Japan Northern Explorer
Deal number: 12905653
WORLD EXPEDITIONS
This deal expires 08 Mar 2026
From 29/08/2026 to 10/10/2027
Japan
14-day tour
Price from
$11,490*
per person
Deal number: 12905653
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
13 breakfasts and 5 dinnersComfortable well located hotel/traditional innsRail tickets as listed in itinerary (note - this is NOT a JR Rail Pass)Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itineraryExpert bilingual guideWorld 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. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.We stay in comfortable western style hotels. 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 hotels, 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
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
13 breakfasts and 5 dinnersComfortable well located hotel/traditional innsRail tickets as listed in itinerary (note - this is NOT a JR Rail Pass)Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itineraryExpert bilingual guideWorld 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. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.We stay in comfortable western style hotels. 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 hotels, 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 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.
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.
Enquire to book this trip
Deal number: 12905653
Japan Northern Explorer
WORLD EXPEDITIONS
From 29/08/2026 to 10/10/2027
Japan
14-day tour
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