Northern Japan: Hokkaido & Tohoku

The day of your great departure has arrived!

You make your way to Japan, leaving familiar landscapes behind for three weeks as the adventure finally begins. Tomorrow you will set foot in the Land of the Rising Sun and begin your journey from north to south, into the heart of an unknown Japan.

In your bag sits a camera that can hardly wait to capture the enchanting scenery, the deft gestures of the artisans and the majestic mountains and valleys. Your shoes are longing to tread volcanic ground, sacred steps and lush green gardens. Your pen is ready to jot down the myths and stories you want to share with your loved ones – on postcards or digitally from this far-off land.

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast of local specialities, we're ready for our adventure!

This morning our route leads us to the harbour of Otaru. Once we've put on our life jackets, we head out onto the water. We sail past the harbour and its breakwaters and out into the open sea. Here you'll want to watch out for the spray as you discover the striking cliffs and the Blue Grotto of Otaru.

Back in the safety of the harbour, you carry on into the lively Sakaimachi Street. Admire the world-famous glass craftsmanship, enjoy a coffee beneath the timber framework of the Kitaichi Shoushi Hall, and visit the fairytale-like boutique music box museum, which enchants with its thousand music boxes and its steam clock. All this works up an appetite, and it's time for some delicious sushi to recharge your energy! After lunch you still have a little time to explore the small harbour town itself.

Later in the afternoon it's up high once more: you meet the group again to head to Tenguyama (Mount Tengu). At the foot of the mountain a cable car carries you to the summit, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the bay and the valley.

You return once again to the town centre. The mild evening air invites you to settle down for a moment of good company. If you fancy it, you can head off to the Otaru Brewery! Here, surrounded by copper stills, you can round off the day before walking back to your nearby hotel. Or you can enjoy the free evening and explore a little more on your own.

You start the day early in Otaru, the fresh morning air still cool over the town, as you set off after breakfast by bus towards the Shakotan Peninsula. After a good hour you reach the Shimamui Coast – one of those hidden coastal spots that only open up after a small tunnel. Suddenly the sea is before you: deep blue, framed by rugged rocks.

Just a few minutes later the bus brings you to the Misaki no Yu Onsen, set right above the sea. The view from the hot water onto the wild coastline is quite unique. If you don't feel like bathing just now, you can also use the time for a little stroll along the coast.

After this short bathing break we continue to the dramatically situated Cape Kamui. The path along the cliffs is short but spectacular. The wind whistles, the sea roars below you – you feel just how wild and untamed Hokkaido can be. You have time to take in the place and let yourself be swept up by the panorama.

Worked up an appetite? We make our way to Restaurant Ushio* – a simple eatery renowned for its fresh seafood. If you're lucky and it's in season, you can try sea urchin (uni) here: tender, fresh and with that distinctive note of the sea that you won't soon forget.

After lunch you bid farewell to this beautiful place. You sit back as the bus carries you in a good two hours to Sapporo. Later in the afternoon you reach your hotel – and you still have the rest of the afternoon and evening to discover the city for yourself.

*Please note: the restaurant is subject to change.

After a hearty breakfast you make your way by bus and train to one of Japan's most renowned onsen: Hoheikyô. There the natural springs bubble up from the colourful rocks at temperatures of up to 42 degrees, and you bathe amid a truly beautiful natural setting.

You can take lunch either in Hoheikyô or in Sapporo.

In the evening we meet once more for a meal together: at the famous Sapporo Beer Brewery!

You start the day with a fortifying breakfast – perfect for gathering energy for the morning. Afterwards your route leads you into the pulsating heart of Sapporo: to the Nijo Fish Market. With more than 15 fishmongers and stalls full of fresh seafood, the market is a lively spectacle of colours, smells and sounds. Stroll through the narrow lanes, watch the traders present oysters, crabs, uni and ikura, and treat yourself to a seafood snack.

Freshly fortified, the journey continues to the Hill of the Buddha in the Makomanai Takino Cemetery. This impressive work by the architect Tadao Ando is nestled among gentle hills and grounds planted with 150,000 lavender shrubs. At first you catch sight only of the head of the statue, rising elegantly from the hill – and then you enter a tunnel that leads you inside, where the whole figure reveals itself in the round rotunda. Here you can feel a sense of calm, pause for a moment, perhaps do a little meditation – or inscribe a wishing tablet (ema) or learn your fate through an omikuji.

We take lunch together – a lovely opportunity to reflect on the morning's impressions and gather fresh energy.

After our return journey to Sapporo, the rest of the afternoon is entirely yours: you could, for instance, stroll through the city centre, dip into local shops, or simply relax. If you fancy a creative experience, the optionally bookable soba cooking class is a wonderful choice: you learn how to make the traditional buckwheat noodle by hand – and can, of course, enjoy it yourself afterwards, garnished with tempura prepared by the master.

In the evening, Susukino opens its doors to a lively nightlife. You're free to set off as the mood takes you, discover new bars or little izakayas, or simply round off the day in a cosy corner. Your dinner is in your own hands – enjoy whatever you fancy.

Today your main luggage is sent ahead to Aomori, where you'll receive it again on Day 8. In the meantime you travel with light luggage only and so enjoy even more flexibility along the way.

This morning you take the train to Upopoy. Built in 2020, Upopoy is an important place for understanding and appreciating the unique heritage of the island's indigenous people. With a local guide you attend a performance of traditional dances and songs – a living, authentic experience that immerses you in the island's history.

Afterwards you take part in a craft workshop, where you can make a small souvenir to take home with you. You then explore the museum, where you discover the history and culture of the Ainu through interactive and informative exhibitions.

For lunch you can try Ainu cuisine to your own taste – perhaps a vegetable soup made from mountain vegetables, or would you rather have venison skewers?

After the meal you board the famous Shinkansen high-speed train to Hakodate. After checking in at the hotel in Hakodate there's a little time to explore the harbour city. In the evening you then head with the group to the viewpoint on Mount Hakodate for one of the most beautiful views in Japan. From there you admire the illuminated city and, above all, the bay of Hakodate.

The farewell dinner on Hokkaido takes place this evening in the restaurant at the viewpoint*.

*Subject to change

It's time to bid farewell to Hokkaido. After a relaxed breakfast we set off on the Shinkansen to Aomori.

Once you arrive in Aomori, you take your luggage to your hotel near the station. Aomori is famous for its fish and seafood, and your stomach is already rumbling. How about Nokkedon („topping rice bowl“), the famous rice bowl with all manner of fish toppings? At the Aomori Gyosai Center, a fish market, you buy tickets. You're given a bowl of rice and can use your tickets at the various stalls to have sashimi and other delicacies placed on top of the rice as you please, creating your very own Nokkedon. Enjoy!

With full stomachs you head towards the harbour. There the famous Nebuta Warasse Museum awaits you, displaying the enormous, brightly glowing Nebuta lantern figures of the great Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) and telling you more about one of Japan's best-known festivals. There's a little taste of dance and music too. Afterwards we move from the traditional art form into the modern age and visit the Aomori Art Museum, famous for the giant dog statue Aomori-ken by the artist Nara Yoshitomo.

After that the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Within walking distance of the hotel, you might take a stroll along Aomori's harbour promenade, visit the shopping centre in the station, or take in a view over the city from the nearby Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Center ASPAM.

Today we head to the castle town of Hirosaki, which is at the same time the town of apples! Right after your arrival at Hirosaki station, you may – if you're lucky – be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked apple tarts. A real must in this town, and best enjoyed hot – mmm! After this second breakfast we continue to the large castle park in the heart of Hirosaki. Before you visit the sprawling grounds and the proud castle, we call in at the Fujita Memorial Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden with a tea house. Here you refresh yourself with a bowl of matcha that you learn to prepare yourself.

You then stroll through the park with its red bridges and small museums towards Hirosaki Castle. You visit the Historical Castle Information Center and climb up into the castle keep, from where you have a wonderful view over the town. Afterwards we rest at the nearby Hirosaki Butokuden and enjoy hearty local cuisine over the lunch break.

Can you see a few lanterns in the distance? Neputa is an important cultural treasure in Hirosaki too. At the Tsugaru Han Neputa Village you learn even more about the famous Nebuta (Neputa) Matsuri and its associated craftsmanship. We also visit a craft workshop that produces the Kokeshi wooden dolls so well known in Tohoku, along with other beautiful objects made of wood.

After this visit the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the surroundings on your own, before we head back to Aomori. The evening is also free.

On the tenth day of your journey we send our luggage ahead to Sendai, so that you can enjoy the day unburdened. We begin our journey with the turquoise Hayabusa Shinkansen and finish with the red Akita-Komachi Shinkansen in Kakunodate. We start the day early, to explore the beautiful samurai town at leisure.

In Morioka you change trains and take the red Akita Komachi Shinkansen to Kakunodate. After your arrival you leave your luggage at the tourist information office right by the station and set off towards the samurai district. For lunch you enjoy regional specialities at the Nishinomiya-ke, a historic estate of the Nishinomiya samurai family that offers an insight into the life of the samurai and traditional architecture. Afterwards you meet your local guide for an engaging town tour, undertaken either on foot or by bicycle.

Then there's a sweet dessert: the local treat Kinkan Manju. After that you have free time to explore the charming town of Kakunodate on your own.

In the late afternoon you meet your host families for your farmstay. The day ends with a convivial dinner in the company of your host family, where you can experience warm-hearted Japanese hospitality up close.

Please note: guests are assigned to families by our local contact on site, depending on capacity, availability and any dietary requirements. We are therefore unable to tell you in advance which family you'll be staying with. Should there ever not be enough places in Kakunodate, we move to another village in the region – but your stay with a host family is guaranteed.

In the morning you bid farewell to your host families and meet at the station. You take the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki and change there onto a regional train that brings you to Hiraizumi.

After your arrival in Hiraizumi you lock your luggage in the lockers at the station and take the bus to the Chuson-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Equipped with an audio guide, you explore the impressive temple grounds and visit the famous Golden Hall (Konjikido), which delights with its gleaming gold decoration.

For lunch you call in at a Japanese restaurant, where you fortify yourself with a delicious meal of regional dishes. Afterwards you continue either by bus or on foot along a small walking trail to the Motsuji temple, with its beautiful lake and its accompanying gardens.

In the afternoon you make your way back to the station and travel a short distance to today's final destination, Sendai. After your arrival in Sendai you check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast we're off – we take the train to Matsushima, one of the three most beautiful views in Japan. From the station we stroll to the harbour, where a boat tour awaits us. The cruise takes us through the picturesque bay of Matsushima, dotted with hundreds of small, wooded islands.

After the boat tour we cross the bridge to Fukuurajima Island, where we can enjoy the equally splendid scenery of the surrounding islands. Various viewpoints invite you to linger. Lunch is not included in the programme today, so you have the chance to try one of the many local restaurants on your own.

After the lunch break there's a special local speciality for dessert: Zunda Mochi, a sweet delicacy made with mochi from sticky rice and a paste of sweetened green soybeans. Afterwards you have free time to explore the area around Matsushima, buy souvenirs, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

In the afternoon we meet again and take the train back to Sendai. To round off the day we enjoy a dinner together, at which we try the local speciality beef tongue. Afterwards we return to the hotel and let the day wind down comfortably.

Today you have the day at your leisure in Sendai! You can carry on exploring the city or simply relax.

On your free day you have the chance to discover the city at your own pace – with a blend of history, culture and relaxation. If the past fascinates you, a detour to the Zuihoden Mausoleum, the magnificent resting place of the legendary samurai Date Masamune, is well worth it. Surrounded by mighty cedars and intricate carvings, you experience a tranquil place steeped in history.

Close by lie the remains of Aoba Castle. Even though little of the original structure survives, the place delights with a sweeping view over the city and the impressive equestrian statue of Date Masamune.

If you're more in the mood for modern architecture and culture, a visit to the Sendai Mediatheque is just the thing. The light-flooded building with its extraordinary construction houses galleries, libraries and changing exhibitions – perfect for browsing, marvelling and taking a breath.

And if you simply want to unwind, you can round off the day at the Akiu Onsen – a well-known thermal-bathing area a little outside the city. Between green hills and steaming springs you'll find just the right place to switch off completely.

Our journey whisks you away from the bustling city of Sendai into the picturesque mountain landscape of Yamagata Prefecture. On the historic Senzan Line you wind your way through the Ou Mountains, whose lush forests and gentle peaks cast their spell over you. Your destination: the Risshakuji temple, also known as Yamadera, a place of spiritual retreat. After an hour's train ride, a figure clad in red awaits you at the station: a "Yamaderan"! This local Yamadera guide will accompany you on the ascent and tell you all about this mystical place. The climb: 1,015 steps to the summit of the temple complex. Along the way the mystical Midohora rocks greet you, their wind- and weather-shaped form recalling the Amithaba Buddha. At the top you are finally rewarded with a wonderful view over the valley and the Ou mountain range.

After the descent you fortify yourself with a delicious lunch of, for instance, local soba noodles and, restored, set off for your final destination: the city of Yamagata. You check in to your hotel right by the station. You treat yourself to some relaxation at the hotel or explore the new surroundings a little, until towards evening you finally call in at a traditional restaurant to enjoy Yamagata's cuisine and raise a glass of local sake or cherry juice to the day just gone. Weary but happy, you then return to your hotel.

Today your main luggage is sent ahead to Niigata, where you'll receive it again on Day 17. In the meantime you travel with light luggage only and so enjoy even more flexibility along the way.

Today a private bus picks you up at the hotel and you drive to the impressive Mount Zao, a real highlight of Yamagata Prefecture. After a journey of about an hour through mountain landscape threaded with rocks and green forests, you enjoy a light lunch and top up your snack bags at the Katta mountain station, before setting off for the highlight of the day, the Zao Okama volcanic crater. The emerald-green crater lake, also known as „Goshikinuma“, is a breathtaking sight and a highlight of the region.

After visiting the crater, weather permitting, you undertake a hike of around 2–3 hours with about 200 metres of ascent over the Kumanodake mountain to the Zao Jizo Sancho cable car station. This hike offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the area's unique volcanic geology.

By cable car you descend to the Zao Onsen station. Here you have some free time to explore the well-known onsen village, to plunge into the turquoise-blue water of the Dairotenburo Onsen – but take care, it's very hot – or to wander through the charming streets.

In the late afternoon you leave the Ou mountains to make your way to today's final destination. After this strenuous day the private bus picks you up and takes you straight to your hotel in the coastal town of Tsuruoka. A dinner of local specialities awaits you right at the hotel.

Early in the morning you travel to the Ideha Bunkakan Cultural Center on the sacred Mt. Haguro. Our first stop is a photo stop at the impressive Hagurosan Ootori, the great gate that marks the entrance to the sacred mountain.

The highlight of the day is taking part in a Yamabushi training experience. Yamabushi master Hoshino is already waiting to prepare us for a journey to the kami, the nature gods. Yamabushi are known for their ascetic practices and their deep connection to nature. In Japan the mountains have always been perceived as spiritual places that represent the gods. Master Hoshino guides us through some of the rituals, giving us an insight into his spiritual way of life and into the practice of the ancient Japanese path of Shugendo. We climb Mt. Haguro (birth and the present), which together with Mt. Yudono (rebirth and the future) and Mt. Gassan (death and the past) symbolises the cycle of life.

At midday you fortify yourself with a packed lunch from the temple. In the afternoon we return to the temple and you have some free time to explore the peaceful surroundings, process the new experiences, or simply relax.

The day ends with a dinner together at the temple, at which we enjoy Shojinryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of the Buddhist monks. This meal, prepared with great love and mindfulness, perfectly rounds off your spiritual experience at Mt. Haguro.

We leave the sacred mountains with fresh strength and new experiences in our baggage. We travel to Tsuruoka station, from where you take the Limited Express Inaho train along the coast to Niigata. After your arrival in Niigata you leave your luggage at the hotel so you can enjoy the day unburdened.

We make our way to the Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery, where a guided tour of the brewery awaits us. This brewery embraces innovation and combines various methods of production with contemporary design, which pleases not only the palate but also the eye. Afterwards you have the chance to take part in a sake tasting, including a non-alcoholic option.

After the brewery visit we take the bus to Pier Bandai, a lively market area, where you have the chance to choose a delicious lunch from what's on offer. From fresh fish to regional specialities, there are countless culinary delights to discover here.

In the afternoon we travel by bus to the historic Saito Villa, a magnificent estate that offers an insight into the architecture and lifestyle of the wealthy merchants of the Meiji era. After visiting the villa the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Good to know: the Inaho train line has been in operation since 1969. The E653 series trains are yellow and white, to symbolise the sunset.

Have you ever seen finely wrought spoons, bowls, teapots or knives “Made in Japan” from copper, brass or stainless steel? Tsubame-Sanjo, a city renowned for its high-quality metalworking and craftsmanship, could with near certainty be their place of origin. Today we take the train for a journey of about an hour to the neighbouring craft city. After your arrival we meet a true connoisseur of this city, who takes us on an exciting tour through the town today.

During the tour you explore the remarkable sights and learn more about the region's rich tradition of craftsmanship. A special highlight of our tour is a genuine “hands-on” experience, in which you can even make a small metal souvenir yourself under the guidance of an experienced master.

For lunch you enjoy a local speciality in a cosy restaurant to fortify yourself.

In the late afternoon we head back to Niigata city, where in the evening you can, for example, try a local izakaya.

Our journey takes you from the bustling harbour city of Niigata to the historic samurai town of Aizu-Wakamatsu. Equipped with ekiben lunch boxes, we travel by train to Aizu-Wakamatsu.

After checking in at the traditional Ryokan Tagoto you set off to explore the surrounding Nanokamachi district. A short wander through the streets quickly reveals that many traditional houses here are well preserved. You visit the over 400-year-old Yamada Momen weaving mill, where you may take a look at the historic machines on which fabric has always been produced here.

You continue your stroll to the famous Tsuruga Castle. The pink-shimmering tiles of the building are visible even from afar.

Please note: a single room cannot be guaranteed on this day. Should no single room be available, you'll share a larger room (individual futons/beds) with a same-sex fellow traveller for one night. We'll contact you before the trip should this be the case.

On the last day before we head back home, we have something very special in store once more. Today we first travel to the famous thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku, journeying once again along a beautiful route. The Oza-Toro-Tembo train with its open carriage (subject to availability) or, alternatively, the local train line carries us in about an hour through fields and mountains to Yunokami Onsen station. From there we continue by bus to the historic village of Ouchi-juku, a well-preserved post town from the Edo period, famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses.

After your arrival in Ouchi-juku you explore the charming village. A special photo stop takes you up the steps to the end of the main street, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the village from above.

For lunch a regional speciality awaits: Negi Soba, in which a stalk of leek is used as an eating utensil. A truly delicious and curious dish that will surely stay in your memory for a long time to come. After lunch you have some free time to explore the village on your own, to browse the small open house-front shops, or simply to enjoy the historic atmosphere.

In the afternoon you're picked up at the Ouchi-juku car park by a private bus that brings you to Tokyo. To conclude your journey we enjoy a dinner together in Tokyo, at which we reflect on the experiences of the past days and bid farewell to this unforgettable trip.

Please note: would you like to have more time in Tokyo? We're happy to offer a later return flight date and an extension of the hotel stay here.

After one last morning look at Tokyo, you make your way by public transport to the airport for your onward flight.

In your luggage you carry countless wonderful memories that we've shared together and that you can share with your family and friends.

After a few days we'll be in touch again to hear your thoughts on our tour – a unique opportunity to exchange suggestions and further ideas about this journey!

Sayonara Japan, until next time!