14-Day Sakura Dreams & Northern Japan Discovery Tour from Tokyo: Kyoto and Sapporo | Tokyo Skytree, Shirakawa-go Village, Senso-ji Temple and Hokkaido

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Tokyo

   Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you'll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you'll receive details about the start of your tour.
   
   IMPORTANT:
   - Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 015:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
   - The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
   
   * Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Tokyo

   In the morning, we'll take a long guided tour - about five hours - through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.
   
   We'll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You'll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.
   
   Next, we'll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we'll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
   
   We'll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.
   
   We'll drive through Akihabara, the "Electric City," known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we'll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan's tallest structure, where we'll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.
   
   We'll end our visit in Asakusa, where we'll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel.
   
   18:30 p.m. – We'll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we'll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We'll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.
   
   * Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

   

   Akihabara

   

   Tokyo Skytree

   

   Asakusa

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Tokyo - Kyoto

   Total distance covered by bullet train: 430 km.
   
   07:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We'll transfer to Tokyo Station to board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
   
   * Note: You'll be accompanied to the station, but during the train journey, a guide will not travel with you if the group for this section of the trip has fewer than 15 people. Upon your arrival at Kyoto Station, our guide will be waiting to continue the tour.
   
   10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We'll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
   
   Our tour will cover some of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple - commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto's historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.

   

   Fushimi Inari Shrine

   

   Kyoto Imperial Palace

   

   Golden Pavilion

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: New miyako hotel(17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Kyoto - Eihei -ji - Katsuyama - Kanazawa

   Total distance covered: 302 km.
   
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, starting with a large lake and ending at a sanctuary nestled in a cedar forest.
   
   * Notes: We'll visit an active Zen Buddhist monastery, so we recommend wearing modest clothing. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are also suggested for the visit to the monastery.
   
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan's largest lakes, we'll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
   11:00 a.m. – Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.
   
   12:30 p.m. – Departure from Eihei-ji.
   13:15 p.m. – Katsuyama. We'll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. Afterwards, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.
   
   17:30 p.m. – Departure from Katsuyama.
   19:00 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

   

   Eiheiji Temple

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
5. 5

   Day 5 — Kanazawa

   Total distance covered: 10 km.
   
   08:30 a.m. – Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we'll include a city tour. Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We'll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We'll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We'll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. Free afternoon.

   

   Kenrokuen Garden

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
6. 6

   Day 6 — Kanazawa - Ainokura - Shirakawa -go - Takayama

   Total distance covered: 138 km.
   
   Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, vast forests, and picturesque villages along the route.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kanazawa. We'll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as "praying hands" for their resemblance to monks´'hands joined in prayer - designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
   09:15 a.m. – Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.
   
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Ainokura.
   11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. You'll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
   
   13:30 p.m. – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
   14:15 p.m. – Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We'll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.
   
   15:30 p.m. – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
   15:45 p.m. – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.

   

   Gokayama

   

   Shirakawago Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Hida Takayama
7. 7

   Day 7 — Takayama - Hida Furukawa - Matsumoto - Nagano

   Total distance covered: 155 km.
   
   Scenery: We'll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.
   
   10:00 a.m. – Departure from Takayama.
   10:30 a.m. – Hida Furukawa. We'll stroll through the charming old town. This city's festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We'll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival's floats, costumes, and drums.
   
   12:00 p.m. – Departure from Hida Furukawa. We'll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Stop for lunch en route (lunch not included).
   15:30 p.m. – Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we'll visit the city's impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
   
   17:15 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
   18:30 p.m. – Nagano.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Metropolitan nagano(1346 Minami-Ishido-Cho, Nagano Prefecture, Nagano 380-0824, Japan)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Nagano - Monkey Park - Kusatsu - Ikaho

   Total distance covered: 160 km
   Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of the Japanese Alps.
   
   * Note: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Monkey Park.
   Early in the morning, in Nagano, we'll visit Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site that houses Japan's first Buddhist image. Our travelers will also take part in the Gomakuyo ceremony, a traditional ritual to attract good fortune.
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Nagano. We continue our journey through the high mountains of the Japanese Alps.
   
   11:30 a.m. – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Arrival. We'll take a walk through the forested trails, rivers, and hot springs where colonies of Japanese macaques live and bathe in the warm waters.
   
   12:45 p.m. – Departure from the park. We travel through breathtaking high-mountain scenery (reaching 2,172 meters / 7,126 feet) and pass by semi-active volcanoes.
   
   14:15 p.m. – Kusatsu – Arrival. This attractive hot-spring town is known for its lively central square. We'll enjoy a walk through the city park, which features open-air onsen (hot springs). Free time for lunch.
   
   17:00 p.m. – Departure from Kusatsu.
   
   18:30 p.m. – Ikaho Onsen – Arrival. A picturesque hot-spring town where we'll stroll through its old center, famous for its traditional stone stairways. We'll stay overnight in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we suggest relaxing and enjoying the hot-spring baths. Traditional Japanese dinner included.
   
   * Note: In autumn, depending on the availability of food in the mountains, the movement of the monkeys can be unpredictable. If the macaques do not come down to the park, it may be closed. The visit to Kusatsu may also be canceled due to weather conditions from November to April.
   
   * Note: On certain dates, due to local festivals, accommodation may be provided in nearby cities such as Takasaki or Maebashi, in a Western-style hotel with dinner included but without onsen facilities.

   

   Zenko-ji

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel moriaki ryokan(60 Ikahomachi Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Ikaho - Nikko - Sendai

   Total distance covered: 400 km.
   
   07:45 a.m. - Departure from Ikaho Onsen.
   10:00 a.m. - Nikko. This extraordinary town is renowned for its rich history and stunning landmarks. We'll visit the awe-inspiring Nikko Toshogu Shrine, celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship, and the Hall of the Crying Dragon, known for its fascinating acoustics. Our visit will also include the serene Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, surrounded by tranquil natural beauty. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where hundreds of Jizo statues line the riverside path. Free time will be provided for lunch and to explore the town center.
   
   15:30 p.m. - Departure from Nikko.
   19:45 p.m. - Sendai. Arrival in this vibrant, modern city with over one million inhabitants. Take the evening to explore Sendai's bustling center and enjoy dinner in one of its lively districts.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Metropolitan sendai east(Miyagi ken Sendai city Aoba-ku central 1-1-1)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Sendai - Matshushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka

    Total distance covered: 217 km.
    
    Scenery: Forests, mountains, and the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands area.
    
    08:00 a.m. - Departure for the marvelous city of Matsushima.
    08:30 a.m. - Matsushima. Arrival in this picturesque city on the "Thousand Islands" Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful locations in Japan. We'll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we'll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares insights about the city. Afterward, we'll embark on a 50-minute cruise (included).
    
    11:00 a.m. - Departure. Lunch will be included.
    14:00 p.m. - Hiraizumi. We'll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We'll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included).
    
    17:15 p.m. - Departure for Morioka.
    18:45 p.m. - Morioka. Arrival in the pleasant capital of Iwate Province. We'll check into our hotel and have free time to explore the city.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel metropolitan morioka new wing(Iwate, Morioka, Moriokaekimaekitadori 2-27, Japan)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate

    Total distance covered: 197 km.
    
    Note: We recommend bringing warm clothing to enjoy the ferry´s open deck.
    
    07:30 a.m. - Departure. We'll travel north through a region of beautiful landscapes.
    09:30 a.m. - Hirosaki. Arrival in this former cultural capital during the Edo period. From the outside, we will see its castle, located in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees bloom in spring
    
    10:30 a.m. - Departure from Hirosaki.
    11:40 a.m. - Aomori. Arrival in the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. We'll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan's vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnivals, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
    
    Afterward, we'll board a ferry to cross to Hokkaido Island. The ferry is scheduled to depart at 14:20 p.m. Enjoy a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours.
    
    18:00 p.m. - Hakodate. Free time to explore the charming pedestrian-friendly historic center, where we can admire the city´s cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and various Christian churches.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Four points by sheraton hakodate(040-0063 Hokkaido, Hakodate)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo

    Total distance covered: 338 km.
    Scenery: Beautiful landscapes and stunning volcanic areas.
    * Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking in Hell Valley.
    
    In the morning, we'll visit the impressive and bustling fish market. We'll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the star-shaped layout of Hakodate's historic fortress. You'll have free time to explore the castle grounds before we continue our journey.
    
    11:00 a.m. - Departure.
    11:45 a.m. - Onuma. Free time to explore this magnificent tourist area, known for its countless small islands. You can take a boat ride or walk across the bridges connecting the islands. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
    
    13:45 p.m. - We'll continue our journey along the coastline.
    16:15 p.m. - Noboribetsu. We'll visit this spectacular volcanic area, walking among the steaming fumaroles of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), admiring the boiling waters of Lake Oyunuma.
    
    17:30 p.m. - Departure.
    19:15 p.m. - Sapporo. Arrival in the beautiful capital of northern Japan at the end of the day.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Sapporo park(Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo, Minami 10 Jonishi, 3 Chome8722;1)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Sapporo - Hill of Buddha - Otaru - Sapporo

    Total distance covered: 120 km.
    
    08:30 a.m. - We'll start the morning with a city tour of Sapporo, making brief photo stops at the Clock Tower and Odori Park Avenue, dominated by the towering TV Tower. We'll then spend an hour exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine, where we'll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to give thanks for our journey.
    
    11:00 a.m. - Just outside Sapporo, we'll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of modern architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavender-covered hill houses a massive Buddha statue. The complex also features replicas of the Moai statues from Easter Island.
    
    12:15 p.m. - We'll continue to Otaru.
    
    13:00 p.m. - Otaru. Arrival in this charming town with a distinctly European feel, known for its lively commercial streets, historic canal, and small museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
    
    15:30 p.m. - Return to Sapporo, arriving at 04:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore the city at your own pace.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Sapporo park(Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo, Minami 10 Jonishi, 3 Chome8722;1)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Sapporo

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator