Japan, From Sapporo to Tokyo

Discovering Hokkaido 3^*

Arrival at Sapporo airport. Transfer to the hotel by shared shuttle. Upon arrival, collect your Pocket Wifi at the hotel reception to enjoy internet access throughout your stay in Japan.

Meals are not included.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapporo.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Activate your 4-day Sapporo-Furano Area Pass. Head to Sapporo station to catch the train to Otaru. Day at leisure in Otaru, then return by train to Sapporo.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Sapporo.

Suggested sightseeing: stroll along the Otaru canal lined with old warehouses transformed into cafés and boutiques, explore the Sakaimachi shopping street renowned for its handmade glassware and music boxes, taste the famous cheesecakes of LeTAO, discover the sushi street Sushiya-dori, visit the Nikka Yoichi distillery, 30 minutes from Otaru, to discover the art of Japanese whisky, enjoy the panorama from Mount Tenguyama, accessible by cable car for a breathtaking view at sunset.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure in Sapporo to explore at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Sapporo.

Suggested visits: start at Odori Park and its TV tower for a panoramic view; discover Susukino and taste miso ramen or kaisendon at the Nijo market; visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting; climb Mount Moiwa for a spectacular night view. Don't miss Makomanai Takino Cemetery and Hill of the Buddha; explore Hokkaido's historic village and relax at the onsen in Jozankei.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Head to Sapporo Station to catch the train to Asahikawa using your Sapporo-Furano Area Pass. There is also the option to stop at Furano. Free time upon arrival. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Asahikawa.

Sightseeing Suggestions: discover the Asahiyama Zoo and its immersive facilities: observe animals such as penguins, arctic wolves, and polar bears; enjoy a bowl of Asahikawa ramen with soy sauce broth; visit the Daisetsuzan National Park and explore the trails around Mount Asahidake; admire the autumn landscapes with red and golden maples and larches.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure to explore Asahikawa or Furano, then return by train to Sapporo.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Sapporo.

Sightseeing suggestions: explore the flower fields of Furano; admire the lavender at Tomita Farm in summer or enjoy the ski slopes in winter at Furano; discover the Blue Pond in Biei with its intense blue water; observe the Shirahige Falls and their cascade into turquoise water.

Breakfast at the hotel.

We recommend an early start to make the most of the museum and Noboribetsu.

Activate your 6-day JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass.

Head to Sapporo station to catch the train to Shiraoi.

Included activity: Admission to the UPOPOY regional museum. Discover the history and culture of the “Ainu” people, the indigenous people who shaped the heritage of the Hokkaido region.

You will then go to Shiraoi station to take the train to Noboribetsu, then a local bus to the village (about 15 minutes).

Dinner is included. Overnight in Noboribetsu.

Tip: For added convenience, we can offer you the 'Sapporo–Hakodate luggage transfer', which will give you more freedom to move around during your journey between these two towns.

Suggested sightseeing:

Jigokudani boasts an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape of bubbling pools and rivers of hot water. This tour takes you on a trail through the unique valley to Lake Oyunuma, a peaceful spot where sulphurous waters feed the surrounding hot springs. It provides an intriguing insight into the natural and cultural wonders of Noboribetsu.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to Noboribetsu station to take the train to Hakodate using your pass.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Hakodate.

Suggested sightseeing: Hakodate, at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido, has a fascinating history, harbour atmosphere and spectacular views. Start at the Hakodate Asaichi morning market for fresh seafood, including kaisendon, then explore Motomachi, a western-influenced district with churches and cobbled streets, before visiting Fort Goryokaku, which is superb in spring with its cherry blossom trees.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Hakodate.

Suggested sightseeing: In the evening, take in the spectacular view from Mount Hakodate, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in Japan. Then, enjoy a relaxing moment at Yunokawa Onsen, a renowned spa where you can observe Japanese monkeys bathing in the warm waters of the outdoor pools in winter.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Aomori.

Suggested sightseeing: Aomori, at the northernmost tip of Honshu, boasts majestic landscapes, iconic festivals and a rich cultural heritage. Start in the capital Aomori and visit the Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE dedicated to the famous Nebuta festival with its impressive paper lanterns, then head to the Furukawa market where you can make your own Nokkedon, a bowl of rice topped with seafood. Continue on to the town of Hirosaki, an ancient feudal city with preserved charm, including its castle surrounded by thousands of cherry trees, and finish with a wellness break at Asamushi Onsen, a seaside spa offering a soothing view over Mutsu Bay.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Sendai.

Suggested sightseeing: follow in the footsteps of the feudal lord Date Masamune by visiting the ruins of Sendai Castle and its mausoleum, the Zuihoden. Then discover the Osaki Hachimangu temple, listed as a national treasure, before sampling gyutan, the local speciality of grilled beef tongue. Explore Matsushima Bay, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscapes, by taking a cruise between its pine-covered islets. You can also visit the Zuigan-ji temple, renowned for its Zen architecture, and end the day in the onsen of Sakunami or Akiu, real havens of relaxation just a few kilometres from the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Head to Sendai Station to take the train to Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass.

Time at leisure and overnight stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Tokyo to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Suggested sightseeing:

Start with a peaceful visit to the famous Meiji-jingu shrine, then stroll along the lively Takeshita Dori street, known for its original boutiques.

Continue with a stroll along elegant Omotesando Avenue, ideal for admiring contemporary buildings or shopping.

Finish your day in the bustling Shibuya district, the temple of Tokyo fashion.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure in Tokyo for exploring as you wish. Overnight in Tokyo.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover the traditional districts of Asakusa and Ueno, home to the superb Senso-ji temple and Sumida Park, and take a stroll through Yanaka, known as ‘old Tokyo’. If electronics and manga arouse your curiosity, head to the Akihabara district, where the craziest video games, mangas and Cosplay await you - plenty to immerse you in an unusual universe!

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by limousine bus to Tokyo airport for your return flight.

ACCOMMODATION

Based on a double room.

Minimum room occupancy: 1 person.

Maximum room occupancy: 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.

Children’s ages: 2 to 11 years.

Babies not permitted.

Single rooms are available at an additional cost.

Any specific requests regarding bed type (double bed or twin beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

For logistical reasons, the hotels listed may be replaced by establishments of an equivalent standard and some stops on the tour may be reversed.

In Japan, standard rooms are often smaller than Western standards, and beds are smaller in size. Bathrooms are also smaller.

The accommodation provided on this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Check-in is generally from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Some hotels operate an ‘eco-stay’ scheme: cleaning and linen changes are carried out only every third day.

In the event of a late arrival or early departure due to flight schedules, the first or last days of the tour may be shortened. No refund will be granted in such cases, nor for any meals not taken.

MEALS

This trip includes breakfast at each stop and one dinner (excluding drinks) during your stay in Noboribetsu (at a ryokan or traditional hotel with an onsen).

All other meals are at your own expense.

Note: dinners served in traditional establishments are served early (often between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.). In the event of a late arrival, the meal may be missed without any compensation.

TRANSPORT

Airport/hotel transfers included:

– On arrival in Sapporo, shared shuttle transfer to your hotel (several stops possible en route).

– On departure from Tokyo, limousine bus transfer to the airport included.

Luggage allowance: 1 piece of luggage per person is included for transfers and train journeys. If you have additional luggage, please contact us before departure.

Regional transport passes are included to allow you to travel freely and efficiently:

– Sapporo-Furano Area Pass (4 days) for your travels in Hokkaido at the start of your stay.

– JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6 days) to connect the main stops on the tour, from Noboribetsu to Tokyo.

An optional luggage transfer service is available between certain cities (e.g. Sapporo – Hakodate) to allow you to travel light: please bring a small bag for the night.

Train timetables and details on how to use the passes will be provided in your travel booklet.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of your travel vouchers may be sent to your postal address by post. We advise you to check your mailbox carefully before you set off on your trip.