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Book By 31 December 2025 • Select Dates Sep - Nov 2026

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A woman in a colorful kimono walks with a spiral-patterned umbrella along a path lined with vibrant autumn trees.

12 Day Hokkaido to Tokyo Northern Explorer

12 Day Fly & Tour Holiday through Northern Japan's rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities.

Return Flights Included!
Bonus Savings | $4800
Travel Sep - Nov 2026

Book By 31 December 2025

Product Code: MT-1988

12 Day Hokkaido to Tokyo Northern Explorer

12 Day Fly & Tour Holiday through Northern Japan's rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities.

Return Flights Included!
Bonus Savings | $4800
Travel Sep - Nov 2026

Package Itinerary Travel Dates Important Info

Package Inclusions Open All

International flights to Sapporo, returning from Tokyo

Experience the wonders of Northern Japan on a 12-day journey from Sapporo to Tokyo. Discover volcanic landscapes, steaming valleys and the chance to unwind in a traditional onsen. Explore charming coastal towns, historic castle districts and preserved samurai residences that reveal Japan’s warrior heritage. Enjoy regional tastings, from fresh market produce to local sake, showcasing the flavours of the north. Travel by bullet train as the scenery shifts from tranquil countryside to Tokyo’s vibrant energy. This itinerary blends culture, scenery and authentic experiences for a memorable exploration of Japan’s northern regions.

International flights to Sapporo, returning from Tokyo
11 nights in 3-4 star, quality accommodations
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Shinkansen bullet train experience
Private transportation in air-conditioned coach
English speaking Japanese tour guide throughout
Guided sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary

Overnight in a traditional Japanese onsen and relax in natural hot springs
Cruise Matsushima Bay for scenic views of its famous pine-covered islands
Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and sample Japan’s iconic brews
Explore the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, dedicated to Ainu indigenous culture
Experience samurai heritage at Aizu Samurai House and Tsuruga Castle
Witness volcanic landscapes at Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley and Showa Shinzan
Enjoy a traditional matcha tea experience in a Japanese garden
Learn about sake brewing at the Nanbu Toji Traditional Museum
Travel on the high-speed bullet train from Hakodate to Aomori
Overnight in Tokyo where you can explore the vibrant city at leisure

Your Itinerary

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Welcome to Sapporo, Hokkaido

Upon arrival at Chitose Airport, Sapporo Hokkaido, make your own way to the hotel. Enjoy your first evening exploring the vibrant city of Sapporo at your leisure.

Sapporo Sightseeing

Begin the day with a departure from the hotel and head to the historic Hokkaido Shrine, where you can take in the serene atmosphere and traditional architecture. Next, visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a charming spot known for its delicious confectionery and picturesque surroundings.

Continue to Odori Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Then, enjoy free time at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a bustling arcade filled with shops and eateries, where you can explore and have lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the brewing history of Sapporo beer and enjoy a tasting.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sapporo - Noboribetsu

Begin the day with a visit to Okurayama Ski Jump, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the top and learn about its significance in winter sports history.

Next, enjoy lunch before visiting the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, an immersive cultural center dedicated to the history and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people.

Continue to Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, a dramatic volcanic landscape known for its steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. Afterward, return to the hotel to relax before enjoying a group dinner featuring local flavours.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Noboribetsu - Hakodate

Depart from the hotel and journey to Showa Shinzan, an impressive volcanic lava dome that continues to emit steam, offering a glimpse into Hokkaido’s dynamic geological history.

Next, visit Michi-no-Eki Nanairo Nanae, a charming roadside station where you can explore local products, fresh produce, and regional specialties.

Continue to Goryokaku Park, a stunning star-shaped fort with scenic walking paths and historical significance. After a day of exploration, arrive at the hotel and unwind for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Hakodate - Aomori

For the early risers, start the day with a dawn visit to the Hakodate Morning Fish Market and Auction, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and see the freshest seafood on display. Return to the hotel for breakfast and rendezvous with the guide.

Travel to Shinhakodate Station, where you’ll have time for lunch before boarding the bullet train to Shin Aomori Station. Upon arrival, explore the vibrant Nebuta Museum, showcasing the artistry and history of Aomori’s famous Nebuta Festival.

Continue to A-Factory, a stylish market featuring local Aomori products, including cider and specialty goods. Conclude the day by arriving at the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Meals included: Breakfast

Aomori - Hachinohe - Morioka

Depart from your hotel in Aomori in the morning and travel to Hachinohe Hasshoku Center, a lively marketplace offering a vast selection of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and specialty products. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you explore the market stalls and perhaps sample some regional treats.

Continue your journey to a local restaurant for an authentic Wanko Soba experience, a unique and interactive way to enjoy traditional Japanese noodles. Participate in the fun challenge of eating small bowls of soba, where the serving staff will continue refilling your bowl until you indicate you’ve had enough.

In the afternoon, visit Morioka Tezukurimura, a handicraft village where you can immerse yourself in Japanese craftsmanship. This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for local artistry and heritage.

Arrive at your hotel in the evening, where you can relax after a day filled with cultural exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Morioka - Ichinoseki - Sendai

Begin the day’s journey with a visit to the Nanbu Toji Traditional Museum, where you can learn about the art of Nanbu-style sake brewing and traditional craftsmanship.

Continue to Chusonji Temple, a historic site known for its stunning Golden Hall and rich cultural heritage. Take time to explore the serene surroundings and admire the temple’s intricate architecture.

Next, visit Genbikei, a picturesque gorge famous for its rugged rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Conclude the day by arriving at the hotel in Sendai.

Meals included: Breakfast

Sendai - Matsushima - Koriyama

After breakfast, check out and head to Matsushima Kaigan, a scenic coastal area known for its breathtaking island views. Board a relaxing Matsushima Bay Cruise, offering a unique perspective of the famous pine-covered islets.

Enjoy free time in Matsushima to explore and have lunch, taking in the charming atmosphere and local delicacies.

Continue to the Kanezaki Sasakama Kan, where you can learn about the traditions of the Sendai Tanabata Festival, followed by time for shopping.

Arrive at the hotel in the mid afternoon in Koriyama.

Meals included: Breakfast

Koriyama

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the day’s journey with a visit to Kashiwaya, a renowned sweet shop offering traditional confections.

Next, explore Sasanokawa Sake Brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample locally crafted sake.

Enjoy free time for lunch, before continuing to Takashiba Deko Yashiki, a traditional craft village, where you’ll take part in a hands-on Little Daruma painting experience.

Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon after a day of cultural discoveries.

Meals included: Breakfast

Koriyama - Aizuwakamatsu

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the day’s journey with a visit to Tsuruga Castle, a historic landmark known for its striking architecture and samurai history.

Continue to Aizu Samurai House, where you can explore the well-preserved residence and learn about the lifestyle of the Aizu samurai.

Enjoy an included lunch before heading to Imoriyama-Sazaedo Tomb, a unique double-helix pagoda with a fascinating design and historical significance.

Next, visit Oyakuen Garden, a serene Japanese garden where you can take part in a traditional matcha experience.

Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon to relax and before enjoying the onsen hot springs and an included dinner at the hotel in the evening. A truly Japanese experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aizuwakamatsu - Tokyo

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head to Ouchi-juku, a picturesque post town known for its traditional thatched-roof houses and charming atmosphere. Stroll along the preserved Edo-period street, where you can admire the historic buildings that once served as lodging for traveling samurai and merchants.

Stop for lunch before traveling back to Tokyo, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last evening at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart Tokyo

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your own way to Narita or Haneda International Airport

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on tour starting 3 September 2026

Extra charges apply for:

21 September 2026 ($100pp)
12 October 2026 ($200pp)
19 November 2026 ($100pp)

Travel in Sep-Nov in Japan

Experience the changing seasons in Northern Japan as summer fades and vibrant autumn colours take centre stage. September remains mild with warm days and cooler evenings, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and late-summer festivals. By October, crisp air and brilliant red and gold foliage transform national parks and countryside towns into some of Japan’s most picturesque landscapes. November brings a sharper chill as winter approaches, with temperatures dropping further, creating fresh, clear days perfect for scenic walks and hot spring escapes. This period offers comfortable travel conditions, fewer crowds, and some of the region’s most stunning natural beauty.

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

Brisbane ($300pp)
Perth ($400pp)
Adelaide ($400pp)

Itinerary

Our multi-stop Japan tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture, and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.

Pace
The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several areas of Japan and can involve some early starts and long travel days. The on-the-go nature of multi-city tours rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities. One to two nights at each destination is standard.

Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you. This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.

Coach

Our coaches are equipped with safety belts, reclining seats and air-conditioning. With huge windows and plenty of legroom to ensure that your coach tour stages are a pleasure from the moment you set foot on the coach and throughout your journey.

Tour Leader

Your Tour Leader will be experienced, friendly and passionate to share each destination with you. They will be on hand to offer suggestions for extra activities, local dining options and more while you are on tour.

Group Size

On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 people and a maximum group size of approximately 34 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a refund or an alternative date.

Refer to Important Info for further details.

While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly guide will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating. Hotel names referenced below are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.

Solaria Hotel Sapporo, or similar

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, or similar

Premier Hotel Cabin President Hakodate, or similar

Hotel Aomori, or similar

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing, or similar

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East, or similar

Koriyama View Hotel Annex, or similar

Hotel in Higashiyama Onsen or Ashinomaki Onsen, or similar

Hotel Monday Premium Toyosu, Tokyo, or similar

Refer to Important Info for further details.

A single supplement from $1,200*pp and is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms in Japan.

Exclusions

Airport transfers, meals not stated, beverages, travel insurance (strongly recommended), personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Pace

The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several areas of Japan and can involve some early starts and long travel days. The on-the-go nature of multi-city tours rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities. One to two nights at each destination is standard.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Child

This tour is best enjoyed to adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Change & Cancellation

Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:

0-29 days before departure 100% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

30-60 days before departure 65% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

61-99 days before departure 50% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

100-180 days before departure 30% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

181+ days before departure 10% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply

Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website

Deviation

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Extra Accommodation

Pre and post tour accommodation is not included. Should you choose to arrive prior or extend your stay, you will need to source your own accommodation and transportation. The deviation fee policy will also apply.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is the standard and is included in the price you pay. If you leave money behind or try to tip directly, it may be refused or returned with confusion. Instead of tipping, a simple thank you or small gift from your home country is a more appropriate way to show appreciation.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Meals

Breakfasts offered by the Japanese accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation

The size of hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotels will generally have very few rooms with double-bed configuration. Requests for rooms with double beds cannot be guaranteed in advance and if not available, twin beds will be provided. All rooms are lead-in category or run-of-house unless otherwise specified. Due to the popular culture of smoking in Japan, non-smoking or deodorised rooms will be requested by default – please notify hotel reception if this is an issue. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary. While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly guide will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.

Flights

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.

Fuel

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Itinerary

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Passport

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa

A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Japan for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.

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price is per person twin share

single traveller surcharge from $1,200*pp

Product Code: MT-1988

From $5,299 *pp Valued at $7700

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Call us - 133 133

Chat to one of our Holiday Specialists

price is per person twin share

single traveller surcharge from $1,200*pp

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12 Day Hokkaido to Tokyo Northern Explorer

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Days 12

Adults 2

Departure Point Melbourne

Preferred Departure Date 03-09-2026

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Book By 31 December 2025

Valued at $7700

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