Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure Tour by Intrepid Travel

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Sapporo, Japan

Highlights

Discover Hokkaido’s rich Indigenous Ainu culture at the region’s first Ainu Museum, where you can learn about their traditions and make Ainu dumplings.

Explore northern Japan’s natural wonders, like Hell Valley’s volcanic steam to Mt. Asahi’s peaks and the serene waters of Lake Shikotsu.

Walk around Hirosaki Castle on a guided tour, where you’ll learn about its role in the Neputa festival, known for its giant, vibrant floats.

Stay in two local ryokan hotels and immerse yourself in the Japanese onsen experience – relaxation in a natural hot spring – and savour a signature Kaiseki dinner.

Witness Japan’s seasonal transformations from cherry blossoms in spring and lavender fields in summer to vibrant autumn foliage and white winter snow – every season offers its own unique colour palette.

Itinerary

From neon cityscapes to serene mountain vistas, the Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure tour promises twelve days of discovery across Japan’s northernmost wonders. Perfect for travelers with a zest for culture and moderate activity, this journey whisks you from Tokyo’s electric energy to the tranquil hot springs of Noboribetsu and the lavender fields of Furano.

Ride the bullet train to Aomori, exploring ancient ruins and savoring fresh seafood, then soak in volcanic onsen and paddle across pristine lakes as you journey through Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes. End your exploration in Sapporo, where urban flair meets stunning mountain backdrops.

This guided small group tour includes hotel stays, transport, meals, and expert local guidance, making it a seamless adventure for those seeking both comfort and authentic encounters. The unique selling point? A rare blend of urban excitement and rural tranquility, with hands-on experiences—like lake paddling and hot spring visits—that reveal Japan’s hidden side. For anyone ready to immerse in the north’s natural beauty and cultural riches, this trip is a standout choice.

day 1 - Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Whether you’re drawn to anime or manga, skyscrapers or cherry blossoms, sushi or ramen, you’re in the right place. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader. After, maybe get to know your group better with an optional dinner and explore Tokyo’s nightlife. Perhaps take a walk down Shinjuku’s Omoide Tokocho or ‘Memory Lane’ – a narrow alley lined with busy restaurants and bar stalls that originated in the 1940s as a black-market quarter. Today, it’s one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo’s local street food!

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Aomori

Hop on a bullet train (shinkansen) this morning and head north to Aomori, where you can relax and enjoy the countryside views. When you arrive, get your bearings with a leader-led orientation walk and then enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site, which gives an insight into how prehistoric Japanese people lived, or the Aomori Museum of Art, which features an impressive blend of contemporary art and local heritage exhibitions. Seafood lovers might want to check out Aomori Nokkedon – a market where you can sample a variety of local seafood, such as sea urchin and squid, using a fun ticket-based system (simply exchange a ticket for the seafood of your choice).

included:Aomori - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 3 - Hirosaki/ Aomori

Hop on a train this morning and head to Hirosaki for the day. One of the most famous festivals in Japan is held here every August – the Nebuta Matsuri – featuring large lantern floats of mythological warriors. You’ll see some of these floats on display in Tsugaru Neputa Village, before you make your way to Hirosaki Castle. Enjoy a tour of the feudal-era three-storey castle and hear more about its role in the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival before heading back to Aomari for a free afternoon.

included:Hirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa Village, Hirosaki - Hirosaki Castle

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Hakodate

Today you’ll make your way to Hokkaido Island via bullet train. When you arrive in Hakodate, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk, with a stop at a fish market for lunch. It’s famous for its fresh seafood and is a great spot to try some local delicacies like kaisuke (oysters) or kaisendon (seafood donburi). Continue to Goryokaku Tower for wonderful views of the national historic site Goryokaku – a star-shaped public park which was once a fort designed to modernise the island’s military defence. The evening is free for you to explore Hakodate as you wish – feel free to ask your leader for any restaurant recommendations!

included:Hakodate - City walking tour, Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Noboribetsu

Traverse more of Hokkaido today by heading to Noboribetsu by train – a famous onsen (hot spring) town, part of the larger Shikotsu-Toya National Park. You’ll go straight to Jigokundani, literally meaning ‘Hell Valley’, this is an apt name for the volcanic activity on display! There are nine different types of onsen in Nororibetsu and they’re all powered by the geothermal activity at this volcanic crater. Tonight, you’ll stay in a ryokan hotel (traditional Japanese inn) that offers a range of onsen baths to try – the perfect chance to soak away your travel fatigue.

included:Noboribetsu - Hell valley

accommodation:Ryokan Hotel

meals:1 Dinner

day 6 - Lake Shikotsu

Pass through rural Hokkaido as you travel to Shikotsuko by train and bus, where you’ll be welcomed by the sight of Lake Shikotsu – a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity. Cruise along the clear water in the afternoon in a canoe and admire the surrounding forests. Shikotsuko is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere so soak up the calm vibe on the lake. Return to another ryokan hotel this evening and take advantage once again of the relaxing hot springs. Then, tuck into a kaiseki dinner – a traditional Japanese fine dining multi-course experience.

included:Lake Shikotsu - Lake Canoe, Lake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinner

accommodation:Ryokan Hotel

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Asahikawa

Today you’ll journey to Asahikawa – the second largest city in Hokkaido, located in the heart of the island. It’s one of the coldest cities in Japan so make sure you layer up for your leader-led orientation walk if you’re visiting during winter. After, maybe check out Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum, where you can learn about sake-making methods and sample some of the renowned local beverage. You can also opt to walk along Japan’s first permanent pedestrian shopping street – Heiwa Dori Shopping Street – or visit Alley Furarito for some casual dining or izakaya (Japanese-style pub) options.

included:Asahikawa - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Asahikawa

Start your day with a visit to the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum and learn about the rich culture of Ainu people – an Indigenous group from the northern regions of Japan. This is the first Ainu museum in Hokkaido and set up back in the 30s by an Ainue family who was hoping to preserve Ainu culture through the museum, and it's still owned by the same family. Join a guided tour, and if you are lucky, it may be led by a member of the Ainu family who established the museum, and gain insight into their history and traditions. After, get familiar with Ainu food during a cooking demonstration showcasing Ainu dumplings (and then sample some for yourself!).

included:Asakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum, Asahikawa - Ainu dumpling making demonstration

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 9 - Furano

Hop in a private transfer to Asahidake Ropeway – a line that climbs Mount Asahi, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. Get all the rewards without the sweaty workout by riding the ropeway up the mountain, taking in the elevated views. After, drive to the Blue Pond – a body of water with a deep blue hue due to natural minerals – before continuing to Furano, where you’ll spend the night. Perhaps try some local delicacies like Furano wine and cheese for dinner this evening.

included:Asahikawa - Mt. Asahi Ropeway, Asahikawa - Blue Pond (Aoike)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Sapporo

Stop and smell the flowers with a morning visit to Tomita Farm. From late June to early August, you’ll see the expansive lavender fields that have made the farm famous in Japan and beyond – and there are plenty of other colourful crops to admire outside of those summer months. Travel by train then to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Known for its winter sports scene, Sapporo is bordered by mountains and ski hills. You’ll also notice it has a grid-based street layout, which is very rare for Japan – and easy to navigate! The evening is yours to explore at our own pace – maybe stop for a Sapporo beer and miso ramen in a local restaurant.

included:Furano - Tomita Farm, Sapporo - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Otaru/ Sapporo

Head out on daytrip today to Otaru – a nearby town with a scenic canal area – and enjoy some free time roaming the streets. Maybe visit the Otaru Music Book Museum, home to 25,000 music boxes and lots of information on the city’s music box craftsmanship. If you visit during February, you might catch the Snow Light Path Festival – a winter wonderland of lanterns and ice sculptures. Head back to Sapporo for a farewell dinner of Sapporo's signature Genghis Khan roasted lamb and toast to your Japanese adventure with your group.

included:Otaru - City walking tour, Sapporo - Genghis Khan lamb dinner

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 12 - Sapporo

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You can leave at any time before the checkout time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Ryokan Hotel ( 2 nights)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

Transport

Bullet Train, Train, Public Bus, Cable Car, Metro, Canoe

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Aomori - Leader-led orientation walkHirosaki - Tsugaru Neputa VillageHirosaki - Hirosaki CastleHakodate - City walking tourHakodate - Fort GoryokakuNoboribetsu - Hell valleyLake Shikotsu - Lake CanoeLake Shikotsu - Kaiseki dinnerAsahikawa - Leader-led orientation walkAsakihawa - Kawamura Kaneto Ainu MuseumAsahikawa - Ainu dumpling making demonstrationAsahikawa - Mt. Asahi RopewayAsahikawa - Blue Pond (Aoike)Furano - Tomita FarmSapporo - Leader-led orientation walkOtaru - City walking tourSapporo - Genghis Khan lamb dinner

What's Excluded

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