Japan Northern Explorer
Deal number: 12905653
WORLD EXPEDITIONS
This deal expires 20 July 2025
From 27/09/2025 to 13/12/2026
Japan
16-day tour
Price from
$9,990*
per person
Deal number: 12905653
Travel through Japan’s less-visited north, from the wild coast of Sado Island to the cedar forests of Nikko and the lakes beneath Mount Fuji
Take a ferry ride through the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay and walk peaceful forest trails in Nikko and Hirosaki
Discover Japan’s cultural depth - stay in family-run ryokans, learn about the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan, and explore temple towns, castle streets and sacred shrines
Soak in natural hot springs and enjoy the gentle rhythm of life in remote towns far from the tourist crowds
15 breakfasts and 7 dinnersComfortable well located hotel/traditional innsJapan Rail Pass - for use from day 3Internal flight Niigata/Sapporo valued at USD$363Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itineraryExpert bilingual guideMedical kitWorld Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up, we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The single supplement on this trip can be applied to 9 of the nights. These 9 nights include Tokyo, Sapporo, Hakodate, Matsushima and Kawaguchiko. Therefore, the single supplement is not included at the destinations of Nikko, Sado and Hirosaki. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.In the countryside and Kyoto we stay in atmospheric, family-run inns and in comfortable western style hotels in Tokyo. The Japanese “ryokan” is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull-in-a-china-shop feeling is inevitable - especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and the innkeepers get used to each others ways! Traditional-style accommodation means sleeping on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors. In the mountains it is usual for groups to sleep together in the same room, modified by sliding partitions. Our inns understand that westerners may be more comfortable with privacy, and assign two-person rooms when there are few other guests. But privacy throughout is difficult to guarantee without paying a premium. Please check with our office staff if you require more information on this.
Double rooms may be available on request, however please note these are typically smaller than twin bedded rooms and once booked, cannot be changed without cost during the trip. We recommend twin bedded rooms if you require space whilst sleeping, double beds in Japan are not standard western size.
Please note that when staying in ryokens hot showers and tub bathing is at the end of the day when a communal bath is heated (women and men are separated), but usually only wash basins are available in the morning. Japanese love bathing together, communing as they soak. This is a surprisingly good opportunity to meet the locals. However, if privacy is an issue this may be arranged by careful scheduling within the group.
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.
Group Size: 5 - 14
Day Walking
Take a ferry ride through the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay and walk peaceful forest trails in Nikko and Hirosaki
Discover Japan’s cultural depth - stay in family-run ryokans, learn about the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan, and explore temple towns, castle streets and sacred shrines
Soak in natural hot springs and enjoy the gentle rhythm of life in remote towns far from the tourist crowds
15 breakfasts and 7 dinnersComfortable well located hotel/traditional innsJapan Rail Pass - for use from day 3Internal flight Niigata/Sapporo valued at USD$363Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itineraryExpert bilingual guideMedical kitWorld Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up, we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The single supplement on this trip can be applied to 9 of the nights. These 9 nights include Tokyo, Sapporo, Hakodate, Matsushima and Kawaguchiko. Therefore, the single supplement is not included at the destinations of Nikko, Sado and Hirosaki. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.In the countryside and Kyoto we stay in atmospheric, family-run inns and in comfortable western style hotels in Tokyo. The Japanese “ryokan” is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull-in-a-china-shop feeling is inevitable - especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and the innkeepers get used to each others ways! Traditional-style accommodation means sleeping on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors. In the mountains it is usual for groups to sleep together in the same room, modified by sliding partitions. Our inns understand that westerners may be more comfortable with privacy, and assign two-person rooms when there are few other guests. But privacy throughout is difficult to guarantee without paying a premium. Please check with our office staff if you require more information on this.
Double rooms may be available on request, however please note these are typically smaller than twin bedded rooms and once booked, cannot be changed without cost during the trip. We recommend twin bedded rooms if you require space whilst sleeping, double beds in Japan are not standard western size.
Please note that when staying in ryokens hot showers and tub bathing is at the end of the day when a communal bath is heated (women and men are separated), but usually only wash basins are available in the morning. Japanese love bathing together, communing as they soak. This is a surprisingly good opportunity to meet the locals. However, if privacy is an issue this may be arranged by careful scheduling within the group.
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.
Group Size: 5 - 14
Day Walking
This unique journey traces a path from Japan’s untouristed north to its iconic spiritual heart, blending vibrant cities with quiet towns, island traditions and sacred landscapes.
Begin in Tokyo, where modern life pulses around pockets of old Edo charm, before venturing to the World Heritage temples of Nikko, where forest trails, carved shrines and centuries-old cedar groves set the scene. From there, cross to the rugged coastline of Sado Island, once a place of exile, now a quiet world of fishing villages and traditional boatmen paddling their round wooden tub boats.
Next, fly north to Hokkaido. In Sapporo and Hakodate, experience lively seafood markets, wide boulevards and tram rides through port towns shaped by Japan’s northern pioneers and the enduring traditions of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. Crossing back to the main island, wander castle towns like Hirosaki, stroll the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay, and share delicious meals in family-run ryokans. The journey ends at Mount Fuji - taking in it's beauty from lakeside trails at its quiet base.
Along the way, soak in natural hot springs, dine on fresh regional cuisine, and experience the rituals of everyday life that make travelling in Japan so deeply rewarding. This trip is ideal for those who value culture, nature and a deeper kind of discovery.
Begin in Tokyo, where modern life pulses around pockets of old Edo charm, before venturing to the World Heritage temples of Nikko, where forest trails, carved shrines and centuries-old cedar groves set the scene. From there, cross to the rugged coastline of Sado Island, once a place of exile, now a quiet world of fishing villages and traditional boatmen paddling their round wooden tub boats.
Next, fly north to Hokkaido. In Sapporo and Hakodate, experience lively seafood markets, wide boulevards and tram rides through port towns shaped by Japan’s northern pioneers and the enduring traditions of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. Crossing back to the main island, wander castle towns like Hirosaki, stroll the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay, and share delicious meals in family-run ryokans. The journey ends at Mount Fuji - taking in it's beauty from lakeside trails at its quiet base.
Along the way, soak in natural hot springs, dine on fresh regional cuisine, and experience the rituals of everyday life that make travelling in Japan so deeply rewarding. This trip is ideal for those who value culture, nature and a deeper kind of discovery.
Enquire to book this trip
Deal number: 12905653
Japan Northern Explorer
WORLD EXPEDITIONS
From 27/09/2025 to 13/12/2026
Japan
16-day tour
You're the centre of our centre
When you book with us, you know you're booking with the best in the business
Site quick links
Help & support
Flight Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia.
© Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. ATIA Accreditation No. A10412.
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.