The best of Honshu and Hokkaido

Destinations

Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Toyota / Hakone / Mt. Fuji / Tokyo / Sapporo / Furano / Biei / Sounkyo / Abashiri / Shiretoko / Lake Mashu / Kushiro / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Otaru / Sapporo

Itinerary in brief

• Day 1 Arrival in Osaka
• Day 2 Osaka – Nara – Kyoto
• Day 3 Kyoto
• Day 4 Koka – Toyota – Bullet Train Ride
• Day 5 Hakone – Mt Fuji
• Day 6 Tokyo
• Day 7 Flight to Sapporo
• Day 8 Furano – Biei
• Day 9 Sounkyo – Abashiri
• Day 10 Shirtoko – Lake Mashu – Kushiro
• Day 11 Shiraoi – Noboribetsu
• Day 12 Lake Toya
• Day 13 Otaru – Sapporo
• Day 14 Sapporo
• Day 15 The excursion ends

Trip description

Exploring the two main islands of Japan: Honshu and Hokkaido.

This tour is the combination of our current “The Golden Route Japan Tour Summer (Reverse)” and “Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Summer Flowers in Hokkaido”. You can experience the “must see” tourist attractions in Tokyo and Kyoto as well as the Summer Flowers in Hokkaido by joining this tour.

This tour starts with Osaka because it is Osaka Castle. Then, we will take you to visit Nara, where you will be inspired by the intricate architecture and imposing monuments, including the Great Buddha statue, and you will understand why this city is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Japan. Spend two days in the ancient city of Kyoto, where you will have exclusive access to the city’s gardens, temples, shrines, and specialty shops. You will also have the opportunity to experience a green tea ceremony and see a kimono fashion show.

Visit the Miho Museum, an impressive architecture that accentuates the surrounding nature while displaying a variety of items from different ancient civilizations. It was designed by the famous architect, I. M. Pei, and is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and founder of the museum. In addition, the museum has been listed as one of the “1000 places to see before you die”. From there, visit Koka Ninja Mansion. This mansion used to be inhabited by ninjas, equipped with many clever traps and devices, designed to ward off intruders and provide a means of escape in times of need. Then head over to the Toyota Kaikan Museum, you will see demonstrations of concept cars that have not yet been developed for street use. Then experience riding one of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains before transferring you to Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen. There, you will stay in an onsen hotel (Japanese-style room), where you can relax in the hot springs (onsen) and dine on gourmet kaiseki cuisine.

Spend a day in Hakone and the world famous Mt. Fuji. Then, enjoy a comprehensive tour in Tokyo. Explore Tokyo’s cultural sights, trendy neighborhoods, and various shopping districts on a private guided tour. Learn how to make your own sushi from a professional sushi chef and savor your delicious creations. Visit the most famous attractions in Tokyo such as Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tsukiji Market, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower.

From Tokyo, transfer to Sapporo on a domestic flight, where we will visit Furano, Biei, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Shiretoko, Kushiro, Shiraoi, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Otaru and Sapporo. Summer is the best season to visit Hokkaido. It is the prefecture with the mildest climate in summer. It’s not that hot and humid during the day, and it cools down really well at night making every night even more enjoyable. Furthermore, Hokkaido offers beautiful fields of flowers and nature that are best explored during the summer. Hokkaido is considered the last frontier of Japan and is home to the indigenous Ainu people. This region includes towering mountains, pristine lakes, volcanoes, vast forests, open pastures, and hot springs (onsen). In mild summers you’ll see an explosion of color, with over 500 alpine flowers blooming throughout the season. The Hokkaido Marshes become a nursery for many new families, such as the Goosander and Japanese Crane Geese, and the female Sika Deer leading the calves for isolation from the coastal mudflats. In Shiretoko, we will also have the opportunity to take a small boat to sail near the steep rocky cliffs of Shiretoko and observe colonies of seabirds and brown bear.

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Itinerario detallado

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Day 1
Osaka Kansai Airport

Welcome to Osaka! A representative from Japan Travel will meet you at the arrival gate with a “Travel to Japan” sign.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class (NOTE 1 and 2)

NOTE 1: If you want to stay in downtown Osaka for the first night instead of Nikko Kansai Airport Hotel, we can arrange for you to stay at Elsereine Osaka Hotel (or similar class). In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 2: If you are flying to Itami Airport (ITM) instead of Kansai International Airport (KIX), we can arrange for you to stay in Downtown Osaka (Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class) instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. In this case, airport transfer and meetings are not included, but we will provide you with full directions to the hotel in advance.

NOTE 3: The meet and greet is ONLY available for flights arriving at Terminal 1 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving at Terminal 2, airport pickup is not included, but we will provide directions to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 4: If you want to stay more nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodation.

 

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Day 2
Osaka (Osaka Castle), Nara (Todai-ji Temple / Nara Deer Park), Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Temple / Kiyomizu Temple)

In the morning we will travel to Osaka by private coach. We will visit Osaka Castle, whose construction began in 1583 on the ruins of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple. The castle was the largest of its time and played an important role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. From Osaka, our coach leaves for Nara, the oldest capital of Japan. We will visit the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in Japan. The temple is also home to the largest bronze Buddha statue at 16.3 meters high, and the surrounding park is filled with more than 1,000 Sika deer. In the afternoon we will travel to Kyoto, a historic city that was saved from air raids and was saved from the atomic bomb during World War II for its cultural and historical value. We will visit the impressive vermilion-colored Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose 4 km tunnel of scarlet torii gates was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. This resort surrounds a bamboo wilderness that includes mountains, streams, and ponds, the perfect backdrop for a scenic hike. Then, we will visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that protrudes from its main hall, 13 meters above the slope below. The setting offers visitors a beautiful view of the many cherry and maple trees below that bloom in a sea of ​​color in spring and fall, as well as the city of Kyoto in the distance. We will stay two nights in Kyoto.

Breakfast lunch
Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class

 

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Day 3
Kyoto (Arashiyama – Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden – Sagano Bamboo Forest – Togetsukyo Bridge / Golden Pavilion / Nishijin Kimono Show / Green Tea Ceremony / Gion Geisha District)

Today we will continue our tour of Kyoto, which was once the capital of Japan and is still considered its cultural center. First is a visit to Arashiyama to see Tenryuji Temple where you can catch a glimpse of the traditional Zen landscape garden design. Then proceed through a dense bamboo forest, passing several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before reach the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River. Continue to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) covered in 18 karat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. At the Nishijin Textile Center, you can see displays of kimonos and even see a kimono fashion show. Next, we will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Finally, we will tour Gion, the old neighborhood of Geisha and Pontocho, whose cobbled alleys vibrate with nightlife.
Breakfast dinner
Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class

Day 4
Koka (Miho Museum / Koka Ninja Mansion), Toyota (Toyota Kaikan Museum), Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride

This morning we will visit the famous Miho Museum. The Miho Museum has impressive architecture that accentuates the surrounding nature while displaying a variety of items from different ancient civilizations. It was designed by the famous architect, I. M. Pei, and is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and founder of the museum. This museum is also listed as one of the “1000 places to see before you die.” From there, visit Koka Ninja Mansion. This mansion used to be inhabited by ninjas, equipped with many clever traps and devices, designed to ward off intruders and provide a means of escape in times of need. We will continue to the Toyota Kaikan Museum, which showcases Toyota’s new car models and technologies. Next, our group will experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 300 km / h. We will stay at the Onsen Hotel at Hamanako Kanzaiji Onsen, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a hot tub and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hamanako Royal Hotel or similar class

 

 

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Day 5
Hakone (Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani), Mt Fuji, Tokyo (Shibuya – Shibuya Crossing – Hachiko Statue)

After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Hakone and take a 20-minute cable car from Togendai to Owakundani. Much of the area here is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation since the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. There, you can experience hot springs and hot rivers, where sulfurous vapors still linger. Owakundani also has splendid views of Mount Fuji in good weather. From Hakone, we will proceed to Mt. Fuji in our private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes, from thick vegetation to lowlands and rolling clouds. We will stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (depending on the weather) to admire the world famous peak. In the afternoon we will travel to Tokyo. Our last visit for this day is Shibuya. We will be able to see the famous Shibuya crossing in action and cross the street with the crowd. Then we will take photos with the Hachiko statue at the crossing, which is a monument dedicated to a loyal dog who waited even after his master passed away.

Breakfast lunch
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

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Day 6
Tokyo (Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Sushi Making Experience / Tsukiji Outer Market / Imperial Palace / Tokyo Tower)

Today, you will be taken to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just past the outer gates of the temple. It is a traditional style shopping street with centuries of history. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy a sushi experience with a professional sushi chef. Whatever you prepare, you can eat! Then, we will head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where various restaurants and shops line the streets. Then, pay a visit to the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the current residence of the Imperial Family of Japan. In the afternoon, we will visit the tallest self-supporting steel tower in the world. At 333 meters high, the Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. You can admire 150 meters high on the main deck of the observatory and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, have gluten-free diets, have a shellfish allergy, or don’t eat raw fish, contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast lunch
Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar class

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Day 7
Narita Airport, Chitose Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sapporo. Upon arrival, an AJT representative will meet you at the arrivals gate and direct you to the hotel. Free for leisure in the afternoon.

Breakfast
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Chitose or similar class

 

 

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Day 8
Furano (Cheese Factory / Furano Winery / Tomita Farm – Furano Flower Fields), Biei (Blue Pond / Panorama Road / Shikisai Hill / Takushinkan)

In a private bus, we will travel to Furano. The flower fields of Furano offer a great variety of flowers from June to September. One of the best places to see the beautiful flowers against the Tokachi Mountains is Farm Tomita. In addition to flowers, Furano is celebrated for its local wine. Located on a hill overlooking the city, Bodega Furano is open to the public and there are free wine tastings. You can see how local Camembert is made at the Furano Cheese Factory. Try the black cheese, which gets its color from squid ink, and a host of other cheeses at the factory store. Don’t forget to visit the ice cream factory and pizzeria, or take part in one of the many hands-on workshops. In the afternoon, we will drive to Biei, a small town surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and extensive fields. Visit Blue Pond, then take in the beautiful scenery of Panorama Road from the window. From the Larch grove that runs along the hills, to the overlapping layers of hills, the majesty of this landscape unfolds before your eyes. Among the highlights of the area is Shikisai Hill, a large flower park with several flower fields. Stop by Takushinkan, an exhibition hall with beautiful landscape photography by renowned photographer Maeda Shinzo and her eldest son Akira. The exhibition features landscape photos from across Japan, with an emphasis on photos from the local Biei region. Tonight, we’ll stay at the onsen ryokan at Sounkyo Onsen where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a hot tub and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Sounkyo Choyotei Hotel or similar class

 

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Day 9
Sounkyo (Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls), Abashiri (Abashiri Prison Museum / Okhotsuku Ryu-hyo Museum)

After breakfast, we will explore the Sounkyo Gorge area, which includes Ginga and Ryusei Watefalls. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we drive to Abashiri and visit the Abashiri Prison Museum. Abashiri Prison was built in the 1890s to house more than a thousand dangerous criminals. The prison gained national fame through a popular series of yakuza films by director Ishii Teruo in the 1960s. Following a major modernization of Abashiri Prison in 1984, the old prison buildings were moved to the Museum of the Prison of Abashiri, which opened to the public in 1985 as an open-air museum. Next, visit the Abashiri Drift Ice Museum, where we will meet the curator and discover how the sea freezes here in winter. Stay in Shiretoko tonight and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Shiretoko Grand Hotel

 

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Day 10
Shiretoko (Shiretoko Nature Cruise), Lake Mashu, Kushiro (Akan International Crane Center / Kushiro Marshlands)

After breakfast, discover the natural treasures at Japan’s newest World Heritage site, the Shiretoko Peninsula, a mountainous desert jutting out into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. We will take a small boat and sail near the steep rocky cliffs of Shiretoko and observe the colonies of seabirds and brown bears. Then, we move to Lake Mashu from where you can see the volcanic crater lake. We will continue our trip to visit the Akan International Crane Center, a museum and breeding center and sanctuary for the Tancho “Red Crown” cranes. Finally, visit the Kushiro Marshlands, the largest wetland in Japan, protected by the Ramsar Convention in 1980 and incorporated into the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in 1987. We will spend a night at Tokachikawa Onsen, famous for its excellent hot springs where you can enjoy a relaxing bath.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Tokachikawa Daiichi Hotel or similar class

 

 

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Day 11
Shiraoi (Porokokotan), Noboribetsu (Jigokudani)

Today we have the opportunity to learn about the Ainu, the indigenous peoples of northern Japan. At Shiraoi Ainu Village, you will experience an authentic Ainu performance with music, dancing and singing. In the afternoon, we will stop at the most famous hot spring complex in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen. The valley generates 10,000 tons of bubbling water every day, and visitors can walk to nearby Lake Oyunuma and watch the plumes of steam rise. Then, we will pass through fields and mountains to Lake Toya for dinner and overnight. Lake Toya is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, known for its beauty of nature and good hot springs, and was chosen by Japan’s 100 Beautiful Landscapes in 2008. This is the third largest caldera lake in Japan, a about 42 km around, with 4 beautiful islands, and it is the habitat of many types of birds and deer. Tonight we will stay in a traditional Japanese style hotel that offers hot spring baths with beautiful views of the lake.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Toya Sun Palace or similar class

 

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Day 12
Lake Toya (Lake Toya Boat Ride / Usuzan Ropeway / Syowa Sinzan)

After breakfast, we will take a 30-minute cruise to Nakanoshima Island, an island in the middle of Lake Toya, where you can stroll around the island and meet the local creatures. Then, head to Mt. Usu and take the Usuzan Cable Car to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighboring Showa Shinzan.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hilton Niseko Village or similar class

 

 

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Day 13
Otaru (Otaru Cannal / Glass Workshops / Music Box Museum), Sapporo (Clock Tower / Odori Park / Susukino)

In the morning we will travel to Otaru, famous for its canals and glass blowing. During the first half of the 20th century, the Otaru Canal was a vital part of the city’s busy port. The canal allowed large vessels to be unloaded onto smaller ones, and then transported to local warehouses. Although the canal became obsolete when modern port facilities allowed the direct unloading of large ships, the canal remains an integral part of the city’s history and culture. As part of a citizen movement in the 1980s, the canal was restored and its former warehouses transformed into cafes, restaurants, museums, and shops. Next, we will visit the glass workshops and the Music Box Museum. In the afternoon, we will visit Sapporo and spend two nights there. The tour includes a visit to the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, where you can stroll along the boardwalk and smell the summer flowers. The next stop is Susukino, Hokkaido’s largest entertainment district. Tonight is for you to enjoy your free time.

Breakfast lunch
ANA Hotel Sapporo or similar class

 

 

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Day 14
Sapporo (Nijo Market / Okurayama Ski Jump / Sapporo Beer Museum / Historic Village / Shiroi Koibito Park)

This morning our Sapporo tour continues with a visit to Nijo Market, where you will see a variety of fresh local fruits and vegetables. Next up is a visit to Okurayami Ski Jump, where the 90 meter ski jump portion of the 1972 Winter Olympics took place. From there we will visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, dedicated to all things beer. . Sapporo is the oldest brewery in Japan and exports its beer around the world. At Historic Village, you can see architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods when Japan experienced rapid expansion. Then visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park founded by a local chocolate company. Their famous Shiroi Koibito Cookies, buttery cookies with a white chocolate center, are a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Breakfast lunch
ANA Hotel Sapporo or similar class

 

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Day 15
Tour ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Check out time is at 11am. And you can get to Chitose airport by the airport limousine bus.

Breakfast

NOTE 5: If you want to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to reserve hotel accommodation.