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Along with the must-see sites on the island of Honshu and a day trip to Nikko, this is a tour of varying landscapes as it journeys south from Hokkaido uncovering the charming cities of Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.
Departures & Pricing
- 17 Oct 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
Land only: from $11,690 pp twin share / $14,490 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $12,890 pp twin share / $15,690 pp sole use * - 24 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026
Land only: from $11,990 pp twin share / $14,790 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,190 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use * - 27 Mar 2027 - 09 Apr 2027
Land only: from $12,890 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use * - 03 Apr 2027 - 16 Apr 2027
Land only: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,490 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,590 pp twin share / $17,690 pp sole use * - 17 Apr 2027 - 30 Apr 2027
Land only: from $12,990 pp twin share / $16,090 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,190 pp twin share / $17,290 pp sole use * - 08 May 2027 - 21 May 2027
Land only: from $12,990 pp twin share / $16,090 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,190 pp twin share / $17,290 pp sole use * - 22 May 2027 - 04 Jun 2027
Land only: from $12,890 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use * - 12 Jun 2027 - 25 Jun 2027
Land only: from $11,990 pp twin share / $15,090 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,190 pp twin share / $16,290 pp sole use * - 11 Sep 2027 - 24 Sep 2027
Land only: from $12,890 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use * - 09 Oct 2027 - 22 Oct 2027
Land only: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,490 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,590 pp twin share / $17,690 pp sole use * - 16 Oct 2027 - 29 Oct 2027
Land only: from $12,890 pp twin share / $15,990 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,090 pp twin share / $17,190 pp sole use * - 03 Apr 2028 - 16 Apr 2028
Land only: from $13,490 pp twin share / $16,970 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,690 pp twin share / $18,170 pp sole use * - 17 Apr 2028 - 30 Apr 2028
Land only: from $13,090 pp twin share / $16,570 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,290 pp twin share / $17,770 pp sole use * - 08 May 2028 - 21 May 2028
Land only: from $13,490 pp twin share / $16,970 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,690 pp twin share / $18,170 pp sole use * - 12 Jun 2028 - 25 Jun 2028
Land only: from $12,690 pp twin share / $16,170 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,890 pp twin share / $17,370 pp sole use * - 11 Sep 2028 - 24 Sep 2028
Land only: from $12,990 pp twin share / $16,470 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,190 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use * - 18 Sep 2028 - 01 Oct 2028
Land only: from $12,990 pp twin share / $16,470 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,190 pp twin share / $17,670 pp sole use * - 25 Sep 2028 - 08 Oct 2028
Land only: from $13,390 pp twin share / $16,870 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $14,590 pp twin share / $18,070 pp sole use * - 16 Oct 2028 - 29 Oct 2028
Land only: from $12,690 pp twin share / $16,170 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $13,890 pp twin share / $17,370 pp sole use *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Fly Overnight To Sapporo
Days 1–2Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Sapporo, capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- 3
Ascend Okurayama
This morning, ascend to the Okurayama viewing point, soaring up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift. Continue to the pretty port town of Otaru and take some time to walk along the streets of the village and stroll along the picturesque canal. This evening sample some of the beer on offer before heading to a local restaurant to dine on a Genghis Khan dinner – barbeque lamb, a Sapporo special!
- 4
Travel To Hakodate
Depart Sapporo and travel to a lovely lakeside spot to visit a museum of Ainu culture, an indigenous people of the area. After lunch, hop on a train to the harbour city of Hakodate, set on Hokkaido's southern tip, where you'll embark on a night tour with time to ascend the ropeway up Mount Hakodate, for magnificent views over the illuminated city.
- 5
Explore Hakodate Asaichi
Start the day wandering Hakodate's bustling asaichi (morning market), where hundreds of stores and stalls sell fresh local produce, seafood and the odd souvenir. Ascend Goryokaku Tower for views over Goryokaku Fort and Mount Hakodate before boarding the bullet train to the lovely city of Aomori in the north of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Visit the Nebuta Warasse, a museum dedicated to Aomori's famous, 300-year-old Nebuta Matsuri, a lively summer festival.
- 6
Tsunagi Onsen
Depart Hirosaki for Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions. Visit the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum for a fascinating look at samurai culture and stroll around Ishiguro House, a traditional samurai residence. Continue to the hot spring resort of Tsunagi, where you can make use of the onsen facilities at the traditional Japanese ryokan where you'll stay overnight.
- 7
Cruise Matsushima Bay
Travel to Hiraizumi, where you’ll explore the peaceful Chusonji Temple with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape.
- 8
Sendai To Nikko
Walk to Sendai station and take the bullet train to the culture-filled town of Nikko. Start your explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Nikko National Park, where you’ll visit Toshogu shrine. Built in the 1600s, this is Japan’s most lavish shrine, built as the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Continue to the magnificent Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre tall elevator up to the perfect viewing spot. Transfer to Tokyo.
- 9
Explore Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is the ultimate 24- hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Start the day in the vibrant district of Asakusa, where you will visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise shopping street before a visit to Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, stroll through the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine complex, before ascending to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for exceptional views over the city.
- 10
Admire Mount Fuji
Travel by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, where you’ll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan’s most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the Hakone area and enjoy a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway before returning to Tokyo.
- 11
Travel To Kyoto
Take a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, the city today is full of the legacy of ancient Japan and home to tranquil temples and sublime gardens. This afternoon, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest, with its towering bamboo thickets.
- 12
Explore Kyoto
This morning, visit one of Japan’s most famous temples, Kinkaku-ji, the ‘Golden Pavilion’. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple’s main hall is covered in gold leaf. Then, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’, where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore. After lunch, stop by a sake brewery and learn about this traditional Japanese spirit, before a free afternoon to spend as you wish.
- 13
Kyoto
Start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its picturesque, open-air paths, framed by thousands of vermillion torii gates. Later, return to Kyoto and experience a Japanese tea ceremony before lunch, where you will be hosted by a very special guest - a maiko, or apprentice geisha! Finally, bid farewell to Kyoto and drive to the lively city of Osaka ahead of this evening's farewell dinner.
- 14
Fly Osaka To Australia
Days 14–15This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
- Domestic transportation.
- 3 – 4 star accommodation plus ryokan.
- Touring with guides and entrance fees.
Accommodation
- Sapporo Grand Hotel
- Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
- Art Hotel Hirosaki City
- Hotel Shi-On
- Hotel Metropolitan Sendai
- Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
- Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
- Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
Are discounts available?
Book this tour
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
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