Evening view of the cherry blossom at Hirosaki Castle | Kojin

Tanesashi coastline

sashimi, japan | Kimi

Shinjuku by night | Felipe Romero Beltran

Temple Traditions

Ancient temples adorned in intricate design are visited throughout our Japan adventures

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Japan Northern Explorer

Name: Japan Northern Explorer
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: TNR
Rating: 4.58 (19 reviews)

A cultural journey through northern Japan

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19 reviews

14 Days from

$7461 USD

$8290 USD

Trip Code: TNR

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

2026 Single Supplement (13 nights only)

$600 USD

Duration

14 Days

Activities

14 days adventure touring

Accommodation

13 nights Western style hotels / Japanese style accommodation

Meals

5 Dinners
13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

45kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(673kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Japan Northern Explorer Trip highlights

Explore Japan’s lesser-visited northern regions from Hokkaido to Nikko
Discover Japan’s cultural depth - learn about the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan; and explore temple towns, castle streets and sacred shrines
Cruise through the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay
Enjoy a traditional sumo experience with farewell dinner in Tokyo

Overview

This unique journey explores Japan’s lesser-visited north, travelling from the frontier landscapes of Hokkaido to the cultural heart of Honshu. Blending vibrant cities with quiet coastal towns, historic castle centres and sacred mountain landscapes, the trip reveals a deeper, more authentic side of Japan away from the main tourist routes.

Beginning in Sapporo, the youthful capital of Hokkaido, the journey introduces the region’s pioneering spirit and Indigenous heritage, including a visit to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum. Historic port towns such as Hakodate, elegant castle cities like Hirosaki, and coastal walks along the Pacific shore provide varied insights into northern life and landscapes. Highlights include cruising the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay, exploring samurai heritage in Aizu Wakamatsu, and walking through the forests, lakes and wetlands of Nikko National Park.

Travelling largely by Japan’s excellent public transport network, the itinerary balances guided sightseeing with free time and gentle walking. Comfortable hotels and traditional-style accommodation provide a rewarding mix of modern convenience and cultural immersion.

The journey concludes in Tokyo with a celebratory farewell, featuring a traditional sumo experience and group dinner — a memorable finale to a thoughtfully paced exploration of northern Japan.

Itinerary

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On arrival into Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, make your way to the group hotel. Once a remote frontier outpost, Sapporo is now a lively modern city known for its food culture and wide boulevards. This evening we meet our fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome briefing, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Clark Hotel or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: D

This morning we visit Nijo Fish Market, a local favourite where stalls overflow with seafood from across Hokkaido. We then enjoy a guided walk through central Sapporo, taking in Odori Park and the lively entertainment district of Susukino. The afternoon and evening are free to explore independently. Optional visits include the Sapporo Beer Museum, city gardens or further neighbourhood wandering, or visit Otaru - a beautifully preserved canal city (40 minute train journey). Your guide will help you find your favourite place to visit and will tell you how to get there by yourself. Overnight: Clark Hotel or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: B

We depart Sapporo and travel south through Hokkaido. En route we visit Upopoy National Ainu Museum, an outstanding cultural centre dedicated to the Indigenous Ainu people of northern Japan. Continuing by train, we arrive later in the day in the historic port city of Hakodate, a vibrant European-influenced city with an interesting history. Train travel (approx. 5–6 hrs total, including stop at Upopoy Ainu Museum). Overnight: Route Inn Grantia Hakodate Ekimae or similar (Western rooms) *Prepare your small pack in order to forward your main luggage by Takkyubin delivery service to DAY 5 accommodation in Hirosaki, where it will be waiting for your arrival. The hotel staff and guide will assist you with these arrangements. Luggage transfers such as these are priced on a per piece, per transfer basis of approximately 2200 JPY per bag per transfer- weight and dimensions factor into the precise cost. This service is to be paid directly and locally for group sizes under 6 people. This cost is included in group sizes of 6 people or more.

Meals: B

This morning we visit Goryokaku Tower for views over the unique star-shaped fortress below. We then explore the lively Hakodate Market, with time to browse the stalls and enjoy lunch at your own expense. One of the specialty foods on Hokkaido is crab, and the market in Hakodate offers a great chance to gape at the endless selection of crab and other seafood on offer. The afternoon is free at your leisure, before ascending Mt Hakodate by ropeway in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy one of Japan’s most famous city views. Overnight: Route Inn Grantia Hakodate Ekimae or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: B

After breakfast we catch a train and travel from Hakodate to Hirosaki. The trip from Hakodate to Hirosaki takes approximately 3.5 hours, and goes through a long undersea tunnel - an impressive feat of engineering. Located in the far northern Aomori prefecture, Hirosaki was once an important cultural centre in Northern Japan. A number of Western-style buildings are witnesses of Hirosaki’s, for example the Former Residence of Foreign Teachers in Hirosaki, Old Hirosaki City Library and the Miniature Buildings etc. This afternoon we visit Hirosaki Castle Park, with some well-preserved Samurai houses and Zenringai, over an area boosting 33 Zen temples, which linger as reminders of Hirosaki's historic significance as a castle town. Afterwards we will enjoy a traditional matcha tea experience at Fujita Memorial Garden, with views towards Mount Iwaki. Overnight: Route Inn Hirosaki or similar.

Meals: B

We continue along Japan’s Pacific coast to Hachinohe. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic walk (approx 3 hours) along the Tanesashi Coast, a beautiful stretch of grassy headlands, coastal flowers and ocean views. Overnight: hotel *Prepare your small pack in order to forward your main luggage by Takkyubin delivery service to DAY 7 accommodation in Matsushima, where it will be waiting for your arrival. The hotel staff and guide will assist you with these arrangements. Luggage transfers such as these are priced on a per piece, per transfer basis of approximately 2200 JPY per bag per transfer- weight and dimensions factor into the precise cost. This service is to be paid directly and locally for group sizes under 6 people. This cost is included in group sizes of 6 people or more.

Meals: B

Heading south we catch the local express train to Matsushima (3hrs). Located on Tohoku’s Pacific Coast, Matsushima’s famous pine-covered islands are considered one of the “Nihon Sankei”- three great sights of Japan. Upon arrival, we visit the local fish market and walk to Godaido Temple, dramatically set on a small island connected by a wooden bridge. This evening we enjoy a group dinner featuring regional Tohoku cuisine. Overnight: Matsushima Century Hotel or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: B,D

Following breakfast we enjoy a sightseeing cruise through Matsushima’s famous pine islands. After the cruise we visit Zuiganji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in northern Japan. The afternoon is free at leisure for independent exploration or optional walking using the well-marked paths. For example, you might want stroll over to Fukuura Island or Oshima Island, or the garden of Entsuin Temple. For hikers, we suggest a walk up nearby Sokanzan Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of this beautiful area. Overnight: Matsushima Century Hotel or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: B,D

We travel inland today by train (approx 3.5 hours) to Aizu Wakamatsu, a region famed for its strong samurai traditions. On arrival we visit Tsuruga Castle, a symbol of the area’s history and resilience. Overnight: hotel *Prepare your small pack in order to forward your main luggage by Takkyubin delivery service to DAY 10 accommodation in Aizu Wakamatsu. The hotel staff and guide will assist you with these arrangements. Luggage transfers such as these are priced on a per piece, per transfer basis of approximately 2200 JPY per bag per transfer- weight and dimensions factor into the precise cost. This service is to be paid directly and locally for group sizes under 6 people. This cost is included in group sizes of 6 people or more.

Meals: B,D

Today we explore the surrounding countryside by chartered bus, visiting Ouchijuku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town with traditional thatched houses. We also visit Tonohetsuri Gorge, where dramatic rock formations line the river. We return to Aizu Wakamatsu in the afternoon, with the evening free at leisure. Overnight: hotel

Meals: B

We travel south by train to Nikko, set among forested mountains. Built by the great shogun Tokugawa Leyasu’s grandson to commemorate his grandfather’s accomplishments, Nikko has stood the test of time and remains a breathtaking sight. This afternoon we explore the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, including the richly decorated Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine and nearby sacred forest walks beneath towering cedar trees. Overnight: Nikko Station Hotel Ni-Bankan or similar. *Prepare your small pack in order to forward your main luggage by Takkyubin delivery service tomorrow morning to DAY 13 accommodation in Tokyo, where it will be waiting for your arrival. The hotel staff and guide will assist you with these arrangements. Luggage transfers such as these are priced on a per piece, per transfer basis of approximately 2200 JPY per bag per transfer- weight and dimensions factor into the precise cost. This service is to be paid directly and locally for group sizes under 6 people. This cost is included in group sizes of 6 people or more.

Meals: B

A day immersed in nature as we explore Nikko National Park. Highlights include Lake Chuzenji, the powerful Kegon Waterfall, and a walk across the Senjogahara Marshland, a wide alpine wetland with boardwalk trails. This evening, main luggage is forwarded ahead to Tokyo to allow easier travel tomorrow. Overnight: Nikko Station Hotel Ni-Bankan or similar.

Meals: B

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Nikko before travelling to Tokyo by train (approx. 2 hours). This evening we gather for a special finale: a sumo experience with farewell dinner, offering insight into one of Japan’s most iconic sporting traditions and providing a celebratory conclusion to the journey. An optional visit to Sensoji Temple is available for those wishing to see Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple illuminated at night. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar (Western rooms)

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, the trip concludes in Tokyo.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

13 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Comfortable well located hotel/traditional inns
Rail tickets as listed in itinerary (note - this is NOT a JR Rail Pass)
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
Expert bilingual guide

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Airport transfers
Sightseeing, optional activities and entry fees not listed in itinerary
City bus and subway fares (nominal amounts)
Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Items of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry and postage
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Visa costs
Travel Insurance (compulsory)

Adventure Highlighted Video - Japan Northern Explorer

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