North Japan and Hakone Tour by Europamundo

12 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

50 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Itinerary

Explore the diverse landscapes and rich history of Japan on the "North Japan and Hakone" tour, spanning 12 days from Tokyo to Tokyo. Tailored for seniors, this easy-level city sightseeing trip takes you through Sendai, Aizuwakamatsu, Kyoto, and several other captivating destinations. With transport, comfortable accommodations, and meals all arranged, travelers can enjoy Japan’s stunning scenery and cultural treasures at a leisurely pace. The standout feature of this tour is its comprehensive route, blending urban highlights with serene countryside, providing a balanced and enriching experience for those who appreciate thoughtful travel.

day 1 - Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.

day 2 - Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cuttingedge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility. We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stonecarved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels. Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We’ll drive through AKIHABARA, the “Electric City,” known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city. We’ll end our visit in ASAKUSA, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel. 6:30 p. m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

Meals:Pork shabu-shabu 2 types of pork cut: belly and shoulder loin, vegetables, noodles, udon, rice and dessert

day 3 - Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai

We’ll depart for Nikko, arriving at this fantastic city at 10:30 a. m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for the "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour will continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive and serene location. Next, we’ll enjoy a stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the path. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city center. Later, we’ll head to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million residents. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore its bustling center and enjoy dinner in this lively urban hub.

day 4 - Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka

We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where we’ll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We’ll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

day 5 - Morioka, Hirosaki, Aomori, Hakodate

We’ll travel through a region of stunning landscapes to Hirosaki, where we’ll visit its iconic castle, set within a beautiful park that bursts into color each spring with more than 2,500 cherry trees in bloom. We’ll then continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan’s vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll board a ferry to cross to the island of Hokkaido, enjoying a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon arrival in Hakodate, free time to explore its charming historic district, where we can admire the city’s cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.

day 6 - Hakodate, Onuma, Noboribetsu, Sapporo

In the morning, we’ll visit the lively and bustling fish market, a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We’ll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the starshaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the castle area before we continue to Onuma. In this magnificent natural setting, dotted with countless small islands, you’ll have free time to take a boat ride or stroll along scenic walking trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll journey along the coastline to Noboribetsu, an aweinspiring volcanic landscape. We’ll walk among the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where we´ll admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma. Later, we’ll continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this beautiful northern capital of Japan.

day 7 - Sapporo

We’ll go on a city tour with stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful parklined avenue dominated by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We’ll also visit the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we’ll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey. On the outskirts of Sapporo, we’ll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of avantgarde architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavendercovered hilltop is home to a massive Buddha statue, and within the complex, we’ll also see replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island. Our journey continues to Otaru, a charming town reminiscent of Europe, with lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p. m. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

day 8 - Sapporo, Toyako Onsen, Mount Usu, Ferry Tomakomai Sendai

We’ll head south on the island of Hokkaido. Our first stop will be at the Upopoy Museum (admission included), whose name means “singing together in a group” in the Ainu language. This museum is a symbolic space dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and revitalizing the culture of the Ainu people, an Indigenous group of Eskimo origin. After that, we’ll head to the resort town of TOYAKO, located at the foot of an impressive volcano and on the shore of a beautiful lake that fills an ancient crater. You’ll have time to stroll along the lakeside. We’ll visit the Volcanology Museum, which recalls the eruptions that have occurred in this region. Then we’ll take the cable car to the summit of Mount Usu, where you’ll have time to walk through the volcanic landscape and enjoy magnificent views. Lunch included at a local restaurant. We’ll continue to TOMAKOMAI, where we’ll board a modern overnight ferry. Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner included. Overnight sailing across the Pacific Ocean.

Meals:Buffet

day 9 - Ferry Tomakomai Sendai, Sendai, Yamadera, Aizuwakamatsu

We’ll arrive at Sendai Port around 10:00 a. m. and head to Yamadera, a stunning temple complex founded over 1,000 years ago. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by towering trees, this sacred site offers a truly magical atmosphere. Lunch will be included. We’ll have time to explore before continuing to Yonezawa, one of the main sakeproducing regions. Here, we’ll visit the Sake Museum, which features a small distillery. Our journey will then take us through beautiful landscapes to Aizuwakamatsu, where we’ll stay overnight.

day 10 - Aizuwakamatsu, Ouchijuku, Tokyo

In AIZUWAKAMATSU, we’ll visit the Samurai Mansion, a historic residence where we’ll learn about the legendary samurai warriors and their way of life. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the castle garden, from where we’ll be able to see the castle in the distance, standing out with its red roof tiles. Next, we’ll head to Iimoriyama, home to sculptures donated by Mussolini and a site that tells the story of the city´s young martyrs. Our journey continues to OUCHIJUKU, a picturesque village known for its traditional thatchedroof houses. Here, we’ll have time for lunch before traveling to the impressive Oya Museum, located in former stone quarries. In the evening, we’ll return to TOKYO, arriving at the end of the day.

day 11 - Tokyo, Kamakura, ENOSHIMA, Odawara

We’ll leave TOKYO and head to KAMAKURA, an “oasis of peace” that served as Japan’s capital for two centuries and is home to numerous shrines, temples, and gardens. At the Hokokuji Zen Temple, we’ll stroll through its beautiful bamboo forest (admission included) and enjoy a cup of green tea. We’ll also visit Sugimotodera, founded in 734 and considered the oldest temple in the city. There will be some free time in the pleasant city center before visiting the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—admission included. Our route then continues along a scenic coastal road following the Pacific Ocean. We’ll have free time for lunch and a walk on Enoshima, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. We’ll then continue to ODAWARA, where admission to the castle is included—an impressive medieval fortress (restored in the 20th century) from the Edo period and one of Japan’s most important castles. Overnight stay.

day 12 - Odawara, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo

Our journey today is truly spectacular as we travel toward the beautiful Hakone region, an area of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We’ll begin the day by ascending to OWAKUDANI, the “Valley of Hell,” a volcanic crater known for its steam vents, bubbling mud, and sulfur gases. (Note: Occasionally, access may be closed due to high volcanic activity or toxic gases. In that case, we will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead. )Afterward, we’ll continue to OSHINO HAKKAI, a small and picturesque village with eight ponds offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Next, we’ll head to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of small houses, flowers, and mountains beside its beautiful lake. Here we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. Later, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji along the road leading to the Fifth Station, located at an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet), surrounded by spectacular forests and views. Note: In winter, the road leading up Mount Fuji is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we will go as far as permitted. Return to TOKYO at the end of the day. Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. Please check your flight time in case you require an additional night. While the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will provide recommendations for the best public transportation options to suit your journey.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Tokio - Shinagawa Prince Hotel (4 Star Hotel)Hakodate - Four Points By Sheraton Hakodate (4 Star Hotel)Tokio - Shinagawa Prince Hotel (4 Star Hotel)

Meals

6 Lunch included in: Matsushima, Aomori, Onuma, Sapporo, Mount Usu, Yamadera2 dinner included in: Tokyo, Ferry Tomakomai Sendai

Transport

Includes arrival transferBoat: Cruise in Matshushima, Kawaguchiko LakeEvening transfer: Shinjuku in TokyoFerry: Aomori Hakodate (Hokkaido Island), Tomakomai - SendaiFunicular: Summit of the Usu Volcano

Others

General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.City tour in: Tokyo, SapporoExcursion: Otaru and Hill of BuddhaTicket admission: Metro, Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple, Tshogu Temple in Nikko, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, Traditional tea in Matshushima, Chusonji, Zen practice in Montsuiji, Takkoku no Iwaya Temple, Castle, Nebuta Museum in Aomori, Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate, Hill of Buddha, Sanctuary of Hokkaido Jingu and Kito prayer session, Ainu Museum in Upopoy, Volcanology museum in Toyako Onsen, Complex of temples, Shake Museum in Yonezawa, Samurai Mansion Aizu Bukeyashiki in Aizuwakamatsu, Former stone quarries of the Oya Museum, Temple of Hokoku-ji and bamboo forest, Sugimoto-dera Temple, Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Castle, Castle, Castle

What's Excluded

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