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 at your leisure.

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. Free day in Otaru, then return by train to Sapporo.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Sapporo.

Sightseeing suggestions: stroll along the Otaru Canal lined with old warehouses converted into cafes and shops, explore Sakaimachi Street known for its artisan glassworks and music boxes, taste the famous LeTAO cheesecakes, discover Sushi Street Sushiya-dori, visit the Nikka Yoichi Distillery located 30 minutes from Otaru to learn about Japanese whisky, enjoy the view from Mount Tenguyama accessible by cable car for a stunning sunset panorama.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Sapporo to explore at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Sapporo.

Suggestions for visits: start with Odori Park and its TV tower for a panoramic view; discover Susukino and enjoy a miso ramen or a kaisendon at Nijo market; visit the Sapporo beer museum and enjoy a tasting; ascend Mount Moiwa for a spectacular night view. Do not miss Makomanai Takino Cemetery and the Hill of the Buddha; explore the historical village of Hokkaido and relax at the Jozankei onsen.

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 at your leisure. Overnight stay in Asahikawa.

Suggestions for visits: 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.

Free day to explore Asahikawa or Furano, then return by train to Sapporo.

Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Sapporo.

Visit 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 departure 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 towards Shiraoi.

Included activity: Entry to the UPOPOY regional museum. Discover the history and culture of the Ainu people, the indigenous group who have shaped the heritage of the Hokkaido region.

Then, head back to Shiraoi station to take the train to Noboribetsu, followed by a local bus to the village (approximately 15 minutes).

Dinner included. Overnight stay in Noboribetsu.

Tip: For added convenience, we can offer the "Sapporo – Hakodate Luggage Transfer" to allow you to travel more freely during your transit between these two cities.

Visit suggestions:

Jigokudani offers an impressive volcanic landscape with its bubbling pools and hot water rivers. The trail allows you to explore this unique valley before reaching Lake Oyunuma, a peaceful place where sulphurous waters feed the surrounding hot springs. This visit offers a fascinating immersion into the natural and cultural wonders of Noboribetsu.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Head to Noboribetsu Station to catch the train to Hakodate using your pass.

Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.

Overnight in Hakodate.

Sightseeing suggestions: Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, captivates with its history, port atmosphere, and spectacular views. Start at the Hakodate Morning Market to enjoy fresh seafood, including kaisendon, then explore Motomachi, a district with Western influences featuring churches and cobblestone streets, before visiting Goryokaku Fort, stunning in spring with its cherry blossoms.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are free. Overnight stay in Hakodate.

Suggestions for visits: in the evening, enjoy the spectacular view from Mount Hakodate, ranked among the most beautiful in Japan, then relax at Yunokawa Onsen, a renowned hot spring where some outdoor pools allow you to observe Japanese monkeys relaxing in the warm waters during winter.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight in Aomori.

Sightseeing suggestions: Aomori, located at the northern tip of Honshu, captivates with its majestic landscapes, iconic festivals, and 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, at Furukawa Market, create your own Nokkedon, a rice bowl topped with seafood. Continue to the city of Hirosaki, a former feudal town with preserved charm, especially its castle surrounded by thousands of cherry trees. Conclude with a wellness break at Asamushi Onsen, a seaside hot spring resort offering a soothing view of Mutsu Bay.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Sendai.

Sightseeing suggestions: follow in the footsteps of the feudal lord Date Masamune by visiting the ruins of Sendai Castle and his mausoleum, Zuihoden. Then, discover the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, a national treasure, and enjoy gyutan, a local specialty of grilled beef tongue. Explore Matsushima Bay, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscapes, by taking a cruise among its pine-covered islets. Also, visit the Zuigan-ji Temple, renowned for its Zen architecture, and end the day in the onsen of Sakunami or Akiu, true 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.

Free time and overnight stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo to explore the city as you wish.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Suggestions for visits:

Start with a peaceful visit to the famous Meiji-jingu Shrine, then stroll along the lively Takeshita Dori street known for its unique shops.

Continue with a walk on the elegant Omotesando Avenue, ideal for admiring contemporary buildings or shopping.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Tokyo.

Suggested visits: Discover the traditional districts of Asakusa and Ueno, where you can find the splendid Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park, and continue with a stroll through Yanaka, known as "old Tokyo". If electronics and manga pique your interest, head to the Akihabara district, where the most exciting video games, nostalgic manga, and Cosplay await, immersing you in a unique world!

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

ACCOMMODATION
Double‑room basis.
Minimum capacity in room: 1 person.
Maximum capacity in room: 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.
Children’s age: from 2 to 11 years.
Babies not allowed.
Possibility to stay in a single room with supplement.
Any specific request regarding bedding type (double bed or twin beds) is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.
For logistical reasons, the mentioned hotels may be replaced by establishments of equivalent category and some itinerary steps may be reversed.
In Japan, standard rooms are often smaller than Western standards, and beds are compact. Bathrooms are also compact.
The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.
Check‑in generally takes place from 3 pm to 4 pm.
Some hotels apply an “eco‑stay” formula: cleaning and linen change are carried out only one day out of three.
In case of late arrival or early departure due to flight schedules, the first or last days may be shortened. No refund can be granted in such case, nor for meals not consumed.

DINING
This trip includes breakfast at each stop and one dinner during your night in Noboribetsu (in a ryokan or traditional hotel with onsen).
Other meals are at your expense.
Note: dinners served in traditional establishments are offered early (often between 5 pm and 7 pm). In case of late arrival, the meal may be lost without possible compensation.

TRANSPORTATION
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 included to the airport.
Baggage allowance: 1 bag per person is included for transfers and train trips. In case of additional bags, 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 movements in Hokkaido at the beginning of the stay.
– JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6 days) to link the main stages of the circuit, from Noboribetsu to Tokyo.
Optional luggage transfer is offered between certain cities (e.g. Sapporo – Hakodate) to travel light: bring a small bag for the overnight.
Train schedules and details on pass usage will be provided in your travel dossier.