Luxury Tours

14 Day Luxury Northern Tour

*Prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Journey to Japan's northern region where hidden gems await and where you can discover breathtaking scenery, unique culture and delicious food.

*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 make your way to the Arrivals Lobby.

Board your private transfer to your accommodation at the Tokyo Station Hotel.
Located within the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, a proudly designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, the Tokyo Station Hotel boasts the refined elegance of classic European decor with modern comfort and technology.

Stay: Tokyo Station Hotel - 1/1

Day 02 - Tokyo - Hirosaki

Pack an overnight bag and visit the hotel front desk to arrange for your larger suitcases to be sent to your next accommodation.
Check out of the Tokyo Station Hotel and make your way to the station Shinkansen lines for your travel to Hirosaki. For this journey, enjoy the exclusive comfort of the Gran Class carriage to Shin-Aomori, with spacious seating and sophisticated interior. Passengers travelling in Gran Class will also have access to the View Gold Lounge at Tokyo Station prior to departure.

Board your bullet train to Shin-Aomori Station (180 mins) and change trains to board the Limited Express Tsugaru to Hirosaki Station. (30 mins)

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.

Board the 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.

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.

Later, return to Hirosaki Station and board a JR Ou Line train to Owani Onsen Station. (10 mins)

At Owani Onsen Station, boar your courtesy shuttle to your accommodation at the Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru.

The Kai Tsugaru ryokan is a contemporary, boutique accommodation designed for guests to get the most out of the local culture, from apple-scented baths fed by the famous Owani Hot Spring to Tsugaru shamisen lute concerts in front of walls depicting Tsugaru's dynamic coastal scenery.

Stay: Hoshino Resort KAI Tsugaru - 1/3

Day 03 - Hirosaki

Board the courtesy shuttle bus to Owani Onsen Station and board the train to Hirosaki. (10 mins) At Hirosaki Station, meet your taxi driver who will take you to see the Tsuru no Mai Bridge, the grand spectacle of a 300m long wooden arched bridge over Lake Tsugaru Fujimi with a clear, beautiful reflection of Mt Iwaki on the lake's surface.
Next, be taken to the Takayama Inari SHrine, where hundreds of red torii gates form a winding tunnel through the enchanting Japanese Gardens.

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

Stay: Hoshino Resort KAI Tsugaru - 2/3

Day 04 - Hirosaki

Start today by boarding a Konan Railway Konan Line train from Hirosaki Station to Tambo Art Station. (23 mins/JPY430)

From here it is a short walk to one of the two famous Rice Paddy Art sites, for which the prefecture of Aomori is famous for. Since 1993, the small town of Inakadate has been creating images in their rice paddy fields by carefully planting rice of varying colour. In their first year, they used two colours, yellow and purple, to create a simple image of Mt. Iwaki. Each following year, the designs become more elaborate and now consist of 7 colours and 11 variety of rice. The images can be seen from June to mid-October, but are best from mid-July to mid-August. Entry to the viewing platform is JPY300.

A courtesy shuttle bus departs every 30 mins from this art site and will take you to the second site. (10 mins)

OR

From Owani Onsen Station board a Limited Express Tsugaru train to Aomori Station. (43 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.

Stay: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru - 3/3

Day 05 - Hirosaki - Kakunodate

Commence using your Japan Rail Pass.

Check-out of your accommodation and from Owani Onsen Station board a Limited Express Tsugaru train to Akita Station. (115 mins) Change trains and board the Komachi bullet train to Kakunodate Station. (40 mins)

Board a taxi to your accommodation at the Wanoi KAKUNODATE. The Wanoi accommodations are chic, renovated historical storehouses, which are scattered throughout the samurai town of Kakunodate. These traditional accommodations all feature Japanese irori hearths where you can enjoy warming local sake.

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: Wanoi Kakunodate - 1/2

Day 06 - Kakunodate - Morioka - Kakunodate

Make a day trip to Morioka by boarding a Komachi bullet train from Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station. (40 mins)

Visit the Iwachu Tekkikan and look through the small museum dedicated to the Morioka's specialty, cast ironware. The Iwachu brand of cast ironware is known throughout Japan as the best cast iron, and dates back 400 years. Observe the craftsmen at work producing traditional cast iron kettles and other kitchenware.

Stop by the Nansho Estate, 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.

Learn about the history and culture of the region with a visit to the Morioka History and Culture Museum which provides a look at the rich history of the Morioka domain and exhibits the treasures of the Nanbu clan.

Stay: Wanoi Kakunodate - 2/2

Day 07 - Kakunodate - Sendai

Check-out of your accommodation and from Kakunodate Statio nboard a Komachi bullet train to Sendai Station. (90 mins)

Your accommodation at the Westin Sendai is a 9 minute walk from the West Exit of the station.

Leave your luggage at your accommodation and return to Sendai Station. From Sendai Station board a Hayabusa bullet train to Ichinoseki Station. (30 mins) Change trains and board a JR Tohoku Line train to Hiraizumi Station. (8 mins)

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: Westin Sendai - 1/2

Day 08 - Sendai / Matsushima Bay

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)

Stay: Westin Sendai - 2/2

Day 09 - Sendai - Nikko

Check-out of your accommodation and from Sendai Station board a Yamabiko bullet train to Utsunomiya Station. (80 mins) Change trains and board a JR Nikko Line train to Nikko Station. (45 mins)

The city of Nikko lies at the foot of Mt. Nyoho and is renowned worldwide for the architectural facilities of Toshogu and Futarasan Shrines and Rinnoji Temple, each set gemlike in a perfect natural setting.

Board a taxi to your accommodation at the Fufu Nikko. (8 mins)

Located within walking distance from Nikko's World Heritage listed sites, the Fufu Nikko is ideally situated for your Nikko sightseeing.
All guest rooms are suites with private, natural hot spring baths and are decorated with elegant colours and furnishings.

After check-in, venture out to Lake Chuzenji by boarding a Tobu Nikko Bus from to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. (45 mins) From here you can walk to Kegon Falls and Fune-No-Eki cruise boat pier. Kegon Falls, 97 metres in height, is one of Japan's finest waterfalls (originating from Lake Chuzenji). Descend 100 metres by elevator through the bedrock to the lookout point at the base of the gorge to see the falls plummeting downward into Lake Chuzenji's beautiful indigo blue water.

To enjoy more of the lake's scenery a 50 minute sightseeing cruise is highly recommended. Regular boat service on the lake connects Fune-No-Eki with Shobugahama in 20 minutes.

Stay: Fufu Nikko - 1/2

Day 10 - Nikko

Start today with a visit to the famous and historic Rinnoji Temple, used to receive princes from the Imperial family as priests during the Kamakura period (1192-1333).

The nearby Futarasan Jinja Shrine is is said to bring happiness and marriage for those who visit. Legend has it that the Futara-Reisen, the sacred fountain there, has water that restores youth.

Next visit the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, the former summer villa of the imperial family. The villa was constructed using part of the residence belonging to the Tokugawa clan which was transported from Tokyo, and served as a hide-out for Emperor Hirohito during World War II.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon to join your private tour of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine which is dedicated to the shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu. On this private tour with a designated guide, you are allowed to visit the shogunate's room (Shogun-no-ma) during times when there are few tourists.

Stay: Fufu Nikko - 2/2

Day 11 - Nikko - Tokyo

Check-out of your accommodation and from Nikko Station board a JR Nikko Line train to Utsunomiya Station. Transfer to the shinkansen lines and board a Yamabiko bullet train to Tokyo Station. (50 mins) Change trains and board a Hikari bullet train to Shinagawa Station. (5 mins)

At Shinagawa Station, take the Takanawa Exit and board the hotel courtesy shuttle bus to your accommodation at the Sakura Prince Tower Tokyo, one of Marriot's Autograph Collection hotels. Enjoy a relaxing stay in spacious guestrooms and a lush, verdant setting.

After check-in, commence your exploration of Tokyo by taking a trip to Odaiba - the huge amusement zone where you can enjoy shopping, delicious food, entertainment, and a view of Tokyo Bay simultaneously.

From Shinagawa Station board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shimbashi Station. (7 min) At Shimbashi Station, using your Pasmo Card, board the Yurikamome Line unmanned monorail across the 918 metre span Rainbow Bridge to Daiba Station. (14 min)

Odaiba was built on reclaimed land in the Tokyo Bay in the southeast of Tokyo. This ultra-modern island is home to the Fuji TV Studio, Toyota Motor Company Showcase, Palette Town, Giant Ferris Wheel, the Museum of Maritime Science, Odaiba Marine Park, and the Sega Game Centre. A visit to the Oedo Onsen Monogatari volcanic hot springs (JPY2,700) is an excellent way to soak away the stresses of exhilarating travel. Luxuriate in open air, foot, sand and steam baths, tatami rooms and massage salons. The hot water spouts up naturally from 1400 meters below the surface.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 1/3

Day 12 - Tokyo

Meet your private tour guide this morning who will assist with your initial navigation of Tokyo for a half day visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple and Harajuku.

Post tour, board a train to the Ginza shopping district. Take time to explore the Ginza's famous upmarket shopping, numerous department stores and wide range of boutiques, galleries and dining. The basement of any Japanese department store is home to an incredible food court where foods are expertly prepared and presented for sale.

Next, travel to Ueno Station and visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. There are over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices and is always crowded with local shoppers.

In the evening return to Shinagawa Station using the JR Yamanote Line.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 2/3

Day 13 - Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo

Take a day trip to the seaside town called Kamakura. Located just 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the Yokosuka Line, Kamakura is one of Japan's most popular sightseeing destinations, famous for a number of temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Surrounded by wooded mountains on three sides and Sagami Bay on the south, Kamakura was once the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333.

Many of the wonderful sites in Kamakura are within walking distance of Kamakura Station, so one can easily spend the day exploring the many temples, shrines, parks and gardens. Some of the sites you might like to visit include:

The Great Buddha, a giant bronze statue of Buddha which stands at 13.35m tall and is the second largest in Japan. The Buddha once was housed inside a temple, but late in the 15th century, a large tsunami washed away the wooden structure and the Buddha has remained outside ever since.

Komachi-dori St, leading out from Kamakura Station, is a strip of shops which has many great places to buy souvenirs and a number of good places to buy some snacks, from nuts and crackers, to cute little cakes and sweets.

Hasedera Temple, situated high on a hill, whose main temple has a fine view of the coastal city. The temple is home to a wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy which stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, whose iconic Shinto shrine is Kamakura's geographical and cultural centre and attracts many visitors with its beautiful peony gardens and two museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Hokoku-ji Temple, the must-see Zen temple in Kamakura. Behind the temple is a magnificent bamboo garden which is tranquil escape. Towards the back of the bamboo garden is a small tea house where you can enjoy a special cup of green tea while taking in the beauty of the serene surroundings.

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 3/3

Day 14 - Depart Tokyo

Check-out of your accommodation and leaver your luggage at the bell desk for your later return.

Spend your final day in Tokyo completing any final sightseeing and shopping.

Later, return to collect your luggage and board your private transfer to the airport.