2023 Cherry Blossom Tour of Northern Japan

Welcome to your 2023 Cherry Blossom Tour of Northern Japan. On arrival at one of Tokyo’s international airports, you’ll be met by a Journey to the East guide and escorted to your hotel by airport bus or train.

A guided tour of Tokyo including the Imperial Palace and Asakusa.

This evening, we enjoy a delicious "Welcome to Japan" dinner at a local restaurant.

You board the shinkansen (bullet train) for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko. Walk through an impressive avenue of giant cedar trees, you will explore the highly decorated Toshogu Shrine complex enclosed within dense forest.

Tonight offers the experience of traditional Japanese hospitality at a ryokan (Japanese inn).

On the shinkansen (bullet train), we head north for the coastal town of Matsushima via the city of Sendai.

Matsushima is famous for its wide sweeping bay dotted by over 250 pine tree-covered islands. Counted as one of the top three scenic sights of Japan, this place is loaded with historical and cultural sites.

At Matsushima, you will take a cruise around the islands of stunning Matsushima Bay. Trunks of pine trees twisted by strong wind over time are quite a sight against rocky islets.

You will visit Matsushima's iconic Godaido and Zuiganji temples as well as stopping for a cup of frothy matcha green tea at a centuries-old tea-house overlooking the beautiful bay.

Today you head for the town of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture by the shinkansen. Kakunodate is often referred to as “Tohoku’s little Kyoto” due to the cultural traditions. The local feudal-period town is beautiful to stroll especially at the peak of cherry blossom season.

For dinner, we enjoy Akita’s specialty hot pot dish, the hearty Kiritampo nabe.

Today time has been set aside for you to take in the full glory of Kakunodate’s trademark avenues of cherry blossom trees – arguably some of the best cherry blossoms in the whole of Japan. Be sure to wander the streets and pause at the little shops and stalls, step into the one-time residences of the lords and the samurai.

Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was originally developed as a castle town in feudal times. With a dominating view of the castle, it is one of the most picturesque spots in Tohoku. In spring, the town literally erupts in a sea of soft pink colour as thousands of cherry trees open in Hirosaki Castle Park.

Tonight you will enjoy a live music performance of Tsugaru shamisen, which is a unique local instrument, at dinner.

The shinkansen takes us through the under-sea tunnel to the northern island of Hokkaido and the city of Hakodate.

It was designated one of Japan’s two foreign trade ports that could legitimately engage with foreign traders in the 19th century, and that foreign influence and architecture make this city so intriguing.

Today you will visit the former British Embassy and tour the heritage Red Brick Warehouse district down on the waterfront to enjoy the beautiful harbour views. The tour includes a visit to the Ainu Museum which is celebrating the history and culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous people.

An express train takes us to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s prefectural capital. In late April and early May masses of flowers are on display in Odori Koen, the 1.5km-long stretch of public park in the city’s heart. Our guide takes you on a walking tour of central Sapporo focusing on its modern development history from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Otaru is a quaint little gem about one hour from Sapporo. Many of Otaru's old brick warehouses from the 19th century boom time are now attractive museums, glass workshops, boutique breweries and sake distilleries.

Tonight back in Sapporo we visit the famous Sapporo Beer Museum for some taste-testing, and gather one last time for a farewell dinner of Sapporo style BBQ to share our best memories of our trip.

After breakfast, your 2023 Cherry Blossom Tour of Northern Japan concludes. Your options include staying a little longer in Hokkaido, returning to Honshu (the main Island) by trains or flight, possibly exploring other parts of Japan, or flying directly to one of Tokyo’s International airports to connect with your outbound international flight. Or even leave Japan from the international airport not far from Sapporo.

We will be delighted to plan your personal post-tour extension to show you a different part of Japan. Please see our Extension Model Itineraries on our Private tours page for inspirations!

Note: The cost of an escorted transfer to your departure airport is not included in our Small Group Tours (as we found many guests choose to stay in Japan a bit longer), but we will be happy to arrange your transfer to next destination or to exit airport.