remain intact.

Nansho Estate - (10:00-17:00/JPY200) built in 1885 as a private residence to Morioka businessman, Yasugoro Segawa. The landscaped gardens, which took years to complete, are designated as a Registered Monument of Japan. The estate remains as one of Morioka's few residences and gardens from the Meiji era. Wander through the estate which often holds various exhibitions. Take a break in the tea room while sipping green tea.

Hoonji (500 Disciples of Buddha Temple) - (09:00-16:00/JPY300) This temple houses 499 statues of Buddha's disciples, each with a different expression and pose. Include yourself to make 500 disciples.

Asabiraki Sake Brewery - (09:00-16:30) opened in 1871 by a samurai of the Nanbu clan, the Asabiraki Sake Brewery is renowned for its techniques, known as Nanbu style. "Nanbu Toji", a group of sake brewing experts formed in the area over 300 years ago, has become famous throughout Japan and are often invited to sake breweries throughout Japan to impart their brewing expertise. Free sake sampling is available. Free tours of the brewery are available when an English-speaking staff member is available.

Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing - 1/2

Day 09 - Morioka - Kakunodate - Morioka

From Morioka Station board a Komachi bullet train to Kakunodate. (50 mins)

Kakunodate is a small castle town, famous for its 390-year old, well-preserved samurai mansions that lie in the Inner District. South, in the Outer District, was a bustling merchant district. Many old buildings and storehouses remain, and are used today as shops and restaurants.

The small town of Kakunodate can easily be explored on foot. Stroll through the historic streets for the atmosphere of the Edo period.

Walk to Bukeyashiki Street (15 mins) where a number of samurai houses are open to public. The Ishiguro House (08:00 - 17:00/JPY300) is still inhabited by descendants of the original Ishiguro family, the most prestigious samurai family in the Kakunodate region. The Aoyagi House (09:00 - 17:00/JPY500) was home to descendants of the Aoyagi family until 1985 and is now home to a number of exhibitions and small museums in the old buildings on the property.

Visit the nearby Kaba Craft Denshokan (09:00 ' 17:00/JPY300) where you can observe a demonstration of the local traditional craft 'Kabazaiku', which involves crafting boxes, tea utensils and furniture with a veneer of the bark of mountain cherry blossom trees.

In the afternoon, visit the merchant district to explore the kura storehouses where local handicrafts are exhibited and sold.

Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing - 2/2

Day 10 - Morioka - Hirosaki

Check-out of your accommodation and from Morioka Station board a Komachi bullet train to Akita Station. (90 mins) Change trains and board a JR Ou Line train to Hirosaki Station. (150 mins)

Your accommodation at the Art Hotel Hirosaki City is a one minute walk from the station.

Hirosaki is a small castle town in Aomori with a varied architectural heritage featuring temples, samurai residences and a castle from the Edo period, and churches, libraries and civic buildings from the Meiji Period when many foreign scholars were invited to Hirosaki.

With Aomori producing more than half of the nation's apples, and being the birthplace of the Fuji apple, you will find apple-incorporated sweets throughout Hirosaki. A Hirosaki Pie Guide Map will direct you to 47 of the best apple pies around.

After check-in, commence your exploration of Hirosaki by boarding a Dote-Machi city sightseeing loop bus from in front of Hirosaki Station to Shiyakusho-mae bus stop. (15 mins) From here it is a two minute walk to the Otemon Gate of Hirosaki Castle (09:00 - 17:00/JPY310). Built in 1611, this castle of the Tsugaru Clan is one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan. More than 2,600 cherry blossom trees of more than 52 varieties bloom throughout the castle grounds, making it arguably one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots. Petals fall from the trees and turn the castle moat a delicate shade of pink. During the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (late April to Early May) various food stalls can be found in the Shinomaru area of the park, and the cherry blossoms are illuminated from sunset to 10pm.

Visit the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (09:00 - 17:00/JPY550) where you can watch as artists create traditional crafts, and enjoy a performance of the Tsugaru-jamisen, a three-stringed folk instrument.

A short walk from here is the Nakacho Traditional Buildings Preservation District where the traditional townscape has been maintained. Visit the Kawasaki Dyeing Plant where the traditional art of natural indigo dyeing is still carried out.

*Your stay at the Art Hotel Hirosaki City includes breakfast daily

Stay: Art Hotel Hirosaki City - 1/2

Day 11 - Hirosaki

From Hirosaki Station board a Limited Express Tsugaru train to Aomori Station. (33 mins)

Visit Nebuta Warasse (09:00 - 19:00/JPY600) which is a one minute walk from the station, to view the large, glowing floats used in Aomori's Nebuta Festival. Get a taste of the lively festival atmosphere and learn about the history and traditions of one of Tohoku's 'Big Three Summer Festivals'.

For lunch, visit the Furukawa Fish Market (07:00 - 16:00) where you can create your own nokkedon, or bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood. Purchase tickets in sets of five (JPY540) or ten (JPY1,080) which are exchanged for rice and various seafood toppings sold in the market.

Return to Hirosaki in the afternoon. For dinner tonight you may like to visit one of the izakaya where local specialties are served and Tsugaru folksongs are performed.

Stay: Art Hotel Hirosaki City - 2/2

Day 12 - Hirosaki - Hakodate

Check-out of the Art Hotel Hirosaki and from Hirosaki Station board a Limited Express Tsugaru train to Shin-Aomori Station. (30 mins) Make your way to the bullet train lines and board a Hayabusa bullet train to Shin-Hakodatehokuto Station. (60 mins) Change trains and board a Hakodate Liner train to Hakodate Station. (15 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Resol Hakodate is a three minute walk from the station.

After checking in at your hotel, commence sightseeing in Hakodate City. Walk to Hakodate Ekimae tram stop and board a #2 or #5 tram to Goryokaku-Koen-Mae. (10 mins/JPY230) From here it is a 10 minute walk to Fort Goryokaku, an impressive star-shaped citadel from the Edo period, and now registered as a special historic site. Ascend to the top of the nearby Goryokaku Tower (09:00-18:00/JPY900) for the best view of the fort and the fort's cherry blossoms from the observation deck.

Return to the tramstop and board a #2 or #5 tram to Jujigai tram stop. (21mins/JPY230) From here, it is an 8 minute walk to the Mt Hakodate Ropeway (JPY1,160/adult for return trip). Take a ride up to the mountain for an extraordinary panoramic view of Hakodate City.

Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Stay: Hotel Resol Hakodate - 1/2

Day 13 - Hakodate

Visit the Morning Markets (05:30 - 12:00) which span an area of four blocks near the JR Hakodate Station area and enjoy a fresh, seafood breakfast!

Next, take a day trip to Onuma. Onuma is famous for its beautiful nature scenery. Have a relaxing day in Onuma. From Hakodate Station, board a Limited Express Super Hokuto train to Onuma Koen Station. (20 min)

Onuma is famous for its beautiful, natural scenery. This quasi national park covers over 9,000 hectares and has two very attractive lakes, Onuma and Konuma. The area has several walking trails which lead you around the lakes' peninsulas and islands and are interconnected by small bridges. Sightseeing boats are available to take you on 30 minute tours for JPY1,100/person.

Stay: Hotel Resol Hakodate - 2/2

Day 14 - Hakodate - Sapporo

Check-out of your accommodation and from Hakodate Station board a Limited Express Super Hokuto train to Sapporo Station. (225 mins)

Your accommodation at the Keio Plaza Hotel is a five minute walk from the station.

Spend the day using your maps and guides to explore the sights around Sapporo.

For dinner, you may like to visit the Sapporo Beer Garden's Genghis Khan Hall where you can feast on the popular local dish of barbequed mutton, washed down with the famous Sapporo Beer. From stop #2 at the Sapporo Station North Exit bus terminal, board the Sapporo Beer Garden Ario Line Shuttle Bus (Line #188). The journey costs JPY210.

Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo - 1/3

Day 15 - Sapporo - Otaru - Sapporo

Make a day trip to Otaru by boarding a JR Semi Rapid Ishikari Liner, JR Hakodate Line or JR Airport Rapid train to Otaru Station. (30-50 mins)

Otaru is a small harbor city full of character thanks to the beautiful warehouse-lined canals and buildings from former trade and shipping companies.

Stroll along the canal, and visit Sakaimachi Street with its attractive, old buildings that have since been converted into cafes, boutiques and museums. Visit the Otaru City Museum (09:30 - 17:00/JPY300) to discover Otaru's history and the early development of Hokkaido.

Next visit the Herring Mansion (09:00 - 17:00/JPY300) by boarding a city bus #10 or #11 from Otaru Station (25 mins/JPY220). View the tools and living conditions of herring fisherman during the heyday of herring fishing, once one of Otaru's major industries. Since the early days of the town's development right through to the 1950s when the industry collapsed due to a drop in herring stocks, large fortunes were made by leading fishing enterprises. Visit the Aoyama Villa (09:00 - 17:00/JPY1,080), the luxurious villa of one of the most successfully families in the herring industry.

Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo - 2/3

Day 16 - Sapporo

From Sapporo Subway Station board a Nanboku Line train to Odori Station. (2 mins)

Odori Station is located at the eastern end of Odori Park, a wide median of parkland that stretches over 12 blocks through the centre of Sapporo City. At one end of the park is Sapporo TV Tower (09:00-22:00JPY720), which has an observation deck 90m up, and at the other end is the Former Sapporo Court of Appeal (Sapporo Shiryokan/09:00-19:00/free) where you can observe the restored courtroom, learn about the history of Sapporo and enjoy the changing exhibitions in the gallery room. The historical building overlooks an extensive rose garden.

Next, from Odori Station board a Tozai Line train to Maruyamakoen Station. (5 mins) From here it is a five minute walk to Maruyama Park, a popular spot for locals to view the cherry blossoms. This expansive park around the foot of Mt Maruyama is surrounded by woodland, and squirrels are not an uncommon site. Trails lead up Mt Maruyama which can be hiked in about 45 mins.

Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo - 3/3

Day 17 - Depart Sapporo

Today is the final day of your 14 Day Japan Rail Pass.

Check-out of your accommodation and from Sapporo Station board the airport train to New Chitose Airport Station.

Be sure to check-in for your flight at least 2 hours prior to its scheduled departure.